School-District Autism Services in Virginia: Who to Call First
In short: For children with autism in Virginia, start by contacting your local school district's special education department (or the Infant & Toddler Connection if under 3). Request a free evaluation under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). You can also reach out to the Virginia Department of Education's Parent Resource Center for support. While school services are free, families often supplement with private ABA therapy-which is typically covered by insurance and Medicaid-and a free matching service can help find a vetted BCBA-led provider.
Key takeaways
- Call your local school district's special education office first to request an autism evaluation.
- For children under 3, contact Virginia's Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia for early intervention.
- All evaluations and IEP services are provided at no cost to families through public schools.
- ABA therapy is often not provided directly by schools, but private ABA is widely covered by insurance and Medicaid in Virginia.
Understanding Your First Step for School-Based Autism Services in Virginia
When you suspect your child may have autism or has already received a diagnosis, the question that naturally follows is: who do you call first for school-based services in Virginia? The answer depends on your child's age, but for most families, the first call should be to your local public school district's special education department. Virginia public schools are legally required to identify, evaluate, and serve children with disabilities from ages 2 through 21 under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This process is called Child Find.
🔗 Related reading: ABA for Sudden Autism Regression in 9-Year-Olds · Local ABA Therapy
Who to Call Based on Your Child's Age
If Your Child Is Under 3 Years Old
Virginia's early intervention system is the Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia. Each locality has a local lead agency that coordinates evaluations and services. To get started, call 1-800-234-1448 or visit their website to find the office in your city or county. Services are free or low-cost and can include speech, occupational therapy, and early special instruction. ABA therapy is rarely provided through early intervention, but you can begin the process of requesting a school-based evaluation for when your child turns 2 (some districts evaluate children at age 2½).
If Your Child Is 3 to 5 Years Old
At age 3, responsibility shifts from early intervention to your local school district. Contact the special education department of the public school system where you live. Ask to speak with the preschool special education coordinator. You can request an evaluation for a possible disability, including autism. The school district must complete the evaluation within 65 business days of receiving your written consent. Services may include a special education preschool class or itinerant therapies.
If Your Child Is 5 to 21 Years Old
For school-age children, the same special education department handles evaluations and individualized education programs (IEPs). Call the director of special education for your district. You can typically find the number on the school division's website under "Special Education" or "Student Services." When you call, say: "I would like to request a comprehensive evaluation for my child under IDEA for suspected autism." Get the name and email of the contact person, and follow up your verbal request with a written letter or email to create a paper trail.
What Happens After You Call: The Evaluation and IEP Process
Requesting an Evaluation in Writing
Virginia's Department of Education strongly recommends submitting your evaluation request in writing. Your letter should include your child's name, date of birth, your name and contact information, and a brief reason for the request (e.g., "My child has a medical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder" or "I observe delays in communication and social interaction"). Keep a copy for your records. Within 10 business days of receiving your request, the school must send you a Prior Written Notice explaining their next steps.
The Evaluation Process
The school has 65 business days (excluding school holidays and summer break) to complete the evaluation. The team will include a school psychologist, special education teacher, and sometimes a speech-language pathologist or occupational therapist. They will review existing records, observe your child, and conduct standardized assessments. The evaluation is free and must be done in all areas of suspected disability. If you disagree with the results, you have the right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense.
The IEP Meeting
After the evaluation, the school will schedule an IEP meeting to review results and determine eligibility. If your child qualifies under the category of Autism (Virginia recognizes autism as a separate disability category), the team will write an IEP with goals and services. Parents are equal members of the team. You can bring a friend, advocate, or even a representative from a free matching service like Trusted ABA Therapy (though our main role is helping with private therapy providers, not school advocacy). Remember: school services are provided at no cost to you.
🔗 Related reading: FL School Board ABA Therapy IEP: Your Guide · Nearby ABA Therapy
Important: What Schools Typically Do NOT Provide (ABA Therapy)
Virginia public schools are not generally required to provide applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy as part of an IEP. While some districts contract with ABA providers or include behavior support via a behavior intervention plan, intensive one-on-one ABA provided by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is rare in school settings. Most families pursue private ABA therapy outside of school hours, either at home, in a clinic, or in the community. This is where a free matching service like Trusted ABA Therapy comes in. We help families in Virginia find a vetted, BCBA-led ABA provider that accepts your insurance-and we do it at no cost to you.
Insurance and Medicaid for ABA Services in Virginia
ABA therapy is widely covered by private insurance in Virginia, thanks to state autism insurance mandates. Medicaid (known as Medallion in Virginia, or CCC Plus for managed long-term services) also covers ABA under the EPSDT benefit (Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment). You do not need a school diagnosis to access private ABA-a medical diagnosis from a doctor or psychologist is enough. If you need help navigating insurance or finding an in-network provider, our free matching service can simplify the process.
Mistakes to Avoid When Seeking School Services
- Waiting too long to call. Starting early gives the school time to evaluate and prepare services. Do not assume a child will "grow out of" delays.
- Not putting your request in writing. Verbal requests can be forgotten or delayed. A written request provides a legal timeline.
- Assuming the school will automatically offer ABA. If your child needs ABA, you will likely need to seek it privately. The school can provide related services like speech or occupational therapy, but not intensive ABA in most cases.
- Failing to document everything. Keep a binder with emails, letters, evaluation reports, and IEP documents. This is essential for any disagreements or future advocacy.
- Not knowing your rights. Parents in Virginia have rights under IDEA and state regulations. Request a copy of the Procedural Safeguards from the school. The Virginia Department of Education also offers a Parent Resource Center in each school division-a free, confidential resource for families.
How Trusted ABA Therapy Can Help
While school services are an important free support, many children with autism benefit from additional ABA therapy outside of school. Trusted ABA Therapy is a free matching service for families in Virginia. We work with a network of vetted, BCBA-led ABA providers who accept insurance and Medicaid. You call us, you tell us your child's needs and your location, and we match you with a provider that fits. It's that simple. We do not charge families anything-we are funded by the providers. So feel free to contact us after you've made that first call to your school district. Together, we can build a complete support system for your child.
Additional Virginia Resources
- Virginia Department of Education - Special Education: doe.virginia.gov/special-education
- Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia: 1-800-234-1448
- PEATC (Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center): peatc.org - free workshops and advocacy help
- Autism Society of Northern Virginia: asnv.org - local support groups and resources
- Virginia Family Special Education Connection: vafamilysped.org - a hub for all county-specific information
Remember: your first call should always be to your school district's special education office or the Infant & Toddler Connection if your child is under 3. That call opens the door to free evaluations, IEP services, and a legal safety net. Once that door opens, we can help you fill the gaps with private ABA therapy. You are not alone in this journey.