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Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism is a lifelong difference in how a person communicates, relates to others and experiences the world. Some autistic children need a little support and some need a lot. Early screening, early intervention and the right supports help children and families thrive.

Wandering and water are the biggest safety risks. In a U.S. survey of 1,218 families, 49% said their autistic child had tried to wander or run off at least once after age 4, and 26% had been missing long enough to cause concern. Of the children who went missing, 24% were in danger of drowning and 65% in danger of traffic injury (Anderson et al., Pediatrics, 2012). A study of U.S. death records found that people with autism were far more likely than the general population to die from injury, with drowning among the leading causes (Guan and Li, Am J Public Health, 2017).

If your child is missing, call 911 right away. Tell the dispatcher your child is autistic and that this is a critical case, and search nearby water, busy streets and parking lots first (Children’s National Hospital). See the Wellness Coach section below for a safety plan.

Beware of autism “cures.” The FDA has warned that products claiming to cure autism are deceptive and misleading, because there is no cure for autism, and that some carry significant health risks. Its warning named “chelation” products that claim to remove heavy metals (removing minerals the body needs can have serious and life-threatening results), hyperbaric oxygen therapy (which FDA has cleared only for certain medical uses such as divers’ decompression sickness), detox clay baths, and products such as MMS (chlorine dioxide), raw camel milk and essential oils, none of which has been proven safe and effective for autism (FDA consumer update, 2019 (archived)).

What is autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental condition that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn and behave. It is called a spectrum because autistic people have a wide range of characteristics, strengths, needs and challenges (NIMH). Signs usually appear in the first two years of life, though autism can be diagnosed at any age (NIMH).

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network puts it simply: there is no one way to be autistic. Some autistic people speak and some communicate in other ways. Some have an intellectual disability and some don’t. Some need a lot of help in daily life and some need only a little. All of them are autistic (ASAN). This page focuses on young children, families, and autistic people of any age who need more support. For teens and adults who need less support, see our Asperger’s (Autism Spectrum) guide.

How common is autism?

CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network estimates that about 1 in 31 (3.2%) children aged 8 has been identified with autism (CDC). That figure comes from 16 U.S. sites in 2022 and was published in April 2025. Autism was 3.4 times as common among boys as girls. Among 8-year-olds with test results available, 39.6% also had an intellectual disability. The California site had the highest rate of all, 53.1 per 1,000 children (CDC MMWR, 2025). Autism occurs in all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups (CDC).

Early signs by age

Most autistic children sit, crawl and walk on time. The differences are often in gestures such as pointing, pretend play and social language, so they can go unnoticed (American Academy of Pediatrics). CDC lists examples such as a child who:

  • does not respond to their name, or show facial expressions such as happy, sad or surprised, by 9 months;
  • does not play simple back-and-forth games like pat-a-cake, or uses few or no gestures (such as waving goodbye), by 12 months;
  • does not share interests with you, for example by showing you a toy they like, by 15 months, or point to show you something interesting by 18 months;
  • does not notice when others are hurt or upset by 2 years, or notice other children and join them in play by 3 years (CDC).

Other signs include lining up toys and getting upset when the order changes, repeating words or phrases (echolalia), playing with toys the same way every time, being upset by small changes, flapping hands, rocking or spinning, and unusual reactions to sounds, smells, tastes, sights or textures (CDC). A child may lead a parent by the hand to something they want rather than pointing (AAP).

Loss of skills. About 25% of children later diagnosed with autism develop some language and then gradually or suddenly stop using it, typically between 15 and 24 months, and may become more withdrawn (AAP). Tell your pediatrician promptly if your child loses words or skills. ASHA notes that hearing loss also occurs alongside autism and is often overlooked (ASHA); an autism evaluation may include a hearing test (NIMH).

Screening at 18 and 24 months

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends developmental screening for all children at the 9-, 18- and 30-month well-child visits, plus autism-specific screening at 18 and 24 months (CDC, AAP clinical report, 2020). A screening questionnaire does not diagnose autism; a positive screen should be followed by a full evaluation (CDC). If you are worried, you don’t have to wait for the next checkup. You know your child best, and acting early can make a big difference (AAP).

