In South Florida, getting an autism evaluation scheduled can take months. That stretch feels like there is nothing to do but wait.
There is more you can do than most families are told. Most of it is free, and none of it requires a diagnosis first.
New to our newsletter? Start with what your insurance plan type means for ABA coverage in Florida.
Why the diagnosis matters
Insurance plans generally require an autism diagnosis from a qualified clinician, such as a developmental pediatrician, child psychologist, or neurologist, before they will cover ABA therapy. That is why the evaluation is the step everything else waits on. The good news is that the wait does not have to be empty.
1. Get on more than one list
Ask your pediatrician for referrals to several evaluators, not just one. Call your insurer to confirm which of them are in network, then call each office.
Ask every office: “Can you add us to your cancellation list?” Openings come up more often than you would expect, and the families who get them are the ones who asked.
2. Use the free programs
Under 3: Florida’s Early Steps program serves children from birth to 36 months with developmental delays. You can refer your child yourself; you do not need a doctor to do it.
About 3 to 5, not yet in public school: FDLRS Child Find offers free developmental screenings. No insurance required.
In school: Request an evaluation from your school district in writing. Once you sign consent, Florida gives the district 60 calendar days to complete it (60 school days for pre-K), not counting school breaks.
Any age: UM-NSU CARD (Miami-Dade and Broward) and FAU CARD (Palm Beach County) offer free family support and consultation. No diagnosis required to call.
3. Know the difference: school eligibility vs. diagnosis
A school can find your child eligible for exceptional student education under autism spectrum disorder. That unlocks support at school, and it is worth pursuing.
But school eligibility is an educational decision, not a medical diagnosis, and insurance plans usually will not accept it for ABA. Keep both processes moving at the same time.
4. Get ready now, so you can start fast later
Keep a simple log. What you notice, when it happens, and a specific example. Evaluators find real examples far more useful than general impressions.
Gather your documents. Insurance card, pediatrician records, any prior screenings or school reports.
Check your ABA benefits now. Knowing what your plan covers before the diagnosis arrives can save weeks afterward.
When you have the diagnosis
We work with children ages 2 to 6, and we do not have a waitlist. Once your child has a diagnosis, or if they already do, request a free 30-minute consultation. We will tell you where you stand, and if we cannot take your plan we will do our best to refer you to someone who can.
Do you work with older kids?
Early intervention is our specialty, but we don’t want to turn any family away. If your child is older than 6, give us a call at 305-845-5760 so we can learn about their needs and make sure we can support them.
Plans we work with
Aetna, Cigna, ComPsych, Curative, Florida Blue, Humana Military | TRICARE, Magellan Health, Step Up For Students, and private pay. If yours is not listed, ask anyway. The list changes.
Questions? Call us at 305-845-5760 or use our contact form.
This article is general information for families and is not medical, legal, or insurance advice. Program eligibility and coverage vary; always confirm details with the program or your insurer.