Taking care of a child with autism can be overwhelming at times, but there are services available to help. Effective July 1, 2020, Horizon NJ Health covers medically necessary DIR (Developmental, Individual-differences and Relationship-based model) services for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). DIR services are clinical services intended to help providers understand how each person individually perceives and interacts with their environment and how this contributes to their social-emotional development.

DIR can help to increase communication skills, attention, focus, social skills and memory. Along with other autism treatment, it can improve academics and decrease problem behavior.

The need for DIR services must be determined by a health care professional who is qualified to make an autism diagnosis. DIR services require prior authorization.

If you have questions about your benefits, please call the Member Services phone number on the back of your member ID card. Representatives are available to help you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.