Page reviewed: 7/31/18

CMS-approved state plan amendment – 2017 (PDF), CMS-approved state plan amendment – 2018 update (PDF), CMS-approved state plan amendment – 2019 update (PDF), Minn. Stat. §256B.0949

A person may receive treatment intervention according to one of the DHS-recognized treatment modalities.

This page explains the treatment modalities and the process for revising them. For more information about intervention as a covered service, refer to EIDBI – Intervention.

DHS recognizes the following treatment modalities:

Note: DHS may add other treatment modalities.

Effective Feb. 1, 2021, all newly enrolling EIDBI provider organizations must have a qualified supervising professional (QSP) or level I provider with advanced certification in one of the treatment modalities listed on this page.

EIDBI providers enrolled before Feb. 1, 2021, must meet this requirement by July 1, 2022.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a set of data-driven practices grounded in behavioral science. This approach can be applied to people of all ages.

ABA focuses on increasing positive and appropriate behaviors through reinforcement while decreasing interfering/unwanted behaviors or behaviors that interfere with learning.

Under ABA, the provider systematically analyzes factors in the person’s environment that interfere with their success and teaches new and more appropriate ways of responding.

ABA uses a combination of treatment strategies, including:

Certified providers

For information about provider qualifications, training and locating a provider, refer to the ABA section of EIDBI – Treatment modalities – Certified providers.

Resources

For more information, refer to:

The Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-Based (DIR)/Floortime Model provides a framework for a provider to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the person and develop a program tailored to their unique needs and strengths. This approach can be applied to people of all ages.

DIR/Floortime creates opportunities for learning through spontaneous exchanges. These exchanges help the person build critical developmental abilities, including the ability to:

DIR/Floortime focuses on:

Certified providers

For information about provider qualifications, training and locating a provider, refer to the DIR/Floortime section of EIDBI – Treatment modalities – Certified providers.

Resources

For more information, refer to:

The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) integrates a relationship-focused, developmental model with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) teaching practices. The program typically serves children ages 12 to 48 months.

The program:

Certified providers

For information about provider qualifications, training and locating a provider, refer to the ESDM section of EIDBI – Treatment modalities – Certified providers.

Resources

For more information, refer to ESDM.

The PLAY Project is an evidence-based, parent-implemented, early intervention program.

Under the PLAY Project, trained PLAY consultants coach parents in the natural environment and provide feedback about how to support their child’s language, social interaction and overall development. The parent is taught to be the primary provider of the intervention.

The PLAY Project methods and techniques:

Certified providers

For information about provider qualifications, training and locating a provider, refer to the PLAY Project section of EIDBI – Treatment modalities – Certified providers.

Resources

For more information, refer to The PLAY Project.

Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) is a family-based, behavioral treatment that builds on the theory that “dynamic intelligence” is key to improving quality of life for people with ASD and related conditions. This approach can be applied to people of all ages.

Dynamic intelligence is the ability to think flexibly and includes:

RDI aims to help people with ASD and related conditions form personal relationships by gradually strengthening their ability to build social connections.

Certified providers

For information about provider qualifications, training and locating a provider, refer to the RDI section of EIDBI – Treatment modalities – Certified providers.

Resources

For more information, refer to RDIconnect.

DHS recognizes the Early Social Interaction (ESI) modality based on the Evidence-Based Practices for Children, Youth and Young Adults with ASD Report (PDF) and feedback from the EIDBI Advisory Group, EIDBI Learning Collaborative and other stakeholders. Important elements of ESI include:

Certified providers

For information about provider qualifications, training and locating a provider, refer to the ESI section of EIDBI – Treatment modalities – Certified providers.

Resources

For more information, refer to Autism Navigator.

In addition to the DHS-recognized modalities, the following evidence-based practices are beneficial throughout any intervention service programming:

Selecting an appropriate treatment model is only the beginning. These evidence-based practices and treatment modalities depend on the skills and education of the provider. The provider must ensure they are applying the practices and modalities with high fidelity.

Autism-Focused Intervention Resources and Modules (AFIRM) are designed to help explain a step-by-step process to plan for, use and monitor an evidence-based practice with people who have ASD from birth to age 22. Supplemental materials and handouts are available for download.

DHS may revise covered treatment modality options (i.e., add or take away options) as needed based on outcome data and other evidence. Anyone can initiate a revision (e.g., stakeholders, providers, advocates, parents, etc.).

EIDBI treatment modalities approved by DHS must:

Before revisions in DHS-recognized treatment modalities become effective, DHS must provide public notice of the changes, the reasons for the change and a 30-day public comment period to those who subscribe to the electronic mailing list (i.e., eList). To sign up for the EIDBI eList, refer to the “more information” tab on DHS – EIDBI benefit.

Proposing new or revised treatment modalities

If you would like to recommend an additional treatment modality or revisions to the current list, use EIDBI Treatment Modality Submission Form, DHS-3807A (PDF).