How diagnosis works

There is no blood test for autism. Doctors look at a child’s developmental history and behavior, and by age 2 a diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered reliable (CDC). Even so, many children are not diagnosed until they are much older (CDC). In CDC’s 2022 data the median age at earliest known diagnosis was 47 months, and 36 months at the California site (CDC MMWR).

A team with autism experience, which may include a developmental-behavioral pediatrician, child neurologist, child psychologist or psychiatrist, speech-language pathologist and occupational therapist, usually carries out the evaluation. It may include medical and neurological exams, tests of thinking, speech and language, watching how the child plays and behaves, a detailed talk with caregivers, a look at everyday skills such as eating, dressing and toileting, family history, and sometimes blood tests and a hearing test (NIMH). The aim is to understand the child’s strengths and challenges and which services will help most (NIMH). Keep copies of every report, because they can help your child qualify for programs (NIMH).

Don’t wait for a diagnosis to get help. You can ask for a free early intervention evaluation at any time, without a doctor’s referral (CDC). See the conventional care section below.

Conditions that often come along

The AAP asks pediatricians to watch for co-occurring conditions that affect a child’s daily life: sleep and feeding problems, digestive (gastrointestinal) symptoms, obesity, seizures, ADHD, anxiety and wandering (AAP clinical report, 2020). CDC also lists constipation, unusual eating and sleeping habits, epilepsy, and anxiety, stress or excessive worry (CDC). Treating these can make a big difference to how a child feels and behaves. See also our ADD & ADHD and Anxiety guides.

What causes autism, and do vaccines cause it?

Researchers don’t know the main causes of autism. Studies suggest genes and aspects of the environment both play a part. Having an autistic sibling, older parents, certain genetic conditions (such as Down syndrome or fragile X syndrome) or a very low birth weight are linked to a higher likelihood, though not everyone with these factors develops autism (NIMH).

Large studies have found no link between vaccines and autism.

  • A 2020 Cochrane review of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine safety found no evidence of an association between MMR vaccination and autism, based on studies of more than 1.1 million children (moderate-certainty evidence) (Cochrane review, 2020).
  • A Danish study of 657,461 children found that MMR vaccination did not increase the risk of autism, did not trigger it in children at higher risk, and was not followed by clusters of cases (Hviid et al., Annals of Internal Medicine, 2019).
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics says that since 1998, independent researchers in seven countries have done more than 40 high-quality studies involving over 5.6 million people, and that there is no link between vaccines and autism (AAP statement, Nov. 2025).

A note on federal wording: in November 2025 CDC rewrote its web page on vaccines and autism. As of October 2026 the page says that the claim “vaccines do not cause autism” is not evidence-based, because studies have not ruled out the possibility (CDC). The AAP responded that the change promotes false information, and it stands by the evidence above (AAP). If you have questions, talk them through with your child’s pediatrician.

What support is for. Autism can be lifelong, but treatments, services and supports can improve a person’s health, wellbeing and daily functioning, and they work best when they start soon after diagnosis (NIMH). The goal is not to make a child less autistic. Speech-language experts describe a neurodiversity approach that treats autism as a natural variation rather than a deficit to be cured, and builds services around the person’s own goals, strengths and needed accommodations (ASHA). Autistic adults ask that services work toward goals autistic people define for themselves (ASAN).

Side by side

Six approaches compared

For every condition we look at the same six approaches: what each involves, what it typically costs, and what a patient can realistically expect.

