Early Intervention and ABA in Alabama
Skip the insurance wait. Part C early intervention in Alabama is the fastest door for kids under 3.
Start with Part C, not insurance
If your child is under 3 and you suspect autism, Alabama's Part C early intervention program is the fastest first step. You do not need an autism diagnosis to ask for an evaluation. Part C is federally required in every state, so it is available regardless of your insurance type or income.
This is a separate system from insurance-funded ABA. You can use Part C first, then add ABA later, or run them at the same time. Many families do both.
How to request an evaluation
Call or write to your local early intervention office and say: 'I'm concerned about my child's development. I'd like to request a Part C evaluation.' Put it in writing if you can, because that creates a paper trail and starts a clock.
The program must respond within a set number of days, usually 45 from referral to evaluation. You do not need a doctor's referral, though a pediatrician's note can help.
The evaluation is free. It looks at five areas: cognitive, physical, communication, social-emotional, and adaptive skills. If your child qualifies, you get an IFSP.
What an IFSP is and what it does
IFSP stands for Individualized Family Service Plan. It is the Part C version of an IEP, but it focuses on the whole family, not just the child.
The IFSP lists your child's strengths and needs, the services they will get, how often, and where. You are part of the team that writes it, and you must approve it before services start.
Services are delivered in your home or in community settings like a daycare or park. That is a big difference from clinic-based ABA: the therapist comes to you, in your child's natural environment.
Cost and who pays
Part C is free or sliding scale depending on your state. In Alabama, you may be asked to pay based on income, but no family is turned away for inability to pay.
Medicaid covers Part C services for eligible children. Private insurance may also be billed, but you cannot be charged for the evaluation itself.
Ask your service coordinator: 'What is the sliding scale, and what will my family pay?' They have to tell you before you sign anything.
Transition at age 3
Part C ends on your child's third birthday. Before that, the team must hold a transition meeting, usually 90 days before, to plan the move to school-district services.
Your child may qualify for an IEP under the school district, which covers special education and related services. This is a new evaluation, not automatic.
The transition meeting is your chance to ask: 'What services will my child get in preschool? How does ABA fit?' The school district does not have to provide ABA, but they must provide services that meet your child's needs.
How ABA fits alongside Part C
Part C is not ABA. It is developmental therapy, speech, physical therapy, and family training. ABA is a separate service, often funded by insurance or Medicaid.
You can use both. Many families start Part C while they fight an insurance denial or wait for an ABA slot. Part C gives you immediate support, and ABA gives you intensive behavior intervention.
If you want ABA, ask your insurance: 'Does my plan cover ABA for autism? What are the session limits, prior authorization rules, and in-network providers?' Limits vary by plan, so get it in writing.
Insurance rules you need to know
Alabama has an autism insurance mandate, but it only binds state-regulated plans. If your employer plan is self-funded, it is exempt under ERISA, though many still cover ABA. Check your plan documents or ask HR.
Medicaid covers medically necessary ABA for children under 21 through EPSDT. Your Medicaid plan name is on your member card. Ask them directly about ABA coverage.
We list ABA agencies across the counties we cover. The largest concentrations are in Jefferson County, Madison County, and Mobile County. Use your county's page to find providers near you.
Alabama listings right now
129 ABA agencies across 35 Alabama counties.