Early Intervention and ABA in California
Get your child under 3 into Early Start fast, then layer in ABA if needed.
Start with Early Start, not insurance
If your child is under 3 and you suspect a delay, California's Early Start program is your fastest door. It is the state's Part C early intervention system, and it is federally required in every state. You do not need an autism diagnosis to request an evaluation.
Early Start covers developmental delays and conditions with a high risk of delay. That includes autism, but also speech delays, motor delays, or social differences. The point is to get help early, before a formal diagnosis is nailed down.
How to request an evaluation
Call or write to your local Early Start agency. You can find it through the California Department of Developmental Services website or by asking your pediatrician. Put your request in writing and date it. The program has a legal timeline: it must respond within 45 days of your referral.
You do not need a referral from a doctor, though one can help. You can self-refer. The evaluation is free and covers all areas of development: cognitive, physical, communication, social, and adaptive.
What an IFSP is and what it does
If your child qualifies, you will get an Individualized Family Service Plan, or IFSP. This is a written plan that lists your child's goals, the services they will get, and where those services happen.
The IFSP is different from an IEP, which comes later. It focuses on the family as a whole. You are part of the team, and services are designed to fit your daily routines.
Where services happen and what they cost
Early Start services happen in your home or in community settings, like a daycare or park. That is intentional. The idea is to teach skills where your child actually uses them.
Cost depends on your income. Many families pay nothing. If you do pay, it is on a sliding scale, and it cannot be denied if you cannot afford it. The state caps what it charges you, but the cap changes, so ask your coordinator for the current number.
Transition to school district at age 3
At age 3, Early Start ends and your child may move to school district services. This is a different system, under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Part B. The district will evaluate your child for an IEP.
The transition starts around 6 months before the third birthday. Your Early Start coordinator will help you plan. If your child qualifies, they get services through the district, often at a preschool or in a classroom.
How ABA fits with Early Start
Early Start and ABA are separate systems. You can use them in sequence or at the same time. Early Start does not provide ABA therapy in most cases, though it can provide some behavioral supports.
If your child is diagnosed with autism, you can also seek ABA through your health insurance. California's autism mandate requires state-regulated plans to cover ABA, but it does not apply to self-funded employer plans. Those plans are governed by ERISA and are not bound by the state mandate, though many cover ABA anyway.
To find out what your plan covers, ask your insurer this exact question: "Does my plan cover Applied Behavior Analysis for autism, and what are the limits on hours, visits, or cost?" The answer depends on your specific plan, not on the state law.
California listings right now
1,547 ABA agencies across 45 California counties.