ApproachWhat it involves Estimated costWhat to expect
Conventional medicine (AMA) Screening at 18 and 24 months, a team evaluation, then early intervention under IDEA Part C and special education (an IEP) from age 3: speech therapy and AAC, occupational therapy, developmental and behavioral programs such as ESDM or ABA, care for sleep, digestive problems and seizures, and medicines only for co-occurring symptoms. Early intervention is free or reduced-cost and needs no referral; school services are free under IDEA; Medicaid covers medically necessary care for enrolled children under 21. Without insurance, speech therapy runs about $100–$250 an hour and occupational therapy $50–$400 an hour. Behavioral program costs: being researched. Autism is lifelong and not cured, but early, individualized support can build communication, daily-living skills and independence, and treating sleep, digestive, seizure and anxiety problems helps children feel better.
Chiropractic No credible evidence that chiropractic care helps autism. Not applicable. Not a treatment for autism. The few published reports are case reports and small studies in children.
Acupuncture Needle acupuncture or acupressure, studied in children with autism in small trials. About $125–$230 for a first private visit and $90–$185 for follow-ups; community clinics about $50–$90. A Cochrane review found current evidence does not support acupuncture for autism. Needles can be frightening or painful for a child with touch sensitivity.
Herbal medicine No herb or supplement has been shown to help autism itself. Melatonin is sometimes used for sleep problems, with a clinician’s advice. Not applicable. Products sold as autism treatments may be unproven or dangerous, and many supplements haven’t been tested in children. Talk with your pediatrician first.
Massage therapy Gentle massage, sometimes taught to parents, adapted to the child’s touch and sensory preferences. About $50–$90 for 45–60 minutes at clinics and spas; $60–$120 with an independent therapist. Small studies in children report benefits, but they are at high risk of bias and reviews judge the evidence insufficient. Respect a child who dislikes touch.
MBHA Wellness Coach Family-centered support: routines and visual schedules, sleep, a wandering and water safety plan, caregiver wellbeing and respite, connecting with parent centers, family groups and autistic-led organizations, and finding help paying for care (Medicaid waivers, SSI, California regional centers). Cost estimate being researched. Early intervention programs are free or reduced-cost for eligible children and need no doctor’s referral; the National Autism Association’s safety box is free while supplies last. Supports, but never replaces, your child’s medical, therapy and school team.

Approach 1 of 6

Conventional medicine (AMA)

There is no single best approach. People with autism have a wide range of needs, and the right mix of services is found by working closely with providers (NIMH). The AAP calls for shared decision making, with families taking part in choosing evaluations and interventions (AAP clinical report, 2020). Services may be behavioral, psychological, educational, occupational, physical or speech-language therapy, and can help with communication, social and language skills, behaviors that get in the way of daily life and wellbeing, building on strengths, and life skills (NIMH).

1. Early intervention (birth to age 3)

  • Every state and territory runs a publicly funded early intervention program that provides services free or at reduced cost to any eligible child. Eligibility is based on an evaluation of your child’s skills. A doctor’s referral is not needed: call your state’s program and ask for an evaluation (CDC).
  • This is Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Services are written into an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and aim to help children take part at home, in child care and in the community (ECTA Center).
  • In California, regional centers provide early intervention under the California Early Intervention Services Act and can assess a toddler for ongoing regional center services at the same time (Cal. Welf. & Inst. Code §4512). See the Wellness Coach section for regional centers.

2. School: special education and the IEP (ages 3 to 21)

Under IDEA Part B, eligible children with disabilities ages 3 to 21 have the right to a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment, planned in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) (ECTA Center). For a child 3 or older, contact any local public elementary school, even one your child doesn’t attend, and ask for a preschool special education evaluation (CDC). Nearly 100 Parent Training and Information Centers and Community Parent Resource Centers across the U.S. work with families of children with disabilities from birth to 26 (Center for Parent Information and Resources). Find yours if you want help understanding the process.

3. Developmental and behavioral approaches

These programs are often structured and intensive and may involve parents and siblings (NIMH). CDC describes several types:

  • Applied behavior analysis (ABA) encourages wanted behaviors and discourages unwanted ones to build skills. CDC says behavioral approaches have the most evidence for treating symptoms of autism (CDC).
  • The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is a broad developmental approach based on ABA principles, used with children 12 to 48 months old (CDC). It is play- and routine-based and delivered in natural settings such as the home (Rogers et al., 2019).
  • TEACCH is an educational approach built on consistency and visual learning, and social-relational approaches focus on social skills and emotional bonds (CDC).

What the research says. The evidence is real but more modest than it is often described:

  • A 2018 Cochrane review of early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI, a form of ABA usually given 20 to 40 hours a week for years) found 5 studies with 219 children. It found weak, low-quality evidence that EIBI may help some young autistic children, mainly because the studies were small and most weren’t randomized (Cochrane review, 2018).
  • A 2020 analysis of 130 study groups covering 6,240 children up to age 8 found positive effects for behavioral, developmental and naturalistic developmental behavioral approaches overall. When only randomized trials were counted, the benefits held for developmental and naturalistic developmental behavioral approaches (such as ESDM). When the analysis was further limited to outcomes at no risk of detection bias, no approach showed significant effects (Sandbank et al., Psychological Bulletin, 2020).
  • For ESDM, a 2010 randomized trial of 48 toddlers found gains in IQ and adaptive behavior after two years compared with community services (Dawson et al., Pediatrics, 2010). A larger 2019 trial of 118 toddlers found a language advantage when results were pooled across its three sites, but no differences in IQ, autism severity or adaptive behavior (Rogers et al., JAACAP, 2019).

