New York
New York's OPWDD provides comprehensive services through Care Coordination Organizations with Life Plans for each individual.
Diagnosis & Early Intervention
Diagnosis — Children (0–5)
Diagnosis through developmental pediatrician, child psychologist, or neurologist. OPWDD 'Front Door' establishes eligibility.
Expect wait times of roughly 3-6 months for specialist evaluation in NYC. Longer in upstate regions. for a specialist evaluation.
Screening is typically recommended starting at Screening at 18 months. Formal diagnosis as early as 18-24 months..
Key legislation
- New York Mental Hygiene Law — New York Mental Hygiene Law § 16.01 et seq.
- New York Public Health Law — New York Public Health Law § 4401-c
Therapies & Interventions
The following therapy types are available in this area. Where coverage is noted, families may access services through public funding streams without paying full private rates.
School-Based Supports
- Full IEP services through public schools
- Committee on Special Education (CSE) coordinates services
- Inclusion-first model with supports
- Specialized schools available for complex needs
Government Programs
Early Intervention (Part C IDEA)
Free developmental services for children birth to 3.
Eligibility: Children birth to 3 with documented developmental delay.
Visit program website →Funding & Insurance
Families in this area can access the following funding mechanisms for autism-related services:
- Medicaid EPSDT for medically necessary services
- ASD Waiver for intensive services
- Mandated private insurance coverage
- Early Intervention free for children birth to 3
Respite Care
Medicaid and waiver programs cover respite care hours based on assessed need.
Parent & Family Support
Autism Society of New York State
Statewide advocacy and support
Therapies Across Age Groups
School-Age (6–12)
Teens (13–17)
School Supports
School-Age (6–12)
- Full IEP services under IDEA Part B
- 504 plans for accommodations
- CSE coordinates school-based services
- Inclusion supports in mainstream classrooms
Teens (13–17)
- Transition planning at age 14 in IEP
- Dual enrollment options
- Career Technical Education with accommodations
Government Programs
OPWDD (Office for People With Developmental Disabilities)
Manages services for individuals with developmental disabilities including autism. Uses Care Coordination Organizations (CCOs) with Care Managers creating Life Plans.
Eligibility: Must go through OPWDD 'Front Door' process to establish eligibility.
Visit program website →New York Medicaid
Comprehensive Medicaid program covering ABA and other autism therapies under EPSDT for eligible children.
Eligibility: Income-based for children. Covers ABA, speech, OT, and developmental services.
Visit program website →Autism Spectrum Disorder Waiver
HCBS waiver providing intensive services for children with ASD. Disregards parental income for eligibility.
Eligibility: Children with ASD diagnosis, meeting waiver criteria.
Funding & Insurance
New York Medicaid
Covers ABA, speech, OT, PT under EPSDT for eligible children.
Mandated Insurance Coverage
New York mandates private insurance coverage for ASD screening, diagnosis, and treatment including ABA.
ASD Waiver
HCBS waiver with parental income disregard for intensive services.
Transition & Adult Services
Teens (13–17)
New York requires transition planning starting at age 14. Goals address employment, education, and independent living.
Adults (18+)
New York provides comprehensive adult services through OPWDD with Care Coordination Organizations. Waitlists exist but services are extensive when available.
Respite & Family Support
Respite Care
Medicaid and waiver programs cover respite care hours based on assessed need.
Immigrant & Multilingual Services
New York Medicaid covers eligible residents regardless of citizenship. Emergency services available to all. OPWDD services available to eligible individuals regardless of immigration status.
Languages available through programs:
- Medicaid provides interpreter services in multiple languages
- Spanish, Chinese, Russian, and Bengali services widely available in NYC
- Bilingual evaluation teams in NYC
Cultural & community resources:
- Multicultural family support programs in NYC
- Immigrant service organizations provide disability navigation
- Community health centers with multilingual staff