Early Intervention and ABA in New York

Get your child under 3 evaluated fast through New York's Early Intervention Program, then layer in ABA if needed.

State coverageAugust 2, 2026

Start with Early Intervention

If your child is under 3 and you suspect autism, the fastest door in New York is the Early Intervention Program (EIP). It's the state's version of the federal Part C program, and it's required in every state. You don't need a diagnosis to ask for an evaluation. You don't need a doctor's referral. You just need a written request.

EIP is separate from insurance-funded ABA. You can use it first, then add ABA, or run both at the same time. Many families do. EIP covers developmental services like speech, physical therapy, and special instruction. ABA is a specific type of therapy that EIP may or may not cover depending on your child's needs and your county. Insurance-funded ABA is a different system, and you can pursue it in parallel.

How to request an evaluation

To start, write a letter or email to your county's Early Intervention Program. Say: 'I am requesting an early intervention evaluation for my child [name], born [date]. I have concerns about [development]. Please schedule the evaluation.' Send it to the county EIP office. You can find the contact on your county health department website.

The evaluation is free. It must be completed within 45 days of your request, per federal law. You'll meet with a team that includes a developmental specialist. They'll assess your child in five areas: cognitive, physical, communication, social-emotional, and adaptive. You'll be there the whole time and you can ask questions.

What happens after the evaluation

If your child qualifies, you'll get an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). This is a written plan that lists your child's goals and the services they'll receive. You'll meet with your service coordinator to create it. You have a say in every part of it, from the types of services to the frequency.

Services are delivered in your home or in community settings like a daycare or park. They're free or on a sliding scale based on your income. In New York, most families pay nothing, but some counties may charge a fee based on income. Your service coordinator will explain the cost before you start.

Transition at age 3

At age 3, your child ages out of EIP. The school district takes over through the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE). The transition starts at least 6 months before the third birthday. Your EIP service coordinator will help you plan.

CPSE provides special education services, including ABA if your child needs it, through the school district. The evaluation is free, and you'll get an Individualized Education Program (IEP) if your child qualifies. The IEP is different from an IFSP, but the goal is the same: support your child's development.

Using ABA alongside EIP

Many families use EIP for early developmental support and then add insurance-funded ABA for more intensive therapy. These are separate systems, and you can use them together. For example, EIP might provide speech therapy while ABA focuses on behavior and communication.

Insurance-funded ABA is covered by many plans, but not all. New York has an autism mandate, but it applies only to fully insured plans. If your employer self-funds its plan, the state mandate doesn't apply, though many self-funded plans cover ABA anyway. To know what your plan covers, ask your insurer directly: 'Does my plan cover applied behavior analysis for autism? What are the session limits and prior authorization requirements?'

Finding ABA providers in New York

Once you have a diagnosis or even while you wait, you can start looking for ABA providers. Our directory lists the listings for this state. The largest concentrations are in Kings County, Rockland County, and Nassau County.

When you call a provider, ask about their waitlist, whether they accept your insurance, and if they have experience with children under 3. You can also ask your EIP service coordinator for recommendations, but they can't refer you to a specific agency.

New York listings right now

827 ABA agencies across 30 New York counties.

Common questions

Do I need an autism diagnosis to get an evaluation through Early Intervention?

No. You can request an evaluation based on any developmental concern, like delayed speech or lack of eye contact. The evaluation determines if your child qualifies for services, not a diagnosis.

How much does Early Intervention cost in New York?

The evaluation is free. Services are free or on a sliding scale based on your income. Many families pay nothing, but some counties may charge a fee. Your service coordinator will tell you before services start.

Can I use Early Intervention and insurance-funded ABA at the same time?

Yes. They are separate systems. EIP provides developmental services, and insurance-funded ABA provides behavior therapy. You can run them in parallel. Just coordinate with your providers to avoid conflicts.

What happens to my child's services when they turn 3?

Your child transitions to the school district's CPSE. You'll get an IEP if your child qualifies. The transition starts at least 6 months before the third birthday, and your EIP coordinator will help you.

Does my insurance have to cover ABA?

New York's autism mandate applies to fully insured plans, but self-funded employer plans are exempt under ERISA, though many cover ABA anyway. Ask your insurer directly: 'Does my plan cover ABA for autism? What are the limits?'

How do I find an ABA provider near me?

Our directory lists the listings for this state, with the largest concentrations in Kings, Rockland, and Nassau. You can also ask your pediatrician or EIP coordinator, but they may not have a list.