The debate about ABA. Some autistic adults and neurodiversity advocates have raised concerns about ABA. The Autistic Self Advocacy Network has published a paper describing what it sees as ethical problems at the heart of ABA and a lack of evidence to support it, and calling for services that work toward goals autistic people define (ASAN, For Whose Benefit?). Concerns include the number of hours, the field’s past use of punishment, efforts to stop stimming, goals such as eye contact, and reports of harm. A 2022 paper by behavior analysts, psychologists, parents and autistic people reviewed these concerns. It disputed some of them, but agreed that clients (or, for young children, their caregivers) must help choose goals, that hours should be set for each child rather than a fixed 40 a week, and that practitioners should listen to lived experience (Leaf et al., J Autism Dev Disord, 2022). Whatever program you consider, ask how goals are chosen, whether your child’s comfort and assent are respected, whether harmless stimming is left alone, and how progress is measured. You can say no to any approach that doesn’t feel right for your child.

4. Speech-language therapy and AAC

  • Speech and language therapy helps a person understand and use speech and language (CDC). Communication varies widely: some autistic people are nonspeaking or use little speech, others have strong spoken language, and some use both speech and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) such as picture systems or speech-generating devices (ASHA). Speech-language pathologists assess whether AAC would help a person communicate (ASHA).
  • AAC does not stop a child from learning to talk. It can increase independent communication and often supports speech. Spoken language is not the only sign of intelligence or understanding. Most children need direct teaching, not just exposure, to use AAC well (ASHA).
  • Raising a child in two languages does not harm an autistic child’s language growth. Echolalia (repeating words or phrases) can be a real way to communicate, understand language or manage stress (ASHA).

5. Occupational therapy and sensory needs

Occupational therapy teaches skills that help a person live as independently as possible, and sensory integration therapy aims to help with responses to sensory input that may be restrictive or overwhelming (CDC). Any sensory therapy should be based on an OT’s assessment of your child’s sensory profile. Research on sensory therapies shows mixed results (National Autistic Society), so expect to try things and keep what helps.

6. Medicines, only for co-occurring symptoms

No medicine treats the core features of autism. Some medicines treat co-occurring problems such as sleep difficulties or anxiety (CDC). A provider may prescribe medicine for aggression, anxiety and depression, attention problems, hyperactivity, irritability, repetitive behavior or self-injury (NIMH).

We don’t list doses. Your child’s prescriber chooses the medicine and dose and should review it regularly.

7. Sleep

Children with autism are more prone to sleep problems than other children. Guidelines recommend behavioral steps first, such as good bedtime habits and parent education, which may be supplemented with medicines (NCCIH). Ask your pediatrician whether a health problem could be disturbing your child’s sleep. See the herbal medicine section for melatonin.

What it costs

  • Early intervention (under 3): free or reduced cost for eligible children, with no referral needed (CDC).
  • School services (3 to 21): a free appropriate public education under IDEA (ECTA Center).
  • Medicaid: children under 21 enrolled in Medicaid are entitled to EPSDT, which includes developmental screening and requires states to provide services needed to correct or ameliorate health conditions (Medicaid.gov).
  • Speech therapy without insurance: about $200–$250 for an initial assessment, then roughly $100 to almost $250 an hour. Some private plans don’t cover speech therapy for developmental delays and limit sessions; with coverage, 10–50% coinsurance is typical (CostHelper).
  • Occupational therapy without insurance: about $150–$200 for an evaluation, then $50–$400 an hour; hospitals tend to charge more (CostHelper).
  • Diagnostic evaluations, ABA and other behavioral programs, AAC devices and medicines: MBHA cost estimate being researched.

What to expect

Autism is lifelong, but the right services and supports can improve health, wellbeing and daily functioning, help people learn life skills, and connect them with education and job supports (NIMH). Progress looks different for every child. Celebrate your child’s strengths along the way: many autistic people learn things in great detail, are strong visual learners, or excel in math, science, music or art (NIMH).

