Early Intervention and ABA in Arkansas
Learn the fastest route to services for your child under 3 in Arkansas, and how it pairs with ABA.
Start with Part C, not insurance
If your child is under 3 and you suspect autism, Arkansas's Part C early intervention program is your fastest door. It is federally required in every state, and you do not need an autism diagnosis to request an evaluation. That means you can start the process this week, not months from now.
Part C and insurance-funded ABA are separate systems. You can use them in sequence or at the same time. Many families start with Part C while they pursue an autism diagnosis and an ABA benefit through insurance.
How to request an evaluation in writing
In Arkansas, Part C is the state's early intervention program. To get started, put your request in writing. Send a letter or email to your regional Part C office. You can find the contact through the Arkansas Department of Human Services or by calling the state's Child Care Aware line.
Your written request should include your child's name, birth date, and your concern. You do not need a doctor's referral. Once the state gets your request, they must respond within a set timeline, usually 45 days, to complete the evaluation and hold a meeting.
If you are not sure which regional office covers you, call the state Part C lead agency and ask. They will route you correctly.
What an IFSP is and what it covers
If your child qualifies, the team writes an Individualized Family Service Plan, or IFSP. This is a written plan that lists your child's developmental goals and the services they will get. It is reviewed every six months and updated at least once a year.
The IFSP is different from an IEP, which comes later. The IFSP covers the whole family, not just the child. It includes outcomes for your child and for you as parents, like learning how to support communication at home.
- Developmental evaluations in areas like speech, motor, and social skills
- Speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy
- Developmental intervention, which can include early ABA-style strategies
- Service coordination to help you use other systems
Where services happen and what they cost
Part C services are delivered in your home or in community settings like a daycare or park. The idea is to use everyday routines as learning opportunities. A provider might come to your living room and show you how to turn snack time into a language lesson.
Cost is based on a sliding scale, and many families pay nothing. Federal law says states must provide services at no cost for families below a certain income level. Above that, the state can charge a fee, but they cannot deny services if you cannot pay. Ask your service coordinator about the sliding scale when you start.
Transition to school services at age 3
Part C ends on your child's third birthday. At least 90 days before that, the Part C team must hold a transition meeting. They will help you connect with your local school district to see if your child qualifies for an IEP under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
The school district will do its own evaluation. If your child qualifies, they will get services through the district, often in a preschool classroom. If they do not qualify, you still have options, including private therapy or ABA funded by insurance.
Start the transition early. Do not wait for the school district to call you. Ask your Part C coordinator for the transition meeting date and put it on your calendar.
How ABA fits with Part C
Part C is not the same as ABA, but it can include early behavioral strategies. If your child needs intensive ABA, you will likely need to go through insurance. Arkansas has an autism insurance mandate, but it only applies to fully insured plans. If your employer self-funds its plan, it is exempt under ERISA, though many self-funded plans cover ABA anyway.
To find out what your plan covers, ask your insurer these exact questions: Does my plan cover applied behavior analysis for autism? Is there a dollar cap or hour cap per year? Do I need preauthorization? What is my out-of-pocket maximum for ABA?
If you have Medicaid, your child under 21 is covered for medically necessary ABA through EPSDT. Your Medicaid plan name is on your member card. Call the number on the back and ask about ABA coverage and how to find a provider.
Finding ABA providers in Arkansas
Arkansas has ABA agencies across the state, with the largest numbers in Pulaski County, Washington County, and Craighead County. You can find a provider through your insurance's network directory or through the Arkansas Autism Alliance.
When you call a provider, ask if they take your insurance and if they have openings for a child under 3. Waitlists can be long, so start calling early. You can use Part C services while you wait for ABA to start.
Arkansas listings right now
93 ABA agencies across 21 Arkansas counties.