Early Intervention and ABA in Arizona

Start Here Before Insurance

If your child is under 3 and you're worried about development, Arizona's Part C early intervention program is your fastest first step. You don't need an autism diagnosis to ask for an evaluation. You don't need a doctor's referral. You just need a concern.

Part C is a federal program, so it exists in every state. In Arizona it's run by the Department of Economic Security. It's free to request an evaluation, and if your child qualifies, services are either free or on a sliding scale based on your income. Many families pay nothing.

How to Request an Evaluation

Call or write to Arizona's Part C program and say you want your child evaluated. You can find the contact info by searching 'Arizona Part C early intervention' or 'Arizona DES early intervention.' You don't need to name a diagnosis, just describe what you're seeing, like 'not babbling' or 'not making eye contact.'

Put your request in writing if you can. Send an email or a letter with your child's name, date of birth, and your concerns. Keep a copy. The program has a timeline: they must respond and complete the evaluation within 45 days of your referral. That's a federal requirement.

What an IFSP Is

If the evaluation finds your child has a developmental delay, you'll get an Individualized Family Service Plan, or IFSP. This is a written plan that lists your child's goals and the services they'll get to meet them. It's reviewed every six months and updated at least once a year.

The IFSP is different from an IEP, which comes later at age 3. The IFSP focuses on the whole family, not just the child. You'll be part of the team that writes it, and you'll decide what services happen.

Where Services Happen

Part C services happen where your child naturally is, usually at home or in a community setting like a daycare or park. A provider comes to you. That's a big plus when you have a toddler and don't want to drive across town.

Services can include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and developmental instruction. ABA is not typically a Part C service, but Part C can still help with early behaviors. You can use Part C and ABA at the same time, from different providers, if that's what your child needs.

Transition at Age 3

Part C ends on your child's third birthday. Before that, the program must help you transition to school-district services. At age 3, your child may qualify for an IEP through your local school district, which can include special education and related services.

The transition process starts around age 2 and a half. Your Part C coordinator will help you connect with the school district. You'll need to consent to share records and attend a transition meeting. If your child doesn't qualify for an IEP, you can still pursue private ABA or other therapies.

The key is to start early. Don't wait for a diagnosis. Part C doesn't need one, and getting services now can make a real difference.

Part C vs. ABA Through Insurance

Part C and insurance-funded ABA are separate systems. You can use them in sequence, like Part C now and ABA later, or together, like Part C for speech and ABA for behavior. They don't replace each other.

If you want ABA, your insurance may cover it, but coverage depends on your plan. Arizona has a state autism mandate, but it only applies to fully insured plans. If your employer self-funds its plan, the state mandate doesn't apply, though many such plans still cover ABA. Check your plan documents or call the number on your insurance card.

Ask your insurer this exact question: 'Does my plan cover applied behavior analysis for a child under 3 with an autism diagnosis or a developmental delay, and what are the session limits, prior authorization rules, and provider network requirements?' Write down the answer and get it in writing if you can.

ABA Providers in Arizona

When you're ready for ABA, you have options. Our directory lists ABA agencies across the counties we cover. The largest concentrations are in Maricopa County, Pima County, and Pinal County. That gives you a starting point for finding a provider that fits your child's needs and your area.

When you call a provider, ask about their experience with children under 3, their waitlist length, and whether they accept your insurance. Also ask about their approach to parent training, since you'll be part of the team.

Common questions

More reading

• Does Insurance Cover ABA Therapy in Arizona?
• Medicaid ABA Coverage in Arizona
• What Families Actually Look For in an ABA Agency
• How to Switch ABA Providers Without Losing Progress