New York’s early-intervention, school, and developmental-disability systems use different entry points. A person can be eligible in one system without an automatic decision in another, so track each referral separately.
Under age three: Early Intervention Program
The New York State Department of Health explains the Early Intervention Program and autism pathway. Parents can contact their county program or the New York City program. If a multidisciplinary evaluation finds eligibility, the family and team develop an Individualized Family Service Plan.
The official page states that the multidisciplinary evaluation is provided at no cost to the family. Ask the local program to explain current insurance procedures, consent, timelines, service coordination, and available interpretation.
Referral record
- County or New York City program contacted
- Referral date and intake contact
- Skills and routines causing concern
- Evaluation date and disciplines involved
- Service-coordinator name
- IFSP or written eligibility decision received
Preschool and school age: CPSE or CSE
New York uses a Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) for preschool processes and a Committee on Special Education (CSE) for school-age processes. The New York State Education Department’s current Parent’s Guide to Special Education explains referrals, evaluations, IEP development, parent participation, and procedural protections.
Contact the local school district for the correct CPSE or CSE chairperson and written referral procedure. Describe the educational impact—communication, participation, instruction, transitions, safety, daily living at school, or another need—and keep proof of delivery.
Use the measurable autism IEP goals tool to prepare present levels and progress-measurement questions. The examples are planning aids, not legal advice or a substitute for the student’s IEP team.
Developmental disability services: OPWDD eligibility
New York’s Office for People With Developmental Disabilities publishes an official eligibility guide. Review the current required documentation and contact a regional Developmental Disabilities Regional Office if records or process are unclear.
Save which documents were submitted, who received them, what remains missing, and when a written decision is expected. Do not assume that an autism diagnosis alone completes the full eligibility record.
OPWDD Front Door
The OPWDD Front Door is the agency’s starting process for learning about service options, understanding needs, and planning supports. Ask which steps can run at the same time as eligibility review and which must wait.
Front Door worksheet
- Regional office and contact person
- Eligibility stage
- Front Door orientation or next appointment
- Needs assessment stage
- Care coordination question
- Written next action and date
One timeline, three lanes
Draw three rows labeled Early Intervention, School, and OPWDD. Add referral, evaluation, meeting, written decision, and follow-up dates to the correct row. Confirm current requirements with the agency. This page is educational navigation, not legal, clinical, or benefits advice.
Browse all state resource guides or open the free autism skills library for checklists and teaching plans.