Early Intervention and ABA in West Virginia

A parent's guide to West Virginia Part C early intervention and how it works with ABA.

State coverageAugust 2, 2026

Start with Part C, Not Insurance

If your child is under 3 and you suspect autism, the fastest door in West Virginia is Part C early intervention. It is federally required in every state, and you do not need an autism diagnosis to ask for an evaluation. That makes it quicker than fighting an insurance preauthorization.

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 for immediate support while they pursue an autism diagnosis and insurance approval for ABA.

How to Request an Evaluation

In West Virginia, the Part C program is run by the state, and you request an evaluation by contacting your regional early intervention office. You can find the contact through your pediatrician, your local health department, or the state's early intervention website.

Put your request in writing. Send an email or letter that says: 'I am requesting a Part C evaluation for my child [name], age [months]. I am concerned about [delays or behaviors]. Please contact me at [phone and email].' Keep a copy. The program has a legal timeline to respond, usually 45 days from referral to evaluation, so write down the date you sent it.

What Happens After the Evaluation

If your child qualifies, you will meet with a team to write an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). This plan lists your child's goals and the services they will get, like speech therapy, occupational therapy, or developmental intervention. You are part of the team and must approve the plan.

Services happen at home or in the community, wherever your family spends time. A provider comes to you, which removes travel and scheduling stress. The IFSP is reviewed every six months, and you can request a review anytime if something changes.

Cost of Part C Services

Part C services are free or low-cost, depending on your state. West Virginia uses a sliding scale based on family income, but many services are provided at no charge. You cannot be denied services because you cannot pay.

Ask your service coordinator for the exact cost before services start. They will explain any fees and help you apply for waivers if needed. There is no cost for the evaluation itself.

Transition at Age 3

Part C ends on your child's third birthday. Before that, your team must help you transition to school-district services under Part B of IDEA. The school district will evaluate your child to see if they qualify for an IEP (Individualized Education Program).

Start the transition conversation at least six months before the third birthday. Your service coordinator will guide you, but you can also contact your local school district directly. If your child qualifies for an IEP, services may continue at school or through the district. If not, you will need to rely on insurance or private pay.

Using Part C and ABA Together

Part C and ABA are not either/or. Part C gives you immediate developmental support, while ABA focuses on behavior and skill building. Some families do both: Part C for speech or motor delays, ABA for autism-specific goals.

You can use Part C services while you wait for an ABA assessment or insurance approval. When ABA starts, coordinate with your Part C providers so goals don't conflict. Your service coordinator can help you communicate with the ABA team.

ABA Coverage and Your Insurance

West Virginia has an autism insurance mandate, but it only applies to fully insured plans. If your employer self-funds its health plan, the state mandate does not bind it, though many self-funded plans cover ABA anyway. Check your plan documents or ask your HR department.

For any plan, the exact ABA coverage depends on your policy. Limits on hours, visits, or age vary by plan. Ask your insurer this exact question: 'Does my plan cover applied behavior analysis for autism, and what are the session limits, annual caps, and prior authorization requirements?' Write down the answer and the date you got it.

If your child is on Medicaid, coverage for medically necessary ABA is available for children under 21 through EPSDT. Your Medicaid plan's member services line can tell you how to find an ABA provider and what authorization you need. The plan name is on your child's member card.

West Virginia listings right now

32 ABA agencies across 13 West Virginia counties.

Common questions

Does my child need an autism diagnosis for Part C?

No. Part C serves children with developmental delays or conditions likely to lead to delays. You can request an evaluation based on concerns alone, and the evaluation team will determine eligibility. An autism diagnosis is not required to start.

How long does the Part C evaluation take in West Virginia?

The state has a legal timeline, typically 45 days from referral to completing the evaluation. The clock starts when the program receives your written request. If you haven't heard back within a week, call the regional office.

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

Yes. Part C provides developmental therapies, and ABA focuses on behavior and skill acquisition. They can run concurrently. Just make sure your Part C providers and ABA team share goals and strategies so your child gets consistent support.

What if my child doesn't qualify for Part C?

If the evaluation finds no delay, you can still pursue an autism evaluation through your doctor or a specialist. You can also ask for a re-evaluation later if concerns change. Some private insurance plans cover ABA without a Part C plan.

Is there a cost for Part C in West Virginia?

The evaluation is free. Ongoing services may have a sliding-scale fee based on income, but many families pay nothing. You cannot be turned away for inability to pay. Ask your service coordinator for the fee schedule before services start.

What happens to Part C services at age 3?

Part C ends on the third birthday. Your team must help you transition to the school district, which evaluates for an IEP. If your child qualifies, services continue through the school system. If not, you'll need to look at insurance or private options for continued support.