Autism Support

The Autism Support Program (ASP) provides state funding for applied behavior analysis (ABA) services to children who are not eligible to receive ABA service funding through Medicaid or private health insurers and who meet diagnostic and financial eligibility criteria. 

Back to top

Eligibility

A child is eligible to receive assistance through ASP if:     

  • the child is under the age of fourteen (14) at the time of application.
  • the child has a diagnosis on the Autism spectrum made by a child psychiatrist, developmental pediatrician, or a clinical psychologist within 24 months of the date of application.
  • the child does not qualify for Medicaid.
  • the child does not have coverage available for ABA services through any private insurance carrier.
  • the child’s family meets the income guidelines for the program (household income at or below 500% of the federal poverty level (FPL).
Back to top

Family Cost Share

Families of children enrolled in this program may have a cost share (copay) based on income. 

  • Families with household incomes up to 200% of FPL have no cost share.
  • Families with household incomes over 200% of FPL will have a cost share depending on family income.
  • The family cost share ranges from 0.5% to 15% of the service cost. The cost share can be waived if a family can demonstrate financial hardship.

Benefit Limitations

ASP benefits are limited. They are available to an eligible child for a period of up to 24 months. The maximum benefit amount is $36,000 per year.

Back to top

Further Resources & Assistance

Once you apply for ASP, you will also be referred to the Iowa Regional Autism Assistance Program (RAP) of the Child Health Specialty Clinics which can assist families with system navigation, care coordination or other autism-related needs. 

RAP teams are located in regional centers across the state and are available to provide services free-of-charge to families in all 99 counties.

Back to top

How to Apply

Contact the ASP administrator by email at AutismSupport@hhs.iowa.gov (preferred method of communication) or call 515-725-3350.

The administrator will provide the following documents:

  • Parent Information Packet
  • Application
  • Review the Parent Information Packet. 

If you believe your child will meet the eligibility requirements, fill out the application along with gathering the required documentation and email the documents to AutismSupport@hhs.iowa.gov.

Back to top