Understanding the Military Family Journey
Military families raising children with autism face unique challenges—frequent relocations, deployments, and navigating new support systems with each move. Here in Hampton Roads, home to multiple military installations including Naval Station Norfolk and Joint Base Langley‑Eustis, thousands of military families are seeking autism support while balancing service demands.
The Norfolk Autism Center specializes in supporting military families with autism services. As a military‑friendly provider, we understand the unique challenges you face and offer priority scheduling, deployment support planning, and assistance with TRICARE navigation. Contact us at (757) 777‑3229 or visit 152 Burnetts Way, Suffolk, VA 23434 for specialized military family support.
TRICARE Coverage for Autism Services
TRICARE offers comprehensive autism support through the Autism Care Demonstration (ACD):
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Coverage for ABA therapy with no annual dollar cap
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Diagnosis requirements: Evaluation by a developmental pediatrician, neurologist, psychiatrist, or other authorized specialist
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Authorization process: Six‑month authorizations through your regional contractor, renewable with updated progress reports
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Cost sharing: Active‑duty family members pay no cost share under the ACD; retiree families pay the standard TRICARE cost share
For TRICARE assistance in Hampton Roads:
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Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Health Benefits Advisors: (757) 953‑2610
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Joint Base Langley‑Eustis TRICARE/Patient Advocate Desk: (757) 764‑8255
Military Programs at Local Bases
Each installation offers Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) services:
Naval Station Norfolk
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Fleet and Family Support Center EFMP: (757) 444‑2102
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Monthly parent support groups and respite care information
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Case management services
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Joint Base Langley‑Eustis
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EFMP – Medical: (757) 225‑5950
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Systems navigation assistance and support groups
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Educational workshops for autism families
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Naval Air Station Oceana
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Fleet and Family Support Center: (757) 433‑2912
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Resource connection and deployment planning
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Advocacy support for accessing services
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The Norfolk Autism Center is available for partnering with all local military installations to ensure coordinated care for EFMP families. We can help you navigate these resources and supplement them with specialized autism treatment.
The Norfolk Autism Center specializes in supporting military families with autism services
Expedited IEP Process for Military Families
Virginia offers special education support for military families:
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Records acceptance: Schools must provisionally honor IEPs from other states within 10 school days
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Expedited evaluations for military‑connected children when additional testing is required
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School Liaison Officers (SLOs) at each installation:
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Naval Station Norfolk SLO: (757) 445‑0350
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Joint Base Langley‑Eustis SLO: (757) 778‑5019
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Naval Air Station Oceana SLO: (757) 433‑2496
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The Norfolk Autism Center provides comprehensive educational advocacy and can attend IEP meetings with military families to ensure consistent educational services during transitions.
PCS Moves and Service Continuity
When PCSing to Hampton Roads:
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Contact EFMP at your gaining installation 3–6 months before moving
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Gather complete records including evaluations and treatment plans
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Register with EFMP immediately upon arrival
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Connect with Norfolk Autism Center before arrival for seamless therapy transition
The Norfolk Autism Center specializes in transition planning for military families and can coordinate with your current providers for service continuity during PCS moves.
Deployment Support
When a parent deploys, maintaining therapy consistency is crucial:
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EFMP Respite Care: Additional hours may be available during deployments
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HIPAA release forms to keep deployed parents informed
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Virtual therapy participation options for deployed parents
The Norfolk Autism Center offers specialized deployment support plans including:
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Pre‑deployment preparation for children with autism
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Regular updates for deployed parents
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Increased session availability during deployment transitions
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Post‑deployment reintegration support
Emergency Support During Deployment
Key resources when emergencies arise:
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Red Cross Emergency Communications: (877) 272‑7337
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Military OneSource: (800) 342‑9647
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EFMP Emergency Assistance at your local installation
The Norfolk Autism Center maintains 24‑hour emergency contact for military families during deployments. Our staff is trained to coordinate with military command when necessary.
Moving Forward with Support
Military life brings unique challenges, but also provides specific resources and community support. Your resilience and advocacy skills are valuable assets in ensuring your child receives consistent care.
The Norfolk Autism Center is dedicated to serving military families throughout Hampton Roads. We understand your unique challenges and offer specialized support for PCS transitions, deployment preparation, and TRICARE navigation.
Call us today at (757) 777‑3229 to schedule a military family consultation, or visit our center at 152 Burnetts Way, Suffolk, VA 23434 for personalized assistance designed specifically for military families navigating autism services.
