Indiana Seeks Public Input on Future of Autism Therapy Coverage

Indiana is facing a growing challenge in funding Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for individuals with autism, and the state is now turning to families, providers, and community members for their vital input.

The state’s ABA Therapy Working Group is actively seeking perspectives on how to contain escalating costs without negatively impacting the thousands of Hoosiers who rely on these services. Medicaid spending on ABA therapy has seen a dramatic increase in recent years, prompting Governor Mike Braun to establish this group.

The working group has already set some parameters, with the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration limiting Medicaid coverage of ABA therapy to 30 to 38 hours per week over a 36-month period, though these guidelines may see further adjustments before a broader 36-month cap is potentially implemented in April 2028.

To gather public feedback, the working group is hosting listening sessions, including one on July 24th in Evansville. Those unable to attend in person can still share their thoughts by emailing abaworkgroup@fssa.in.gov.

The working group is tasked with developing final recommendations for ABA coverage under Indiana Medicaid, with a deadline of September 30, 2025. These recommendations are expected to balance fiscal responsibility with the critical need for effective autism treatment in the state.

— Source: WIBC

New ‘Blue Envelope’ Program in Virginia Aims to Ease Traffic Stops for Drivers With Autism

A new initiative across Virginia is working to make traffic stops less stressful for people on the autism spectrum.

It’s called the Blue Envelope Program, and it’s now available at DMV customer service centers statewide. The envelope is designed to help bridge communication gaps between drivers with autism and law enforcement officers during traffic stops.

The program is voluntary and free of charge, and doesn’t require any paperwork or proof of diagnosis.

Drivers are encouraged to keep their license, registration, and insurance card in the envelope. The envelope also contains tips and guidance for both the driver and the officer.

For drivers, it offers reminders like the following:

Say “I have a Blue Envelope” during a stop.
Stay calm and hand the envelope to the officer.
If something is unclear, it’s okay to ask for it to be repeated.

For law enforcement, the outside of the envelope includes suggestions to help create a calmer, more understanding interaction—like using clear, direct language and allowing extra time for the person to respond.

Traffic stops can be overwhelming for anyone, but especially for people with autism who may react differently to stress, loud noises, or sudden changes. The Blue Envelope acts as a signal to officers that the person they’re interacting with may communicate in a different way—and that a little extra patience can go a long way.

Anyone can pick up a Blue Envelope at a Virginia DMV customer service center—no questions asked. The program is confidential and meant to empower drivers and their families to be better prepared for the unexpected.

The program’s goal is to reduce anxiety, improve communication, and ultimately keep everyone safer during high-pressure situations.

— Source: WSLS