Understanding ICM’s Autism Services: Supporting Children and Families Across Arkansas

Written by Tanna Sykes, Co-Chief Operating Officer, ICM
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At ICM, we understand that navigating autism services can feel overwhelming. Families often have questions about eligibility, treatment options, staffing, and what to expect throughout the process. Our goal is to provide compassionate, individualized support while helping families access the services their children need to thrive.

Two pathways to autism services at ICM

ICM supports children and families across Arkansas through two primary programs: the Arkansas Autism Waiver and EPSDT services.

Autism Waiver (AAP)

The Arkansas Autism Waiver—also known as the Arkansas Autism Partnership (AAP)—is a Medicaid Waiver program that provides intensive, individualized services to young children with autism.

Parents apply through the Arkansas Autism Partnership and once approved, receive a provider choice list so they can select the provider that best fits their family’s needs.

If your family chooses ICM, we begin coordinating services once we receive approval.

The Arkansas Autism Partnership oversees the statewide administration of the program through a contractual partnership with the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities Services.

Services are delivered in the child’s home, typically 20 to 25 hours per week, with a team that evaluates eligible children and provides individualized support.

In the Autism Waiver program, treatment is built around evidence-based strategies tailored to your child’s strengths and needs—supporting growth in communication, cognition, self-care, socialization, and appropriate behavior.

Family involvement is a cornerstone: parents and caregivers are active members of the treatment team and receive training and support to help skills carry over into everyday routines.

This collaborative, home-based approach helps children build greater independence while empowering families with the tools and resources needed to support their child’s long-term success.

EPSDT (ABA Therapy)

EPSDT, which stands for Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment, is Arkansas Medicaid’s comprehensive child health benefit program. Through EPSDT, eligible children and young adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder can receive medically necessary Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy services from 18 months of age through age 21.

At ICM, EPSDT ABA services are delivered under the clinical supervision of a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and implemented by a trained team working closely with the child, family, and other important supports.

Treatment plans are individualized to your child’s unique strengths and goals, with a focus on communication, social interaction, daily living skills, and positive behavior supports—all in service of meaningful progress and increased independence.

Supporting families every step of the way

Starting services can bring a mix of emotions. Many families feel relieved to finally have a path forward, but it’s also normal to feel overwhelmed by the paperwork, timelines, and questions about what comes next. At ICM, we’re here to help make the process easier to navigate, whether you’re exploring the Autism Waiver or accessing ABA therapy through EPSDT.

Helpful to know: Starting services often involves documentation, assessments, and authorizations. Timelines can vary, but our team works diligently to keep things moving–and to keep you informed along the way.

Here are some of the common steps families encounter as services get started:

• Gathering documentation — often including medical records, diagnostic evaluations, and insurance or Medicaid information
• Completing assessments — to ensure your child’s strengths and needs are clearly understood
• Obtaining authorizations — depending on program requirements and individual circumstances
• Planning and scheduling — aligning goals, availability, and the service plan

You’re never expected to navigate requirements alone. We provide guidance at each step and answer questions as they come up.

We also value your input when developing supports and services. Open communication about treatment goals, scheduling preferences, and staffing considerations helps us create the best experience possible for your child. Staffing assignments are based on qualifications, training, and availability—but we welcome conversations about what matters most to your family and work hard to build strong, long-term partnerships. In ABA services especially, family involvement can help reinforce skills across environments and maximize progress during and beyond therapy sessions.

Meet the teams behind the services

Progress is strongest when families and professionals work together toward the same goals. ICM’s Autism Services teams are made up of trained professionals who collaborate to provide individualized, evidence-based support tailored to each child’s needs.

Autism Waiver team roles

The Autism Waiver program uses a team approach to provide consistent, comprehensive support while keeping families actively involved in the process.

• Interventionists — clinical leaders who assess needs, develop and monitor treatment plans, review progress, train and guide team members, and oversee implementation so services stay effective and responsive as your child grows
• Lead Therapists — support quality and consistency by monitoring progress, reviewing data, coaching team members, and communicating recommendations or concerns to the Interventionist
• Line Therapists — provide one-on-one intervention in the child’s home, implement strategies, collect data, and support progress toward individualized goals across daily routines

EPSDT (ABA) team roles

Through EPSDT, children and young adults receive ABA services delivered by a dedicated clinical team.

• Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) — conduct assessments, develop individualized treatment plans, monitor progress, and supervise service delivery to ensure interventions are evidence-based and aligned with your child’s needs
• Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) — provide direct ABA therapy under BCBA supervision by implementing treatment plans, teaching skills, collecting data, and supporting meaningful progress with ongoing supervision and training

Serving families across Arkansas

Whether your family lives in Northwest Arkansas, Central Arkansas, Southeast Arkansas, Northeast Arkansas, or Southwest Arkansas, ICM is committed to providing high-quality autism supports throughout the state. Our team works diligently to recruit, train, and support qualified staff so children and families can receive services in their communities.

Quality, safety, and trust matter—every step of the way

When it comes to autism services, families deserve care that is not only effective—but also safe, ethical, and respectful. At ICM, all autism professionals complete required screening, onboarding, training, and program-specific requirements before working with children and families.

We also take privacy seriously. ICM is committed to protecting privacy, maintaining HIPAA compliance, and ensuring families receive accurate information from qualified professionals.

Clinical and treatment-related questions are directed to the appropriate clinical team members, so you receive expert guidance.

We’re here to help

Choosing autism services is an important decision, and you deserve to feel informed and supported. Whether you’re exploring the Autism Waiver, pursuing EPSDT services, or simply gathering information about your options, ICM is ready to help you take the next step.

At ICM, our mission is simple: provide compassionate, individualized supports that help children with autism succeed while empowering families every step of the way.

Take the next step

Learn more about ICM’s Autism Therapy Program by contacting our team at 501-228-0063 to talk through options for your child and your family.