What is the difference between an Ohio regional center and a county board of DD?

They are the same thing. Each county has a board of developmental disabilities (often called the regional center) that coordinates services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Do I need a diagnosis of autism to get help from a regional center?

Generally, yes. A formal diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or another developmental disability is required for eligibility. However, for children under 3, the Help Me Grow program can provide early intervention services without a diagnosis.

Can family support funds pay for ABA therapy?

Yes, if ABA therapy is not fully covered by insurance, family support funds may be used to cover copays, deductibles, or sessions not covered. However, approval depends on the county board's policies and available funding.

How long does it take to get a Medicaid waiver for ABA therapy?

Wait times vary by county and waiver type. Level One and SELF waivers often have waitlists of several months to a few years. Apply as early as possible and consider using private insurance or a free matching service in the meantime.

Is Local ABA Therapy a provider or a clinic?

No, we are a free matching service. We connect families with vetted, BCBA-led ABA therapy providers in Ohio. We do not provide therapy directly, and our service is always at no cost to families.

What if I don't live in Ohio?

This guide focuses on Ohio's regional centers and family support programs. If you live elsewhere, your state likely has similar county-based systems. Check with your state's developmental disabilities agency for local resources.

Ohio Regional Centers: Family Support Programs Guide

In short: Ohio's county-based regional centers coordinate services for individuals with developmental disabilities, including children with autism. Family support programs offer financial assistance, respite care, and guidance to help families navigate care. Many families can use Medicaid waivers through these centers to fund ABA therapy, and Local ABA Therapy can help match you with a vetted BCBA-led provider.

What Are Ohio Regional Centers?

Ohio regional centers, also known as county boards of developmental disabilities (DD), are local agencies that serve individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Each of Ohio's 88 counties has a board that acts as the entry point for services. These centers are funded through state and local resources and work closely with the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD). For families of children with autism, the regional center is often the first place to turn for assessments, referrals, and support.

Regional centers provide case management, coordinate early intervention (Help Me Grow for birth to age 3), and help families apply for Medicaid waivers. They do not directly provide therapy, but they connect families to approved providers. This is where a free matching service like Local ABA Therapy can help you find a BCBA-led ABA provider that accepts your insurance or waiver.

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Family Support Programs in Ohio

Ohio offers several family support programs designed to help families care for a child with a developmental disability at home. These programs are administered through regional centers and aim to reduce stress, provide financial relief, and improve quality of life.

The Ohio Family Support Program

This state-funded program provides flexible financial assistance to families. Funds can be used for respite care, adaptive equipment, home modifications, therapy not covered by insurance, and other needs. Each county board allocates a limited pool of money, so families must apply early. Eligibility is based on the child's disability and family income guidelines.

Medicaid Waivers (Level One and SELF)

Two key Medicaid waivers offer ongoing support for children with autism: the Level One Waiver and the SELF Waiver. The Level One Waiver provides up to $25,000 per year for services like respite, personal care, and community inclusion. The SELF Waiver (Self-Empowered Life Funding) offers a self-directed budget that families can use for a broader range of supports, including ABA therapy. Both waivers require the child to meet functional eligibility criteria and be enrolled in Medicaid. Regional center case managers guide families through the application process.

Respite Care and Other Supports

Respite care gives primary caregivers a break. Ohio regional centers can help families find trained respite providers, and some cover the cost through family support funds or waivers. Additional supports include parent training, support groups, and assistance with transition planning as children age.

How to Access Regional Center Services

Start by contacting your county board of developmental disabilities. A simple search for "[Your County] Board of Developmental Disabilities" will yield the correct website and phone number. You will need to request an eligibility evaluation. For children under 3, the Help Me Grow program can perform an assessment. For older children, the regional center will conduct evaluations in areas like communication, self-care, and social skills.

Once eligibility is established (a diagnosis of autism often qualifies under developmental disability), a service coordinator or case manager will be assigned. This person helps you develop an Individualized Service Plan (ISP) and apply for waivers or family support funds. Keep in mind waitlists exist for waivers, so apply as early as possible. While you wait, a free matching service like Local ABA Therapy can help you find a BCBA-led provider that accepts private insurance or Medicaid, often with shorter wait times.

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Costs and Insurance Coverage

Regional center services themselves are free. Family support funds and waivers have no cost to eligible families. For ABA therapy, private insurance plans regulated by Ohio law must cover autism treatment, including ABA, for children up to age 21. Medicaid (including the waivers) also covers ABA when medically necessary. If you have private insurance, your regional center can help coordinate, but you may still need to find an in-network provider. Matching services streamline this process.

Practical Tips for Navigating the System

Start early. Even before a diagnosis, contact your county board for early intervention.
Keep a binder of all evaluations, insurance information, and correspondence.
Ask for help. Your case manager is there to guide you; don't hesitate to ask questions.
Apply for multiple waivers if eligible; you can accept one and remain on waitlists for others.
Use free matching services to find ABA providers while waiting for waivers to be approved.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Waiting too long to apply. Waiver waitlists can take months or years.
Not keeping contact information current. Missed letters can mean losing your place on a list.
Assuming family support funds are only for low-income families. Many middle-income families qualify.
Overlooking respite care. Caregiver burnout is real; plan time for yourself.
Not exploring private insurance options while waiting for Medicaid waivers.

Navigating Ohio's regional centers and family support programs takes time, but the payoff is immense. These resources can lighten the load and help your child thrive. And when you're ready to begin ABA therapy, our free service connects you with vetted, BCBA-led providers who understand your family's needs-often with no wait.

Ohio Regional Centers and Family Support Programs: A Complete Guide

Key takeaways

What Are Ohio Regional Centers?