Early Intervention and ABA in New Hampshire
How to get Part C early intervention in New Hampshire, and how ABA fits in before and after age 3.
Start with Part C, not insurance
If your child is under 3 and you suspect autism or a developmental delay, New Hampshire's Part C early intervention program is your fastest door. You do not need a diagnosis to ask for an evaluation. Federal law requires every state to offer this program, and it is free or low-cost depending on your income.
Insurance-funded ABA is a separate system. You can use Part C and ABA at the same time, or start with Part C and add ABA later. Many families do both: Part C for developmental supports, ABA for behavior and skill building.
Request an evaluation in writing
Call or write your local area agency or the state's early intervention office and say you want your child evaluated. Put it in writing if you can, and keep a copy. The program must respond within a set timeline, usually 45 days from referral to evaluation.
The evaluation looks at five areas: cognitive, physical, communication, social or emotional, and adaptive skills. You do not need a doctor's referral. You do not need an autism diagnosis. If your child qualifies, you move to an IFSP.
What an IFSP is and how services work
An IFSP is an Individualized Family Service Plan. It lists your child's goals, the services they will get, and where. It is reviewed every six months, and you are part of the team that writes it.
Services happen at home or in the community, like a daycare or park. A service coordinator helps you schedule. You might get speech therapy, occupational therapy, developmental instruction, or other supports. The IFSP is not a prescription for ABA, but it can include behavior supports if the team agrees they are needed.
Cost and how to pay
Part C is free for many families. New Hampshire uses a sliding scale based on income and family size. Some services are free no matter what, and your state cannot deny services if you cannot pay.
Ask your service coordinator about the family cost share. They will tell you what, if anything, you owe. Insurance is not required for Part C, and you do not need to use it.
Transition to school services at age 3
Part C ends on your child's third birthday. Before that, the team must hold a transition meeting, usually at least 90 days before the birthday. The school district evaluates your child for preschool special education services under IDEA.
If your child qualifies, they get an IEP, an Individualized Education Program. That can include ABA if the IEP team agrees it is needed. The school district pays for those services, not your insurance. If your child does not qualify for an IEP, you can still seek ABA through insurance or private pay.
Start the transition talk early. Ask your service coordinator for the name of your school district's contact, and attend the transition meeting. You can also request an evaluation from the district yourself, in writing.
ABA through insurance in New Hampshire
New Hampshire has an autism insurance mandate, but it only binds fully insured plans. If your employer self-funds its plan, it is exempt under ERISA, though many still cover ABA. Check your plan document or call the number on your insurance card.
Ask your insurer these exact questions: Does my plan cover applied behavior analysis for autism? What is the annual or lifetime dollar cap? Do I need prior authorization? How many hours per week does the plan cover? What is my deductible and out-of-pocket maximum?
If your child is on Medicaid, coverage is different. Medicaid must cover medically necessary ABA for children under 21 through EPSDT. Your Medicaid plan name is on your member card, and you can call them to find ABA providers.
New Hampshire listings right now
71 ABA agencies across 8 New Hampshire counties.