ABA providers must submit the PSI-4-SF form prior to the start of ABA treatment under the Autism Care Demonstration and every six months thereafter. Submit the score summary, including percentile and T-scores for all required domains, ensuring the scores are documented correctly. Use the publisher version of scores or print out the scores, including the respondent's name and relationship to the beneficiary. For submission, use the following contact details: Email: [Submission email address] Fax: [Submission fax number] Online Submission: [Link to online submission form] Physical Address: [Submission physical address] My advice: Ensure timely submissions to avoid delays in treatment and provide complete documentation for accurate clinical reviews.

Key dates for the Parenting Stress Index, Fourth Edition Short Form (PSI-4-SF) submission in 2024 and 2025 will be provided in the relevant guidelines.

The purpose of the Parenting Stress Index, Fourth Edition Short Form (PSI-4-SF) is to assess the parental/caregiver stress levels for beneficiaries under the Autism Care Demonstration (ACD). By evaluating stress domains such as child characteristics, parent characteristics, and situational/demographic life stress, ABA providers can better understand and support families of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Utilizing the PSI-4-SF scores, providers can identify areas for additional family support, set priorities for parent/caregiver training, and improve overall access to services for the beneficiary. It is essential for creating a comprehensive and effective ABA treatment plan under the ACD.

• 1. Parental Distress (PD): Focuses on the level of distress a parent/caregiver experiences due to the demands of raising or caring for an individual with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• 2. Parent/Child Dysfunctional Interaction (P-CDI): Evaluates the quality of the relationship between the parent/caregiver and the ACD beneficiary based on their interactions.
• 3. Difficult Child (DC): Assesses the characteristics of the child that may contribute to the overall stress experienced by the parent/caregiver.
• 4. Total Stress (TS): Represents the cumulative stress level experienced by the parent/caregiver by combining the scores of the previous three domains.

If you fail to submit the PSI-4-SF form, it may lead to delays in the authorization or reauthorization of ABA treatment for the beneficiary.

• Delayed Treatment: Failure to submit the form may result in delayed ABA treatment for the ACD beneficiary.
• Incomplete Documentation: Not providing the required PSI-4-SF scores may result in incomplete documentation for clinical reviews.
• Lack of Resources: Without the form submission, families may not receive the additional support and resources identified through the PSI-4-SF assessment.

• 1. Initial ABA Treatment: Submit the form before beneficiaries start ABA treatment under the ACD.
• 2. Reauthorization: Submit the form every six months for reauthorization of ABA treatment.
• 3. Evaluating Parental Stress: Use the form for assessing the levels of stress within the parental/caregiver system.
• 4. Identifying Resources: The form helps ABA providers identify available resources and support for families.
• 5. Setting Training Priorities: Use the form to set priorities for parent/caregiver training based on the assessment results.