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Moving States? How to Transfer ABA Services Smoothly

Published November 3, 2025 • 4 min read
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Moving to a new state is a big deal for any family — but when your child receives ABA therapy, it comes with extra questions:

  • How do you transfer ABA services?
  • Will insurance still cover therapy?
  • How do you switch ABA providers without losing progress?

Take a breath — you can move and keep your child's autism support stable. With early planning and the right steps, relocating and continuing ABA services can be smooth, organized, and even empowering.

This guide walks you through how to move with a child with autism, keep routines steady, and continue services without long gaps or stress.

You're not starting over — you're building on progress.

Plan ahead: start the transition before the move

Tell your ABA provider early

Let your current therapy team know you're moving as soon as possible. They can help you:

  • Prepare a transition plan for ABA therapy
  • Gather treatment notes and data
  • Coordinate with future providers
  • Provide recommendations for your new state (if possible)

Ask for a transition summary that includes goals, programs, preferred motivators, and emotional support strategies. This helps your new team hit the ground running.

Collect important documents

Create a folder with:

  • Autism diagnosis paperwork
  • ABA treatment plans
  • Progress reports & session notes
  • Insurance authorizations
  • IEP or school documentation
  • Contact info for providers

This becomes your autism relocation checklist for smooth paperwork handling.

Understand insurance when moving states

Insurance rules for autism services change across state lines. Before moving, call your insurance provider and ask:

  • Is ABA therapy covered in the new state?
  • Do I need new authorization for services?
  • Will I lose coverage during the move?
  • Are new referrals or evaluations required?
  • Which providers are in-network there?

If you're changing insurance plans, ask about continuity of care support — many plans offer temporary coverage while you switch.

Pro tip: Ask your BCBA for a continuity-of-care letter to support uninterrupted ABA therapy during relocation.

Search and secure new ABA providers early

The biggest mistake parents make when relocating for autism services? Waiting until after the move to look for providers.

Start 4–8 weeks before moving. Many areas have waitlists — getting ahead keeps your child supported.

With ABA Navigator you can:

  • Browse ABA providers in your new state
  • Filter by insurance
  • Compare programs, services, and availability
  • Explore different ABA formats:

Even if you’re only touring or getting on waitlists, this ensures smoother ABA therapy transfer and faster service continuation.

Tip: Ask prospective providers about:

  • Waitlist timelines
  • Intake process
  • Whether they honor previous assessments
  • Temporary telehealth options

Support your child emotionally during the move

Moving brings big change — especially for children with autism. Emotional support matters as much as logistics.

Keep routines steady

Maintain familiar:

  • Bedtime routines
  • Sensory breaks
  • Screen time rules
  • Favorite snacks and comfort activities
  • Communication supports (AAC devices, visuals, signs)

Predictability supports emotional regulation during transition.

Use simple, reassuring language

Try:

“We're moving to a new home. You'll have helpers there too, and we’ll learn together.”

Focus on safety and familiarity — not pressure to “start over.”

Bring comfort tools for transition days

Helpful items include:

  • Fidgets or sensory tools
  • Favorite blanket or stuffed animal
  • Visual schedule for moving day
  • Social stories about moving & new helpers

Partner with your new ABA team

Once connected to a new provider:

  • Share previous goals and successful strategies
  • Tell them what motivates and comforts your child
  • Discuss any behaviors triggered by transition
  • Advocate for gradual onboarding if needed

This is not starting ABA again — it's building on progress in a new environment.

Make the move smoother with ABA Navigator

Finding ABA services after relocating doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With ABA Navigator, you can quickly find and compare autism providers, check insurance compatibility, and explore programs that match your child’s needs in your new state — before you move.

Start your search here: Find ABA providers.
(You can filter by insurance, therapy setting, and location)

Let your move be about growth — not gaps in care.

You’ve got this — and your child is stronger and more adaptable than you think.

FAQs

How do I transfer ABA therapy when moving to another state?

Notify your current provider, collect records, confirm insurance coverage in the new state, and start contacting new ABA providers 4–8 weeks before moving.

Will my child need a new autism evaluation after moving?

Not always. Many insurers and ABA providers accept previous evaluations, but some may request updated paperwork.

Can ABA services continue during the move?

Sometimes. Ask about temporary telehealth sessions or short-term continuity-of-care options to avoid gaps in services.



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