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Green Box ABA, PLLC
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Newletter
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Parent Newsletter
Volume 8, Issue 3
July 1, 2026
ABA in the News
Attention has recently been drawn to problematic business practices within the ABA industry. As I highlighted in the previous newsletter, specific guardrails exist within the TRICARE system and within Green Box ABA policies and procedures to prevent inappropriate billing. However, a recent series of articles in the New York Times detailed further instances where monetary motives, rather than clinical needs, appeared to drive decision-making.
Within the ABA community, there is a growing concern that these incidents may cause confusion between the therapeutic approach itself and the "ABA industry" or business side of the field. While some individuals may still question the ABA methodology, the existence of unethically or poorly managed businesses does not mean the treatment is inherently inappropriate. Addressing this distinction, the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) recently published a letter to the editor of the New York Times. You can access their more thorough and eloquent response here.
Staying Informed About Your TRICARE ABA Benefits
The Department of Defense has submitted its yearly report to Congress. The complete report is available here. Notably, this document contrasts with the National Academies of Science (NAS) report (see highlights) on many aspects of the CACD, including relating to the utility of family-completed assessments like the Social Responsiveness Scale, Vineland Adaptive Scale, PDDBI, and stress scales (SIPA or PSI). Unlike the non-binding NAS report, the DOD report is intended to directly shape policy and the implementation of the Autism Care Demonstration (CACD) program.
A key takeaway from the report involves the critical role of family participation. TRICARE has increasingly emphasized parental involvement, including requiring specific goals for parent behavior and a minimum of six Family Guidance sessions during each six-month authorization. This aligns with our core belief that family engagement is essential for fostering lasting change.
The report highlights the following:
“As noted in previous reports, parental engagement is critical as the beneficiary’s needs evolve and the beneficiary transitions from one service to another occur. As parents learn and apply the principles of behavior analysis to new skills and settings, generalization and skill maintenance can endure. In the absence of consistently implementing techniques and principles, beneficiaries miss critical opportunities to expand on the learning and skill growth developed during the administration of ABA services. “ (Department of Defense, Annual Report on Autism Care Demonstration Program, April 2026)
Our goal is to help you engage in your child's treatment in ways that are both effective and manageable for your daily life. By working together, we can ensure TRICARE requirements are met while helping your child truly thrive.
Also, there was a recent story on NBC News related to access to ABA through the CACD. As a part of their “The Cost of Denial” series, NBCreported on a military family fighting to get their child some coverage through the CACD. You can watch the report here.
BLOG: Beyond Stickers and Rewards: Cultivating Intrinsic Motivation Through Natural Outcomes
ABA at home doesn't have to look like "What will you give me if I do what you ask." Everyday experiences can reinforce positive behavior more effectively than stickers or prizes. In this blog, we talk about how to use natural outcomes to build motivation that truly lasts. Read more on the blog.
