Early Intervention and ABA in Puerto Rico

Get your child under 3 evaluated fast through Part C, then layer in ABA if needed.

State coverageAugust 2, 2026

Part C is your fastest door

If your child is under 3 and you suspect autism, you do not need a diagnosis to start. Federal law requires every state, including Puerto Rico, to run an early intervention program called Part C. You can request an evaluation in writing, and the program must respond within a set timeline, usually 45 days or less.

This is separate from insurance. You can use Part C first, then add ABA through your health plan, or run both at the same time. Part C is the quicker entry point because it does not wait for a formal autism evaluation.

How to request an evaluation

Call or write to Puerto Rico's Part C program, often called the Early Intervention Program. You do not need a referral from a doctor. Say in writing: 'I am requesting an early intervention evaluation for my child, [name and birth date].' Include your contact info and any concerns you have, like delayed speech or lack of eye contact.

Keep a copy of your request. The program must assign a service coordinator and complete the evaluation within the federally required timeline. If you do not hear back within a week, follow up by phone and in writing.

What an IFSP includes

If the evaluation finds your child eligible, the team writes an Individualized Family Service Plan, or IFSP. This is your roadmap. It lists your child's developmental goals, the services they will get, and where those services happen.

The IFSP is reviewed every six months and updated at least once a year. You are part of the team, and you must agree to the plan before services start.

Services at home or in the community

Part C services are meant to happen in your child's natural environment, which means home, daycare, or a park. A provider may come to your living room and work on communication, motor skills, or social interaction through play.

Typical services include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and developmental intervention. ABA is not always part of Part C, but some programs may include behavior support. Ask your service coordinator what is available.

Cost and payment

Part C is free or offered on a sliding scale, depending on your income. Federal law says states cannot charge for the initial evaluation or for service coordination. For ongoing services, Puerto Rico may ask for a family fee, but no child is turned away for inability to pay.

Ask your service coordinator for the fee schedule before services start. If you have private insurance, the program may bill your plan, but you cannot be charged for services that your insurance does not cover.

Transition at age 3

At age 3, Part C ends and your child moves to school-district services under Part B of IDEA. About 90 days before the third birthday, the program must hold a transition meeting. They will help you contact your local school district and set up an evaluation for preschool special education.

Your child may qualify for an IEP, which is the school plan for special education. This is a separate system from Part C and from ABA therapy. You can continue ABA through your health plan while your child attends school.

ABA through insurance in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has an autism insurance mandate, but it only applies to fully insured plans. If your employer self-funds its plan, it is exempt under federal ERISA law, though many self-funded plans still cover ABA. Check your plan documents or ask your HR department.

Medicaid in Puerto Rico covers medically necessary ABA for children under 21 through the EPSDT benefit. Your Medicaid plan name is on your member card. Call the number on the back and ask: 'Does my plan cover ABA therapy for a child under 3?'

Do not rely on a single number for hours or visits. Limits vary by plan. Ask your insurer these exact questions: 'What is the annual or monthly cap on ABA hours?' and 'Do I need a prior authorization or a referral from a developmental pediatrician?'

Finding ABA providers

We list ABA agencies across the counties we cover. The largest concentrations are in San Juan Municipio, Ponce Municipio, and Guaynabo Municipio.

When you call a provider, ask if they accept your insurance, whether they have a waitlist, and if they provide in-home or center-based services. You can use Part C while you wait for ABA to start.

Puerto Rico listings right now

15 ABA agencies across 8 Puerto Rico counties.

Common questions

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

No. Part C is based on developmental delay or a condition likely to lead to delay. You can request an evaluation without a diagnosis, and the evaluation will determine eligibility.

How long does the Part C evaluation take?

Federal law requires the evaluation to be completed within 45 days of your written request. That timeline includes the assessment and the IFSP meeting if your child is eligible.

Can I use Part C and ABA at the same time?

Yes. Part C and insurance-funded ABA are separate systems. Many families use Part C for early developmental support while they get ABA through their health plan.

What if my employer plan is self-funded?

Self-funded plans are exempt from Puerto Rico's autism mandate under ERISA. But many still cover ABA. Ask your HR department or check the plan's summary of benefits for 'applied behavior analysis'.

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

Part C ends. Your child may transition to school-based services through an IEP. You can also continue ABA through your health plan if it is still medically necessary.

What if I cannot afford the Part C family fee?

The fee is on a sliding scale based on income, and no child is denied services for inability to pay. Talk to your service coordinator about a waiver or reduced fee.