Early Intervention and ABA in Tennessee

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

State coverageAugust 2, 2026

Start Here: Part C Beats Insurance

If your child is under 3 and you suspect autism, Tennessee's Part C early intervention program is your 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, while you are still waiting on a diagnostic appointment or an insurance decision.

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 layer in ABA once an autism diagnosis and insurance coverage are in place.

How to Request an Evaluation

In Tennessee, Part C is run by the state's early intervention system. To start, you need to make a written request for an evaluation. You can do this by contacting your regional early intervention office or your local school district's special education department. Ask for the 'child find' contact if you are not sure who to call.

Your request should include your child's name, date of birth, and your contact information. You do not need a doctor's referral or a diagnosis. Once you request, the state has 45 days to complete the evaluation and hold the first IFSP meeting if your child qualifies.

What an IFSP Is and What It Covers

If your child qualifies, you will work with a team to create an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). This is a written plan that lists your child's developmental goals and the services that will help meet them. It is reviewed every six months and updated at least once a year.

Services are delivered where your child naturally spends time: at home, in a daycare, or in a community setting like a park or library. Common services include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and developmental intervention. ABA is not typically a Part C service, but the plan can include strategies that support your child's behavior and communication.

Cost: Free or Sliding Scale

Part C services are either free or offered on a sliding scale based on your income. Federal law requires that services cannot be denied because a family cannot pay. In Tennessee, you will be asked for insurance information, but you will not be charged for the evaluation or for services that are not covered by your insurance.

Some states charge a family fee for certain services, but Tennessee does not have a mandatory fee. If you are concerned about cost, ask your service coordinator about the sliding scale and what documentation you need to provide.

Transition at Age 3

Part C ends on your child's third birthday. At least 90 days before that, your service coordinator will help you plan the transition. Your child may be eligible for special education services through your local school district under Part B of IDEA.

The school district will conduct its own evaluation to determine eligibility. If your child qualifies, they will get an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that spells out services in a school or preschool setting. This is a different process from Part C, and you will need to start it separately.

ABA Through Insurance: What to Know

If you want ABA therapy, insurance is the main route. Tennessee has an autism insurance mandate, but it only applies to fully insured plans. If you get insurance through a large employer, your plan may be self-funded and exempt from state mandates under ERISA. Many self-funded plans still cover ABA, but you need to check.

Ask your insurer these exact questions: 'Does my plan cover applied behavior analysis for autism?', 'Is there a dollar cap or hour limit per year?', and 'Do I need a prior authorization or a referral?' Get the answers in writing. Limits vary by plan, so do not rely on what a friend's plan covers.

ABA Providers in Tennessee

When you are ready for ABA, you have options. Our directory lists ABA agencies across the counties we cover. The largest concentrations are in Davidson County, Shelby County, and Williamson County.

You can search by county to find providers near you. Call a few and ask about waitlists, staff qualifications, and whether they accept your insurance. Many families start with Part C while they are on an ABA waitlist.

Tennessee listings right now

309 ABA agencies across 45 Tennessee counties.

Common questions

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

No. Part C does not require a medical diagnosis. You only need a developmental delay or a condition that puts your child at risk. The evaluation will determine eligibility.

How long do I have to wait for the Part C evaluation?

The state has 45 days from your written request to complete the evaluation and hold the first IFSP meeting if your child qualifies. That includes scheduling and conducting the evaluation.

Can my child get both Part C services and ABA at the same time?

Yes. Part C and ABA are separate systems. You can use Part C for developmental support while also pursuing ABA through insurance. Just make sure your providers communicate so the plans work together.

What if my employer's insurance is self-funded?

Self-funded plans are not bound by Tennessee's autism mandate, but many still cover ABA. Call your benefits administrator and ask about ABA coverage specifically. You may need to provide documentation of medical necessity.

What happens if my child does not qualify for Part C?

If your child does not qualify, you can still pursue an autism evaluation and ABA through insurance. You can also ask for a re-evaluation later if your child's development changes. Some children qualify closer to age 3.

How do I find the right ABA provider?

Use the directory to see which agencies are in your county. Call each one and ask about their experience with young children, their approach to parent training, and whether they have openings. Visit if you can and observe a session.