Frequently asked questions

Talk to your pediatrician and ask for a referral for an autism evaluation, and join more than one clinic waitlist. At the same time, refer your child to Help Me Grow (under age 5) or request a school evaluation (age 5+) — it's free. If you'll use EIDBI therapy, apply for Medical Assistance or MA-TEFRA early.

Minnesota families commonly use ABA and other intensive therapy through EIDBI, speech and occupational therapy, children's mental health services, PCA/CFSS for daily-living help, disability waivers (CADI and DD) for respite and in-home support, and school special education services.

Waitlists for evaluations and ABA range from a few weeks to many months depending on the provider, region and your child's age. The Twin Cities metro has the most options. Joining several waitlists and asking about cancellation lists are the most effective ways to start sooner.

Yes. Minnesota's EIDBI benefit, part of Medical Assistance, covers medically necessary intensive autism therapy — including ABA — for people under 21. Children also need a Comprehensive Multi-Disciplinary Evaluation (CMDE) before EIDBI services start.

Often, yes. Through MA-TEFRA, children with a certified disability can qualify for Medical Assistance without counting their parents' income. Families may pay a monthly parental fee based on income. MA-TEFRA can be secondary coverage alongside private insurance.

Private-pay ABA commonly runs well over $100 per hour, and intensive programs can cost tens of thousands of dollars a year. Most Minnesota families pay far less by using EIDBI through Medical Assistance, private insurance under the state autism mandate, or both.

Your child generally needs to be eligible for Medical Assistance and have a MnCHOICES assessment from your county or tribal nation showing a need for help with daily activities or behaviors. The assessment determines eligibility and the amount of support.

EIDBI (Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention) is Minnesota's Medical Assistance benefit for intensive autism therapy for people under 21. It funds ABA and other approved approaches in centers, homes and the community after a CMDE confirms medical necessity.

A Comprehensive Multi-Disciplinary Evaluation (CMDE) is the evaluation Minnesota requires before EIDBI services can begin. It documents a qualifying diagnosis, your child's strengths and needs, and medical necessity. Many EIDBI agencies complete CMDEs in-house.

The Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) waiver funds home and community-based services — such as respite, in-home supports and home modifications — for Minnesotans with disabilities who need a nursing-facility level of care. Eligibility is determined through a county MnCHOICES assessment.

MnCHOICES is the statewide assessment Minnesota counties and tribal nations use to determine eligibility for long-term services such as CFSS (formerly PCA), disability waivers and CDCS. You request it through your county's human services intake line.

Help Me Grow is Minnesota's free referral system for early intervention and early childhood special education, for children from birth to age 5. Anyone can refer a child online; the local school district then contacts the family to arrange a free evaluation.

Get an autism diagnosis or documented concern, apply for Medical Assistance (or MA-TEFRA if your income is higher), complete a Comprehensive Multi-Disciplinary Evaluation (CMDE), then choose an EIDBI or ABA provider. Many providers can do the CMDE in-house, which shortens the path to services.

Waitlists vary by provider, your child's age and your location — from a few weeks to several months. Twin Cities metro families usually have more options than greater Minnesota. Joining two or three waitlists at once and asking about in-home or telehealth-supported options can shorten the wait.

EIDBI covers people under 21, and many Minnesota ABA providers focus on early intervention for ages 2 to 8. Others serve school-age children and teens. Check each provider's listing or ask directly which ages they currently accept.

Neither is better for every child. Center-based ABA offers peers, structured space and on-site supervision; in-home ABA builds skills in daily routines and may start sooner. EIDBI covers both, and many Minnesota families use a mix.

Consider a speech-language evaluation if your child isn't babbling by 12 months, has few words by 18 months, isn't combining words by age 2, is hard to understand, or struggles with feeding. Trust your instincts — an evaluation is the fastest way to know.

Yes. Pediatric speech-language pathologists help autistic children with understanding and using language, social communication, and alternative communication (AAC) such as picture systems or speech-generating devices. Therapy works best when it's coordinated with home practice and any ABA or OT your child receives.

Pediatric OTs help children with the skills of daily life — sensory regulation, fine motor skills, handwriting, dressing, feeding and play. For autistic children, OT often focuses on sensory processing and motor planning so everyday routines are easier.

Most insurers, including Medical Assistance, require a physician order or referral for pediatric occupational therapy. Ask your child's doctor for an OT evaluation order, then confirm with the clinic what paperwork they need before the first visit.

Yes. Searching, comparing providers and requesting information are free for families. MN Therapy Finder is an independent directory — we don't provide therapy and aren't paid by families.

Listings are compiled from public business information and from providers who add or claim their practice. Claimed and verified listings can add insurance, ages served and waitlist status. Always confirm details directly with the provider.

Use the “Accepting new clients” filter when browsing, or submit a free Request Help form describing your child's needs and location — we'll share it with matching providers who have openings.

Find your practice and select “Claim this listing.” Verified owners can edit details, add insurance and waitlist status, and receive parent inquiries. New practices can list for free from the List Your Practice page.