Who qualifies for early intervention in Texas?

Texas Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) supports children under age 3 who have developmental delays or conditions that may impact development. According to the Texas Early Childhood Intervention program, services are provided in natural environments like the home or daycare and do not require a physician referral to get started.

A child may qualify if they have:

• A developmental delay of at least 25% in one or more areas
• A medically diagnosed condition likely to cause developmental delay
• A qualifying vision or hearing impairment

Developmental areas include communication, motor skills, cognition, social-emotional development, and adaptive skills. Families can learn more through the ECI information for families or find a provider using the Texas ECI program search tool.

Autism can qualify a child for ECI. A child may qualify based on diagnosis or based on developmental delays consistent with autism. Families can use the CDC developmental milestones resource to better understand early signs.

If eligible, families work with a care team to create an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). Services may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and developmental support, and they continue until the child turns 3.

ECI and ABA therapy are separate. Many families use both at the same time. To understand how coverage works, explore autism insurance coverage in Texas and how school supports work in the guide to Texas 504 Plans.

If your child may need additional support beyond early intervention, Alpaca can help you get started quickly with no waitlists, provider-led care, and full support with insurance and logistics. Start an ABA intake with Alpaca Health.