Early Intervention and ABA in Maryland

Get your child under 3 help fast through Maryland's Part C, then layer on ABA if needed.

State coverageAugust 2, 2026

Start Here: Part C Beats Insurance for Kids Under 3

If your child is under 3 and you suspect autism or a delay, Maryland's Part C early intervention program is your fastest first step. It is federally required in every state, so it exists in Maryland too, and you do not need an autism diagnosis to request an evaluation. Insurance can wait.

Part C and ABA paid by insurance are separate systems. You can use them in sequence or at the same time. Part C gets you in the door quickly, often within weeks, while you sort out insurance coverage for ABA.

How to Request an Evaluation in Maryland

To start, put your request in writing. Contact your local Infants and Toddlers program, which is Maryland's Part C system. You can find the contact for your county through the Maryland State Department of Education's website.

In your letter, say: 'I am requesting an early intervention evaluation for my child [name, birth date]. I am concerned about [delays or behaviors]. Please schedule an evaluation within 45 days.' Keep a copy. The program must respond and complete the evaluation within 45 days of your referral.

You do not need a doctor's referral, though a pediatrician's note can help. The evaluation is free.

What an IFSP Is and How Services Work

If the evaluation finds your child is eligible, you will work with a team to write an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). This plan lists your child's goals and the services they will get, like speech therapy, occupational therapy, or developmental instruction.

Services happen where your child naturally spends time: at home, at daycare, or in the community. A provider comes to you. That is a big difference from clinic-based ABA, which usually requires travel.

The IFSP is reviewed every six months, and you get a full re-evaluation at least once a year. You are part of the team, and you can request changes anytime.

What Part C Costs in Maryland

Part C is free or low-cost. Federal law says states must provide services at no cost for families who cannot pay. Maryland uses a sliding scale based on your income, and many families pay nothing.

Your insurance cannot be charged for Part C services, and the program cannot deny services if you cannot afford them. You will get a written notice about any fees before services start.

The Transition at Age 3: Moving to the School District

Part C ends on your child's third birthday. At least 90 days before that, the program must help you transition to school-district services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Your child may qualify for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) through your local school district. The IEP can include preschool special education, speech, or other services. This is a new evaluation, not automatic, so start the process early.

If your child still needs ABA, that is where insurance comes in. The school district is not required to provide ABA, so you will likely need to use your health plan for that.

ABA Through Insurance in Maryland: What You Need to Know

Maryland has an autism insurance mandate, which means many plans must cover ABA. But the mandate only applies to fully insured plans, the kind you buy on the individual market or get through a small employer. Large employers often use self-funded plans, which are exempt under federal ERISA law, though many cover ABA anyway.

To know if your plan covers ABA, ask your insurer these exact questions: 'Is my plan fully insured or self-funded?' and 'Does my plan cover applied behavior analysis for autism?' Also ask: 'What are the annual and lifetime limits for ABA?' and 'Do I need pre-authorization?'

Limits vary by plan. Some plans cap ABA at a certain number of hours per week or a dollar amount per year. Do not rely on a friend's experience. Your plan's details are in your benefits booklet, and the customer service number is on your member card.

ABA Providers Across Maryland

Maryland has a large network of ABA providers. Our directory lists agencies across the counties we cover, so you have options no matter where you live.

The biggest concentrations are in Baltimore County, Montgomery County, and Baltimore city. Even if you are in a rural county, you will find providers, though you may have fewer choices and possibly a waitlist.

When you call a provider, ask: 'Do you accept my insurance?' and 'Do you have availability for a child under 3?' Early intervention ABA can look different from school-age ABA, so ask about their experience with toddlers.

Maryland listings right now

524 ABA agencies across 18 Maryland counties.

Common questions

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

No. Part C evaluates for any developmental delay or condition that is likely to lead to delay. You can request an evaluation based on your concerns alone. A formal autism diagnosis is not required to get services, though it may help later for insurance coverage.

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

Yes, they are separate systems. Part C provides developmental services like speech or occupational therapy, while ABA is a behavioral therapy usually paid by insurance. You can run both at once, but coordinate with providers to avoid overloading your child's schedule.

What if my child is found ineligible for Part C?

If the evaluation finds no delay, you can ask for a written notice and appeal. You can also re-request an evaluation later if concerns change. Meanwhile, you can still pursue an autism evaluation and ABA through insurance, which does not depend on Part C eligibility.

How long does an ABA authorization take?

It varies by insurer. Some plans approve within weeks, others take a month or more. Ask your insurer for their timeline and get pre-authorization before starting services. Your ABA provider's billing team can help with the paperwork.

What if my employer plan is self-funded and doesn't cover ABA?

You can appeal a denial, and you can ask your employer to consider adding ABA coverage at the next benefits renewal. You may also qualify for Medicaid, which covers ABA for children under 21 if medically necessary. Check with your state's Medicaid program.

What happens to Part C services if we move to another state?

Part C is in every state, but the program name and procedures differ. When you move, contact the new state's early intervention program within 30 days. Your current IFSP can help the new team plan, but they will do their own evaluation.