July 14, 2022, CBS2 Idaho News: New autism treatment center opens in Meridian https://idahonews.com/news/local/new-autism-treatment-center-opens-in-meridian
MERIDIAN, Idaho (CBS2) — Thousands of kids and parents are struggling to get autism care. A new autism treatment center is now open in Meridian to help fill in the gaps here in the Treasure Valley.
More than 8,000 kids in Idaho are affected by autism, according to the CDC. And as the Treasure valley grows, so does the need for more services.
"There is a huge need for these services in this area," said Dr. Heather Hettinger, Vice President Development and Growth with 360 Behavioral Health.
She says local families face long wait lists - sometimes up to 50 children long before receiving services. The wait to get diagnosed is also long….
360 behavioral health offers evidence based applied behavior analysis, or one to one direct treatment designed to increase functional language and communication, improve skills related to attention and focus, and decrease problem behaviors….
If a child is diagnosed with autism and has a healthcare plan in Idaho, the insurance provider is required to help cover the cost of appropriate and necessary treatment, such as the services offered at 360 behavioral health….
