Since April is National Autism Awareness Month, we’d like to lend our voice and provide support to our employees and their families who are affected by autism.
If you or your child has been diagnosed with autism, you are not alone. The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has increased more than 150% since 2000, with one in 54 children diagnosed with ASD each year.
Autism resources available to all employees
Regardless of your medical plan, Cigna offers expert advice and information on common issues and concerns that parents and caregivers of children with autism face.
This year, Cigna is partnering with Holly Robinson Peete, an actress, activist, and mother of a thriving autistic son, to launch All In with Autism. This program is free to all BAE Systems employees and offers tips, toolkits, and podcasts to help families deepen their understanding of autism.
Bright Horizons resources
Bright Horizons offers several care services for families with children or adults who have received an autism diagnosis.
When booking back up care through Bright Horizons, be sure to state your care needs clearly so Bright Horizons can find an appropriate caregiver at either a center or for in-home care.
If you are using Sittercity, one of Bright Horizons Enhanced Family Support resources, you can be matched with special needs caregivers in your area by selecting Special Needs Care when you post your job. Sitters and nannies in your area who specialize in Special Needs Care will be notified of your post and contact you.
Confide/EAP
If you are looking for ways to take care of your own well-being, check out the resources included in the Confide/EAP. From free counseling sessions to interactive online support groups, the Confide/EAP can help you manage stress, increase your resilience, and offer guidance and advice on tackling life’s challenges.
Resources for Cigna medical plan members
Your Cigna medical plan covers certain autism treatment and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. Plus, you and your covered dependents have access to Cigna’s Autism Specialty Care Management Team, which can help you:
- Find resources and offer referrals in your area
- Search for health professionals within Cigna’s Autism Health Professional Network
- Provide helpful information about treatment options
- Learn about and make the most of your behavioral benefit plan
- Coordinate care between behavioral and medical benefits
Follow these three steps to get started:
- Call Cigna at 1-800-530-1314.
- Select Medical when prompted, and a behavioral advocate will assist.
- Your advocate can help you with your Autism Spectrum Disorder benefits and assist with assigning you to a Cigna Autism Care Manager.
- Your Autism Care Manager will help you manage your case and answer your questions and concerns about benefits, treatments, and community support options.
By connecting you with valuable resources, we hope to foster a more understanding and inclusive community that values the talents of those coping with autism and its challenges, so they may lead happier, healthier, and safer lives.