Find a medical doctor in our directory

Approach 2 of 6

Chiropractic

We found no credible evidence that chiropractic care helps autism. A 2011 review, written by chiropractic researchers, found only five published reports: three case reports, one cohort study and one comparison trial, all in children. The authors themselves concluded that the literature on chiropractic care for autism is lacking (systematic review, Explore, 2011).

Don’t use spinal care in place of early intervention, therapy or medical care. If you take your child to a chiropractor for another reason, tell them about any touch or sensory sensitivities and any seizures.

Find a chiropractor in our directory

Approach 3 of 6

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been tried as a treatment for autism in children. The evidence does not support it.

What the research says

  • A Cochrane review found 10 trials with 390 children aged 3 to 18, carried out in Hong Kong, mainland China and Egypt. Most trials could not show that acupuncture improved core autistic features, though some suggested small benefits in secondary outcomes such as thinking skills and overall functioning (Cochrane review, 2011).
  • The trials were few, small and short, and six were at high risk of bias. The reviewers concluded that current evidence does not support acupuncture for autism (Cochrane review, 2011).
  • Side effects reported in the trials included bleeding, crying from fear or pain, irritability, sleep disturbance and increased hyperactivity (Cochrane review, 2011).

Safety

Few complications have been reported, but non-sterile needles and poor technique have caused infections and, rarely, serious injuries. Most states license acupuncturists (NCCIH). Needles may be very distressing for a child who is sensitive to touch or pain.

What it costs

Private sessions run about $125–$230 for a first visit and $90–$185 for follow-ups; community clinics with shared rooms charge about $50–$90 (The Pricer).

Find an acupuncturist in our directory

Approach 4 of 6

Herbal medicine

No herb or dietary supplement has been shown to treat autism. CDC advises families to always talk to their doctor before starting any complementary or alternative treatment (CDC).

Products sold as autism treatments. The FDA has warned or taken action against companies that made improper claims that their products treat or cure autism. It named chelation products sold as sprays, suppositories, capsules, liquid drops and clay baths, detoxifying clay baths, and products such as MMS (chlorine dioxide), raw camel milk and essential oils, none of which has been proven safe and effective for autism. FDA advises being suspicious of “quick fixes” and “miracle cures” that claim scientific breakthroughs or secret ingredients (FDA consumer update, 2019 (archived)).

Melatonin for sleep, only with your child’s clinician

Melatonin is a hormone supplement, not an herb. A 2019 review of small, short studies found it helped children with autism fall asleep sooner and sleep longer. But little is known about the right timing, long-term use in children, or possible effects on hormonal development such as puberty. Parents should talk with a health care provider before giving melatonin to a child (NCCIH). Store it out of reach: flavored gummies have led to many accidental ingestions by young children (NCCIH). We don’t list doses.

Safety

  • Many dietary supplements haven’t been tested in children (NCCIH).
  • Tell your child’s doctor and pharmacist about every supplement, vitamin or herbal product, especially if your child takes medicine for seizures, sleep, attention or irritability.

Approach 5 of 6

Massage therapy

Some autistic children enjoy firm, predictable touch, and some find it calming. Others find touch uncomfortable or even painful. As a treatment for autism, the evidence is weak.

What the research says

  • A 2011 systematic review found only 6 controlled studies. Some reported benefits, but the risk of bias was high, so firm conclusions couldn’t be drawn (systematic review, J Clin Psychiatry, 2011).
  • A 2022 review of randomized trials in children, mostly of Qigong massage or Tui na and mostly in children aged 3 to 6, found that all reported improvement and no side effects. However, most studies were at high risk of bias, so the reviewers judged the evidence insufficient to show that massage works for autism (systematic review, 2022).

Follow your child’s lead

Autistic people may be more or less sensitive to touch and pressure than others, and their sensitivity can change with time and setting. Unexpected touch can trigger strong distress. Deep pressure soothes some people, so use touch only in ways you know help your child (National Autistic Society). Stop if your child pulls away. A therapist should agree on a simple way for your child to say “stop.”

Safety

The risk of harm from massage appears low. Rare serious problems have occurred, sometimes with vigorous deep-tissue massage. Most states license or certify massage therapists (NCCIH).

What it costs

About $50–$90 for 45–60 minutes at gyms, clinics and spas, and $60–$120 with an independent therapist (CostHelper).

