Services for autistic child while in Military

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Aug 19, 2009

Can anyone share their experiences trying to secure services for an autistic or otherwise developmentally delayed child while serving in the military. I'd like to pursing a nursing career in the Army (active duty), but my wife is concerned that we will not be able to find services for our son (age 7). From what I've been able to read Tri-care covers much more than our current health insurance, but the insurance isn't much use if you can't find qualified providers.
Thank You

I know that in the Air Force, they have programs to make sure you get stationed somewhere near to qualified providers. I can't imagine they don't have that in the Army.

Call a Family Support Center on an Army base - pick a big one (around here I'd call Fort Bragg or Fort Belvoir) and ask them - tell them you're considering a career in the Army but you're concerned about services for your son, and you're calling to just find out what the Army offers. You should be able to find the number on the base's website or by calling the base operator (whose number is always on the base website).

And you're right - what Tricare covers is CRAZY (I'm prior service and a Navy brat). I can't wait to pick up Tricare again in October! If they don't have a military provider, they will cover the cost of civilian services.

NursePamela · Aug 26, 2009

If your child is Autistic you would be labeled EFMP - Exceptional Family Member Program. Basically it says your child has special needs and there is only so many places you can go. For Autism it should not be a problem, stick to larger hospitals. Therefore stick to jobs that are at the bigger hospitals.

Personally I believe military folks "get more" because the docs do not have to worry about who is paying and how. Need a CT? SURE!

Pam

caliotter3 · Aug 26, 2009

Had a relative with a special needs child while in the military. Many hurdles and lots of lip service paid with very little delivered. Also had an acquaintance who reported the same types of problems. Believe that, like most other things, a lot depends on chance and your ability to navigate the system to your own advantage. Lots of people wilt and give up when they run into roadblocks. You have to be willing to put up a fight for what you need, just as you would need to do in the civilian sector. Good luck with this decision.

allnurses Guide · Aug 26, 2009

I have been in the AF for almost 8yrs and I have one special needs daughter who is 12y/o now. The care received in the military has far exceeded anything that I received in the civilian world. The only thing that can be problematic at times is dealing with referals to outside specialists. A lot of times at bigger bases your child will be assigned to a case worker that can assist you in coordinating all the care that is needed, and at any time you feel that you are not getting the care you need you can go through the patient advocate system or the Family Support Office that deals with EFMP program.