Early Intervention and ABA in Colorado
A faster door than insurance: Colorado's Part C early intervention for kids under 3.
Start Here Before Insurance
If your child is under 3 and you suspect a delay, Colorado's Part C early intervention program is the fastest first step. You don't need an autism diagnosis to ask for an evaluation. Federal law requires every state to offer this program, and it's designed for any child with a developmental delay or a condition likely to cause one.
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 to get immediate support, then add ABA once an autism diagnosis is in place and insurance coverage kicks in.
How to Request an Evaluation
Call or write to your local Part C agency. In Colorado, that's the Early Intervention program, often run through community-centered boards or public health departments. You can find the contact for your county by searching 'Colorado Early Intervention' or asking your pediatrician.
Put your request in writing. Send an email or letter to the agency, stating your child's name, age, and your concern (for example, 'not speaking 10 words by 18 months'). Keep a copy. The agency is required to respond and complete an evaluation within 45 days of your referral.
The evaluation is free. It looks at five areas: cognitive, physical, communication, social-emotional, and adaptive skills. You don't need a referral from a doctor, though a doctor's note can speed things up.
What an IFSP Is
If the evaluation finds a delay, the team writes an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). This is a written plan that lists your child's goals, the services they'll get, and where and how often. Unlike an IEP (which comes later), the IFSP focuses on the whole family, not just the child.
You are part of the team. You'll meet with service coordinators and therapists to decide what's in the plan. You have the right to approve or decline any service. The plan is reviewed every six months and updated at least once a year.
Services at Home or in the Community
Part C services happen where your child naturally spends time: home, daycare, or a park. A provider comes to you, which removes travel and waiting-room stress. Services can include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and developmental intervention.
ABA is not typically the main service in Part C, but some programs offer behavior support. If your child needs ABA, you'll likely get that through insurance separately. Part C can still coordinate with your ABA provider to share goals and strategies.
Cost: Free or Sliding Scale
Part C is free for evaluation and service coordination. Ongoing services are free in some states, but Colorado uses a sliding scale based on family income. You may pay a small monthly fee, but no family is turned away for inability to pay.
Ask your service coordinator about your state's fee schedule. They'll help you apply for a waiver if needed. There is no cost for the IFSP itself, and you can request a change to services at any time.
Transition at Age 3
Part C ends on your child's third birthday. At least six months before that, your team must hold a transition conference to plan the move. The goal is to move your child into school-district services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) if they still need support.
The school district evaluates your child to decide if they qualify for preschool special education. This is a separate process with its own timeline. Start early: ask your Part C coordinator to invite the school district to the transition meeting. You can also request an evaluation directly from the district at any time.
Some children don't qualify for an IEP but still need private therapy. That's where insurance-funded ABA becomes the main route. You can run both systems at once: Part C until age 3, then IEP or private ABA after.
ABA Through Insurance in Colorado
If your child has an autism diagnosis, ABA is often covered by private insurance and Medicaid. Colorado has an autism insurance mandate, but it only applies to fully insured plans. If your employer self-funds its health plan (under ERISA), the state mandate doesn't bind it, though many self-funded plans still cover ABA.
To know your coverage, ask your insurer these exact questions: 'Is ABA a covered benefit under my plan? What is my annual or lifetime limit for ABA? Do I need prior authorization? What is my deductible and out-of-pocket maximum?' Get the answers in writing.
Medicaid covers medically necessary ABA for children under 21 through EPSDT. Your Medicaid plan name is on your member card. Call the number on the back and ask for ABA coverage details.
We list ABA agencies across the counties we cover. The largest concentrations are in El Paso County, Denver County, and Arapahoe County. Use the directory to find providers near you, then verify with your insurer that they're in-network.
Colorado listings right now
932 ABA agencies across 40 Colorado counties.