Early Intervention and ABA in Nevada

Nevada's Part C program is the fastest first step for a child under 3. Here's how to use it and what happens next.

State coverageAugust 2, 2026

Why Part C First

If your child is under 3 and you suspect a delay or autism, Nevada's Part C early intervention program is your fastest door. You do not need a diagnosis to ask for an evaluation. That alone can save months compared to waiting for an autism assessment through insurance.

Part C is a federal program, so it exists in every state. In Nevada, it's run by the state and works separately from insurance-funded ABA. You can use both, one after the other, or at the same time. Most families start with Part C because it's free or low cost and moves quickly.

How to Request an Evaluation

Ask in writing. Send a letter or email to your local Part C office (often called a 'regional center' or 'early intervention program') stating: 'I request an early intervention evaluation for my child [name], age [age], because of concerns about [development].' Include your child's birth date and your contact info.

Keep a copy. The program must respond within a set timeline, usually 45 days from referral to evaluation. If you don't hear back in a week, call and follow up in writing. You can also ask your pediatrician to make a referral, but you don't need one.

What an IFSP Is

If the evaluation finds a delay or a condition likely to cause delay, you get an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). This is a written plan that lists your child's goals, the services they'll get, and where they'll happen.

You are part of the IFSP team. Meetings happen at times that work for you, and you approve the plan before services start. The IFSP is reviewed every six months and updated at least once a year.

The plan is family-centered, meaning it includes goals for you as a parent, like learning strategies to support communication at home. Services target your child's needs, not a specific diagnosis.

Where Services Happen

Part C services happen in your home or in community settings where your child already spends time, like a daycare or park. The idea is to embed help into daily routines, not pull your child into a clinic.

Typical services include developmental therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. A service coordinator works with you to schedule visits and find providers who serve your area.

In Nevada, providers may include therapists employed by the program or contracted through private agencies. You don't choose the therapist directly, but you can request changes if a fit isn't working.

Cost and Payment

Part C is free or sliding scale, depending on your income. Nevada uses a sliding fee scale, so families pay based on what they earn. Some services may be free regardless of income, and no family is turned away for inability to pay.

Your insurance may be billed for some services, but the program can't require you to use insurance if it would cause a cost. Ask your service coordinator for a clear explanation of any fees before services start.

Medicaid covers Part C services for eligible children, and the program can help you apply. You will never get a surprise bill for early intervention.

Transition at Age 3

At age 3, Part C ends and your child moves to school-district services under IDEA Part B. This is a different system with different rules. About 90 days before your child's third birthday, the program must hold a transition conference to plan the move.

You will get a written transition plan. The school district will evaluate your child to see if they qualify for an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Not every child who had an IFSP gets an IEP, but many do.

If your child doesn't qualify for an IEP, you can still pursue private ABA through insurance or other funding. Start the school evaluation early, because timelines can stretch.

You can also continue ABA privately after Part C ends. Many families use Part C for early developmental support, then switch to insurance-funded ABA once a diagnosis is in place.

How ABA Fits In

Part C and ABA are separate systems. Part C focuses on developmental delays and family support. ABA is a therapy for autism that targets behavior and skill building, often delivered in intensive hours per week.

You can request an ABA evaluation through your insurance at any time, even while receiving Part C. Many families do both: Part C for speech or motor delays, ABA for autism-specific skills.

In Nevada, the state's autism insurance mandate requires coverage for ABA on fully insured plans. If your employer self-funds its insurance (common at large companies), the mandate doesn't apply under ERISA, but many self-funded plans cover ABA anyway. Ask your insurer: 'Does my plan cover applied behavior analysis for autism? What are the limits?'

We list ABA agencies across Nevada counties. The largest concentrations are in Clark County, Washoe County, and Storey County. You can search by county to find providers near you.

Nevada listings right now

432 ABA agencies across 9 Nevada counties.

Common questions

Do I need an autism diagnosis for Part C in Nevada?

No. Part C covers any child under 3 with a developmental delay or a condition likely to cause delay. You can request an evaluation based on concerns alone, no diagnosis needed.

How long does the Part C evaluation take in Nevada?

From your written request, the program must complete the evaluation within 45 days. That includes scheduling and holding the evaluation. If your child qualifies, services typically start within 30 days after the IFSP is signed.

Is Part C free in Nevada?

It's free or sliding scale based on your income. Some services are free regardless, and no family is denied for inability to pay. Ask your service coordinator for the fee schedule before services start.

Can I get ABA through Part C?

Part C doesn't typically provide ABA as a therapy. It provides developmental therapies like speech and occupational therapy. For ABA, you'll need to go through your insurance or other funding, which may require an autism diagnosis.

What happens to my child's services at age 3?

Part C ends, and your child transitions to school-district services under an IEP if they qualify. The program must hold a transition conference 90 days before the third birthday. You can also continue private ABA separately.

My employer's insurance is self-funded. Does Nevada's autism mandate cover me?

No, state mandates only apply to fully insured plans. Self-funded plans are governed by ERISA and are exempt, though many still cover ABA voluntarily. Check your plan documents or call the number on your insurance card to ask about ABA coverage.