Find a massage therapist in our directory

Approach 6 of 6

MBHA Wellness Coach

Raising an autistic child brings joy and hard days. An MBHA Wellness Coach can help the whole family with the everyday side of life, working alongside, never instead of, your child’s doctors, therapists and school.

Routines and visual schedules

Many autistic children get upset by small changes and do best with set routines (CDC), and many learn well visually (NIMH). TEACCH, an educational approach, is built on consistency and visual learning (CDC). A coach can help you build picture schedules for mornings and bedtimes, prepare your child for changes ahead of time, and break tasks into small steps.

Sleep

Good bedtime habits and parent education come first for children’s sleep problems (NCCIH). A coach can help you set up a calm, predictable wind-down routine and keep a sleep diary to share with your pediatrician.

A safety plan for wandering and water

Preventing wandering is the most important step (Children’s National).

  • Secure the home: out-of-reach deadbolts or chains, a bell or alarm that sounds when a door opens, and simple visuals like a stop sign on the door. Fence any home pool (Children’s National). CDC advises a four-sided fence at least four feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates, and locking doors that lead to water (CDC).
  • Identification: an ID bracelet, shoe tag or card for a child who may not be able to say who they are, or ID programmed into their speech device (Children’s National). The National Autism Association, a parent-run group, offers a free Big Red Safety Box of wandering-prevention tools to families while supplies last (National Autism Association).
  • Swimming lessons: formal swimming lessons can reduce drowning risk, but children still need close, constant supervision, and families with autism should take extra care around water (CDC). Many pools and recreation programs offer adaptive lessons (Children’s National).
  • A written plan: keep a recent photo, and give caregivers a plan with contacts, key medical information, triggers and calming strategies. Tell neighbors and school, and ask local police about registering your child or programs such as Project Lifesaver (Children’s National).
  • Learn the pattern: note when and why your child leaves, such as noise or excitement, and add supports like noise-canceling headphones (Children’s National).

Caring for the caregivers

Family organizations and autistic-led groups

  • Parent Centers: nearly 100 Parent Training and Information Centers and Community Parent Resource Centers work with families of children with disabilities from birth to 26; an interactive map lists the ones for each state (CPIR).
  • The Autistic Self Advocacy Network is a nonprofit run by and for autistic people (ASAN). Hearing from autistic adults can help families understand their child’s experience and choose supports that respect it (ASAN).

Help paying for care

  • California regional centers: state law lists autism as a developmental disability. To qualify for ongoing services, it must begin before age 18, be expected to continue indefinitely, and cause significant limitations in three or more areas of major life activity, such as self-care, language, learning, mobility or self-direction. Children under 5 can be found provisionally eligible with significant limitations in two areas, even without one of the listed diagnoses. Services are set in an individual program plan, based on the needs and preferences of the person and family, and can include speech, occupational and physical therapy, behavior programs, respite, adaptive equipment, daily-living skills training and parent training (Cal. Welf. & Inst. Code §4512). Contact the regional center for your county to ask for an intake.
  • Medicaid waivers: states run home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers for people who would otherwise need institutional-level care. They can cover habilitation, personal care and respite, and can let a child qualify when a parent’s income would otherwise rule them out. Each state sets who its waivers serve and caps the number of places (Medicaid.gov), so ask early.
  • SSI for children: Supplemental Security Income can pay a monthly benefit to a child whose condition causes marked and severe functional limitations expected to last at least 12 months. For a child living at home, part of the parents’ income and resources is counted. In most states a child who gets SSI can also get Medicaid (Social Security Administration).
  • Medicaid EPSDT covers needed care for enrolled children under 21 (Medicaid.gov).

Member stories

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Sources

This page is for education only and is not medical advice. Costs are typical U.S. ranges and estimates; yours will depend on your provider, location and insurance. Talk with your doctor before starting, stopping or combining any treatment. In an emergency, call 911. See our disclaimer.

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The Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance is a charitable, independent registered nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and does not endorse any particular products or practices. Claims and statements herein are for informational purposes only and have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. We strongly recommend that you seek out your trusted medical doctor or practitioner for diagnosis and treatment of any existing health condition. MBHA provides administrative support, education and navigation — not medical, legal or tax advice — and cannot guarantee claim, billing or fundraising outcomes. MBHA is not an emergency service: in an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.