Early Intervention and ABA in Ohio

Start with Part C, not insurance

If your child is under 3 and you are concerned about development, Ohio's Part C early intervention program is the fastest door. It is federally required in every state, and you do not need an autism diagnosis to request an evaluation. That means you can start the process today, even if your pediatrician says 'wait and see.'

Part C and insurance-funded ABA are separate systems. You can use Part C first, then layer on ABA through insurance later, or run them at the same time. Many families do both: Part C for developmental support at home, ABA for specific skill building.

How to request an evaluation

In Ohio, you request an evaluation in writing. Send a letter or email to your county's Part C program. You can find the contact through the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, or ask your pediatrician for the number. Keep a copy of your request and note the date you sent it.

The program has a legal timeline: they must evaluate your child within 45 days of your referral. You do not need a referral from a doctor, but having one can speed things up. The evaluation is free and looks at all areas of development, not just autism.

• Write to your county Part C program, not the state office.
• Include your child's name, age, and your concerns in the request.
• Ask for an evaluation in writing and keep a dated copy.

What an IFSP includes

If your child qualifies, you will work with a team to write an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). This is the Part C version of an IEP, but it is broader. It covers your child's development and also your family's priorities, like learning how to support communication at home.

The IFSP lists specific outcomes, the services your child will get, and how often. Services start as soon as the plan is signed, not after a waiting period. You will review the plan every six months and update it as your child grows.

Where services happen

Part C services happen in your home or in community settings like a daycare or park. The idea is to use everyday routines as learning opportunities, so a therapist might come to your living room and work on gestures during snack time. This is different from clinic-based ABA, which is often one-on-one in a center.

You can use both. Part C does not replace ABA, and ABA does not replace Part C. Many families start with Part C and then add ABA once an autism diagnosis is confirmed, often around age 2 or 3.

Cost and payment

Part C is free or sliding scale, depending on your income. Ohio uses a sliding scale, so you pay based on what you can afford. Some services are free regardless of income, like the evaluation itself. You will never be denied services because you cannot pay.

Insurance-funded ABA is a separate bill. If you have private insurance, check your plan: Ohio'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 therapy for autism, and what are my copay, deductible, and session limits?'

Transition to school services at age 3

At age 3, Part C ends and your child may move to school-district services through an IEP. This is not automatic. About 90 days before your child turns 3, your Part C coordinator will help you plan the transition. You will meet with the school district to decide if your child qualifies for preschool special education.

The IEP is different from the IFSP. It focuses on educational goals, not family outcomes. If your child needs ABA at school, the IEP can include it as a related service. Many families keep private ABA outside school and use the IEP for classroom support.

Common questions

More reading

• Medicaid ABA Coverage in Ohio
• Does Insurance Cover ABA Therapy in Ohio?
• What Families Actually Look For in an ABA Agency
• How to Switch ABA Providers Without Losing Progress