Early Intervention and ABA in Illinois

Start ABA before age 3 through Illinois Part C, even without a diagnosis. Here's how.

State coverageAugust 2, 2026

Part C is the fastest door

If your child is under 3 and you suspect autism, you do not need a diagnosis to ask for help. Every state runs a federally required early intervention system, and in Illinois it is called the Illinois Early Intervention Program (Part C). This system evaluates your child at no cost to you, and if your child qualifies, services can start quickly.

Part C and insurance-funded ABA are separate systems. You can use them in sequence or at the same time. Part C is often the faster first step because it does not wait for a formal autism evaluation, and it is not tied to your insurance plan's coverage rules.

How to request an evaluation

Call or write to your local Child and Family Connections (CFC) office. You can find the one for your county through the Illinois Early Intervention program's website or by asking your pediatrician. You do not need a referral or a diagnosis.

Put your request in writing. Send a letter or email that says: 'I am requesting an early intervention evaluation for my child, [name], age [months], because I have concerns about [development]. Please contact me at [phone/email].' Keep a copy. The program must respond within 45 days of your referral.

If your child is found eligible, you will meet to write an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). This plan lists the services your child will get, who will provide them, and where.

What the IFSP covers

The IFSP is your roadmap. It is written with a service coordinator and your family, and it focuses on your child's needs and your family's priorities. Services are delivered in your home or in community settings like a daycare or park, not in a clinic.

Common services include developmental therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) can be part of an IFSP if the team agrees it is needed, but not every Part C program offers ABA directly. Some families use Part C for early developmental supports and then add insurance-funded ABA separately.

You can request a specific service, like ABA, during the IFSP meeting.
The IFSP is reviewed every 6 months and updated at least once a year.
You can ask for a new evaluation if you think services need to change.

What Part C costs

The evaluation is always free. Services are not free, but they are on a sliding scale based on your income. In Illinois, many families pay nothing, and no family is denied services because they cannot pay.

Your insurance may be billed for Part C services, but you will not be charged co-pays or deductibles for those services. The program will ask for your insurance information, but you can decline to share it if you prefer.

There is no set cap on what you pay. The amount depends on your family size and income, and the program will tell you your exact share before services start.

Transition at age 3

Part C ends on your child's third birthday. Around your child's second birthday, your service coordinator will start planning the move to school-district services. This is called transition.

The school district will evaluate your child to see if they qualify for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) under the category of autism or developmental delay. If they qualify, services like speech, OT, and sometimes ABA can continue through the school system, often at a special education preschool.

If your child does not qualify for an IEP, or if you want more intensive ABA than the school provides, you can switch to insurance-funded ABA. This is where your private insurance or Medicaid comes in.

Using insurance for ABA

Illinois has an autism insurance mandate, but it only applies to fully insured plans. If your employer has a self-funded plan, it is exempt under ERISA, though many still cover ABA. Check your plan documents or call the number on your insurance card and ask: 'Does my plan cover applied behavior analysis for autism? What are the limits?'

If your child is on Medicaid, coverage for medically necessary ABA is available through EPSDT, and you do not need a separate mandate. Your Medicaid plan's name is on your member card.

You can use Part C and insurance-funded ABA at the same time. For example, Part C might provide developmental therapy, while insurance pays for a separate ABA provider. Just tell each provider about the other so they can coordinate.

Illinois listings right now

478 ABA agencies across 33 Illinois counties.

Common questions

Do I need an autism diagnosis to get Part C services?

No. Part C uses a broader category called 'developmental delay.' If your child is behind in any area, they can qualify. The evaluation is free, and you can request it in writing without a doctor's referral.

How long does it take to get an evaluation in Illinois?

The program must respond to your referral within 45 days. That includes scheduling and completing the evaluation. In practice, it can be faster, but 45 days is the legal limit.

Will Part C pay for ABA?

It can, if the IFSP team decides ABA is medically necessary for your child. But not every Part C provider offers ABA. If they do not, you can still get ABA through your insurance or Medicaid separately.

What happens if my child turns 3 in the middle of a service?

Part C services stop on the third birthday. The transition plan should start around age 2, and the school district must have an IEP in place by the third birthday if your child qualifies. If there is a gap, you can ask for an extension in some cases, but it is not guaranteed.

Can I use Part C and insurance-funded ABA at the same time?

Yes. Many families do. Part C provides developmental therapy, and insurance pays for ABA. Just tell each provider about the other so they can coordinate goals and avoid duplicating services.

What if my insurance plan is self-funded?

Self-funded plans are not required to follow Illinois's autism mandate, but many still cover ABA. Call the number on your insurance card and ask directly: 'Is my plan self-funded or fully insured? Does it cover ABA?' If they say no, you can appeal, and you can also ask about out-of-network coverage.