Early Intervention and ABA in Oregon

Get your child under 3 help fast through Oregon's Part C early intervention, no autism diagnosis needed.

State coverageAugust 2, 2026

Start Here: Part C Beats Insurance for Speed

If your child is under 3 and you suspect autism or any developmental delay, Oregon's Part C early intervention program is your fastest door. It is federally required in every state, and you do not need a diagnosis to request an evaluation. That means you can start the process today, not after a long wait for a specialist.

Part C and insurance-funded ABA are separate systems. You can use them in sequence or together. Many families start with Part C for immediate support, then add ABA through insurance once a diagnosis is in place.

How to Request an Evaluation in Writing

In Oregon, Part C is run through regional programs, but you don't need to know which one serves you. Call your local school district or the Oregon Department of Education's early intervention line and ask for the Part C contact for your county. You can also ask your pediatrician for a referral, but you don't need one.

Put your request in writing. Send an email or letter to the Part C program saying: 'I am requesting an early intervention evaluation for my child [name, birthdate]. I am concerned about [specific delays].' Keep a copy. The program must respond within a set timeline, usually 45 days from referral to evaluation, though this can vary slightly.

The evaluation is free and covers all five developmental areas: cognitive, physical, communication, social-emotional, and adaptive. You do not need to prove a specific diagnosis. If your child qualifies, you move to an IFSP.

What an IFSP Is and What It Does

An Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is your child's plan for early intervention. It lists the services your child will get, how often, and where. Unlike an IEP (which comes later), the IFSP focuses on the whole family, because you are your child's first teacher.

The IFSP is written with you, not for you. You are part of the team that decides goals and services. It is reviewed every six months and updated at least once a year. Services can include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and developmental instruction. ABA is not typically a Part C service, but the strategies used by early interventionists often share principles with ABA.

Where Services Happen and What They Cost

Part C services happen in your home or in community settings like a park or daycare. That is a big advantage for a toddler, because learning happens where your child already is. A service coordinator will come to you, not the other way around.

Cost is based on a sliding scale. Many families pay nothing. If you do pay, it is based on your income and family size, and the state cannot deny services if you cannot pay. There is no copay for the evaluation itself.

Ask your service coordinator about the sliding scale and what documentation you need. Some states have a cap on what families pay, but Oregon's exact rules can change, so get the current numbers from your coordinator.

Transition to School District Services at Age 3

When your child turns 3, Part C ends and services move to your local school district under Part B of IDEA. This is a big shift. The school district will do a new evaluation to see if your child qualifies for an IEP (Individualized Education Program).

The transition must start at least 90 days before your child's third birthday. Your service coordinator will help you plan, but you should push for a transition conference. At that meeting, you will meet the school team, review your child's progress, and decide what services might continue.

Not every child who qualifies for Part C qualifies for an IEP, because the criteria are different. If your child does not qualify, you can still seek private therapy or ABA through insurance. Start the transition early and ask questions at every step.

Using Part C and ABA Together

Part C and ABA are not either/or. Many families use Part C for early developmental support while they pursue an autism diagnosis for ABA coverage. The Part C team can help you track milestones and document concerns, which can strengthen your case for insurance.

If you have private insurance, check whether your plan covers ABA. Oregon has an autism insurance mandate, but it only applies to fully insured plans. If your employer self-funds its plan (most large employers do), the state mandate does not bind it, though many self-funded plans cover ABA anyway.

Ask your insurer this exact question: 'Does my plan cover applied behavior analysis for autism, and what are the session limits, prior authorization requirements, and in-network providers?' Get the answer in writing. If you have Medicaid, your managed care plan covers medically necessary ABA for children under 21, and your plan name is on your member card.

Oregon listings right now

101 ABA agencies across 15 Oregon counties.

Common questions

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

No. Part C is for any child under 3 with a developmental delay or a condition likely to lead to delay. You can request an evaluation based on your concerns alone. The evaluation is free and does not require a medical diagnosis.

How long does it take to get an evaluation through Part C?

Oregon's Part C program must respond to your written request within a set timeline, usually 45 days from referral to evaluation. The clock starts when they receive your request, so put it in writing and keep a copy.

Can I get ABA through Part C?

Part C does not typically fund ABA therapy. Instead, it provides developmental services like speech, OT, and PT. For ABA, you need to go through your insurance or Medicaid. Many families do both: Part C for early support, ABA for autism-specific intervention.

What if my child turns 3 and doesn't qualify for an IEP?

That happens. The school district uses different criteria than Part C. If your child doesn't qualify, you can still get private therapy or ABA through insurance. Your Part C team can help you connect with community resources before you leave the program.

How much does Part C cost in Oregon?

The evaluation is free. Services are on a sliding scale based on your income and family size. Many families pay nothing. The state cannot deny services if you can't pay. Ask your service coordinator for the current sliding scale and what paperwork you need.

Does my insurance have to cover ABA in Oregon?

Oregon's autism mandate applies to fully insured plans, but not to self-funded employer plans under ERISA. Many self-funded plans cover ABA anyway. Call your insurer and ask directly about ABA coverage, session limits, and prior authorization. Get the answer in writing.