Early Intervention and ABA in Virginia
Get early help for your child under 3 through Virginia's Part C program, no diagnosis needed.
Start Here: Part C
If your child is under 3 and you have concerns about their development, Virginia's Part C early intervention program is your fastest door. You don't need an autism diagnosis to ask for an evaluation. The program is federally required in every state, so it exists in Virginia and it's free or low cost.
Part C and insurance-funded ABA are separate systems. You can use them in sequence or at the same time. Many families start with Part C to get immediate help while they pursue an autism diagnosis and insurance approval for ABA.
Request an Evaluation
To start, put your request in writing. Email or mail a letter to your local Part C office (called the Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia). Say: 'I am concerned about my child's development and request an evaluation under Part C.' Include your child's name, birth date, and your contact info.
The program must respond within a set timeline, usually 45 days from referral to evaluation. You don't need a doctor's referral, though a pediatrician's note can help. The evaluation is free and covers all areas of development: motor, communication, social, and adaptive skills.
What an IFSP Includes
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. It's reviewed every six months and updated at least once a year.
The IFSP is family-centered. It includes your goals for your child, not just a list of therapies. You'll meet with a team to write it, and you're a full member of that team.
Services at Home
Part C services happen where your child naturally is: at home, in a daycare, or at a park. A service coordinator will help arrange visits. You don't have to drive to a clinic.
Typical services include developmental therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. The frequency depends on your child's needs, from weekly to monthly. The IFSP will specify the exact hours.
Cost and Payment
Part C is free or sliding scale based on your income. In Virginia, you may pay a family fee, but no one is turned away for inability to pay. Your service coordinator will explain the fee schedule and help you apply for waivers.
Insurance is not billed for Part C services. The program is funded by federal and state money. You don't need to use your insurance, though you can if you want to.
Transition at Age 3
At age 3, Part C ends. Your child may transition to school-district services through an IEP (Individualized Education Program) if they qualify. This is a different system, run by your local school division.
The transition starts around age 2.5. Your service coordinator will help you plan. The school district will evaluate your child to see if they need special education services. If they qualify, services are free and provided by the school.
If your child doesn't qualify for an IEP, you can still pursue ABA through insurance. Many families use Part C for early support and then move to ABA at age 3.
ABA Through Insurance
ABA therapy is a separate path. It's covered by many insurance plans, but not all. The Affordable Care Act does not require ABA coverage. State mandates apply to fully insured plans, but self-funded employer plans are exempt under ERISA, though many cover ABA anyway.
To find out if your plan covers ABA, ask your insurer: 'Does my plan cover Applied Behavior Analysis for autism? What are the session limits, prior authorization requirements, and out-of-pocket costs?' The answer varies by plan.
If your child has Medicaid, it covers medically necessary ABA for children under 21 through EPSDT. Your Medicaid plan name is on your member card. Contact them directly to ask about ABA coverage and how to get it approved.
Virginia listings right now
660 ABA agencies across 66 Virginia counties.