On December 20 and 21, 2012, the 2013 National Defense Reauthorization Act was passed by the House and Senate, respectively, which includes a one year pilot program to expand the treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) by TRICARE, the health care program for our nation’s military.  While this program is a step forward for military families that have children with ASD, The Arc had sought that it be expanded to include military dependents with a range of developmental disabilities. Research has shown that applied behavioral analysis (ABA), in particular, is effective in reducing self-injurious behaviors in people with the most significant disabilities.  The Arc will monitor the implementation of this program and awaits the Secretary’s report on the feasibility of establishing a program for the treatment of ASD under TRICARE and its Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) Program for dependents with disabilities. View The Arc’s statement on our blog.