Early Intervention and ABA in Georgia
For Georgia kids under 3, Part C is the fastest door to services. Here's how to use it, and how ABA fits in.
Start with Part C, not insurance
If your child is under 3 and you suspect a delay, Georgia's Part C early intervention program is your fastest first step. You do not need an autism diagnosis or a doctor's referral to request an evaluation. Federal law requires every state to offer this program, and it is free or low-cost.
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 ABA coverage through insurance.
How to request an evaluation
Call or write to your local Part C office and say you want an evaluation for your child. You can find the contact through the Georgia Department of Public Health or by calling the state's early intervention line. Put your request in writing if you can, and keep a copy.
The evaluation is free. It looks at five areas: cognitive, physical, communication, social or emotional, and adaptive skills. You do not need to name a specific delay. If you are worried, that is enough to ask.
What an IFSP is and how services work
If your child qualifies, a team writes an Individualized Family Service Plan, or IFSP. This plan lists your child's goals and the services they will receive. It is reviewed every six months and updated at least once a year.
Services happen where your child naturally is: at home, at daycare, or in the community. A provider comes to you. Common services include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and developmental instruction. ABA is rarely a Part C service, but Part C can still help with early skills while you pursue ABA elsewhere.
Cost and the transition at age 3
Part C is free or on a sliding scale based on your income. In Georgia, many services are provided at no cost to families, but some states charge a fee. Ask your coordinator about any costs before services start.
At age 3, Part C ends. Your child may transition to school-district services through an Individualized Education Program, or IEP, if they still need support. The transition planning starts at least 90 days before the third birthday. Your Part C coordinator will walk you through it.
How ABA fits in before and after 3
ABA is a separate system funded by insurance or Medicaid. You can start ABA while your child is in Part C, or after they age out. Many families do both: Part C for early developmental support, ABA for autism-specific skill building.
If you have private insurance, check your plan. Georgia's autism mandate requires coverage, but it only applies to fully insured plans. If your employer self-funds its plan, it is exempt under federal law, though many still cover ABA. Ask your insurer: 'Does my plan cover applied behavior analysis for autism?' and 'What are my session limits and prior authorization requirements?'
Finding ABA providers in Georgia
Our directory lists ABA agencies across the counties we cover. The largest concentrations are in Fulton, Cobb, and Gwinnett counties. If you live in a rural county, you may have fewer in-person options, but many agencies offer in-home or telehealth services.
When you call a provider, ask about waitlists, session hours, and whether they accept your insurance. Also ask if they have experience with children under 3, because early intervention ABA looks different from school-age ABA.
Georgia listings right now
727 ABA agencies across 73 Georgia counties.