The Center for Autism and Related Disorders is a private clinic network, not a government program
The Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) is a for-profit organization that operates clinics in multiple states and offers autism diagnosis, behavioral therapy, and related services. It is not a government agency, and you do not go through a public system to use it. You contact CARD directly, pay out of pocket or through insurance, and schedule an appointment like you would at any private medical practice.
CARD specializes in applied behavior analysis (ABA), which is a therapy approach that breaks down skills into small steps and uses reinforcement to teach them. The organization also provides diagnostic evaluations for autism spectrum disorder. If you are looking for autism services, CARD is one option among many — private clinics, hospital-based programs, school districts, and state health departments all offer similar services, often at different costs and wait times.
This guide explains what CARD does, how it differs from other service routes, and how to find autism services in your area whether or not you choose CARD.
Key Takeaways
- CARD is a private clinic chain that provides ABA therapy and autism evaluations; you pay directly or through insurance rather than through a government program.
- School districts are required to provide autism evaluations and services at no cost if your child is school-age, even if you also use private clinics.
- State health departments and Medicaid programs often cover autism services for low-income families, and many have shorter wait times than private clinics.
- ABA therapy is the most researched autism intervention, but it is time-intensive and expensive; other approaches like speech therapy and occupational therapy address different skill areas.
- If you are considering CARD or any private clinic, check whether they accept your insurance and ask about their wait list before contacting them.
What CARD actually provides
CARD offers two main services: autism diagnostic evaluations and ABA-based therapy. A diagnostic evaluation typically involves observation, parent interviews, and standardized testing to determine whether a person meets the criteria for autism spectrum disorder. Once diagnosed, CARD provides one-on-one or small-group ABA therapy, usually in a clinic setting, though some locations offer in-home services.
ABA therapy is intensive. A typical plan involves 20 to 40 hours per week of therapy, delivered by a behavior technician under the supervision of a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA). Sessions focus on communication, social skills, daily living skills, and reducing behaviors that interfere with learning. The therapist breaks each skill into tiny steps, teaches each step repeatedly, and rewards progress.
CARD also employs speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists at some locations, so you may be able to receive multiple types of therapy under one roof. However, not every CARD location offers every service, and availability varies by state.
How CARD's costs and insurance work
CARD is a private business, so costs are not set by government. Prices vary by location, the type of service, and the therapist's credentials. An initial diagnostic evaluation typically costs between $1,500 and $3,000 out of pocket. ABA therapy costs vary widely but often range from $100 to $200 per hour, which means a 30-hour-per-week program could cost $3,000 to $6,000 per week before insurance.
Many insurance plans cover ABA therapy, and CARD works with major insurers. However, coverage rules differ by plan and state. Some plans require a diagnosis before they will cover therapy; others have annual limits or require prior authorization. Before you schedule an appointment, call CARD's billing department with your insurance card in hand and ask whether your plan covers ABA and what your out-of-pocket cost would be.
If you do not have insurance or your insurance does not cover CARD's services, you will pay the full cost yourself. This is why many families explore state-funded programs first.
How school districts provide autism services at no cost
If your child is between ages 3 and 21 and attends public school, your school district is required by federal law to evaluate your child for autism and provide services if your child meets the criteria. You do not pay for this evaluation or these services — the school district covers the cost.
To start, contact your child's school and ask for a special education evaluation. You can request this in writing or in person. The school will conduct an evaluation (usually within 60 days) and hold a meeting to discuss the results. If your child is found to have autism, the school will create an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that lists the services your child will receive, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, ABA, or classroom support.
School-based services are free, but they are not always as intensive as private ABA. Many schools provide 5 to 10 hours per week of therapy rather than 20 to 40. Some families use school services and private services together. You can use CARD or another private clinic while your child also receives services through school.
State Medicaid programs and early intervention services
If your family's income is low enough to may have access to for Medicaid, your state's Medicaid program may cover autism evaluations and ABA therapy. Coverage rules vary by state — some states cover ABA extensively, while others cover it only for children under a certain age or with a specific diagnosis.
For children under age 3, most states have an early intervention program (sometimes called Part C services) that provides evaluations and therapy at no cost or on a sliding fee scale. You contact your state's early intervention program directly; they will evaluate your child and connect you with services in your area. Early intervention programs often have shorter wait lists than private clinics.
To find your state's Medicaid autism coverage rules and early intervention program, search "[your state name] Medicaid autism" or "[your state name] early intervention." Your state health department website will have the contact information and may be able to access rules.
How CARD compares to other private clinics and public programs
| Service Type | Cost to You | Wait Time | Intensity | Who Provides It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CARD (private ABA clinic) | $100–$200/hour, or insurance copay | Weeks to months | 20–40 hours/week typical | Private business |
| School district evaluation and services | Free | Up to 60 days for evaluation | 5–15 hours/week typical | Public school |
| State Medicaid ABA | Free or sliding scale | Weeks to months (varies by state) | Varies by state | State health department or contracted provider |
| Early intervention (under age 3) | Free or sliding scale | Days to weeks | 5–10 hours/week typical | State program |
| Other private ABA clinics | $100–$250/hour, or insurance copay | Weeks to months | 20–40 hours/week typical | Private business |
CARD is one of the largest private ABA clinic networks, but it is not the only option. Other private clinics offer similar services, sometimes with shorter wait times or lower costs depending on location. The trade-off is that private clinics are not free and may not accept your insurance.
Public programs (school districts, Medicaid, early intervention) are free or low-cost but often provide less intensive therapy. Many families use both: they get school services and state-funded therapy while also paying for private ABA if they can afford it and want more hours.
Questions to ask before choosing any autism service
Whether you are considering CARD, another private clinic, or a public program, ask these questions before you commit:
- Does this provider accept my insurance? If yes, what is my copay or deductible? If no, what is the full cost per hour or per week?
- How long is the wait list? Some clinics have waits of several months; others can start within weeks.
- How many hours per week of therapy does the provider recommend, and for how long? This tells you the total cost and time commitment.
- Who will be my child's primary therapist? Will it be the same person each session, or will it rotate?
- Does the provider have experience with my child's age and specific needs? Some clinics specialize in young children; others work with teenagers or adults.
- Can I observe sessions, and how often will the provider update me on progress? Regular communication helps you know whether the approach is working.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CARD have locations in my state?
CARD operates in multiple states, but not all. You can search their website for locations, or call their main office to ask whether they serve your area. If they do not, ask them to recommend other ABA clinics in your region. Many states have multiple private ABA providers.
Can I use CARD at the same time as my child's school services?
Yes. Many families use school-based services and private therapy together. Tell both the school and CARD what the other is doing so they can coordinate and avoid overlapping goals. Your child's IEP team may also adjust school services based on what the private clinic is providing.
How do I know if ABA is the right therapy for my child?
ABA is the most researched autism intervention and is covered by most insurance plans, but it is not the only option. Speech therapy, occupational therapy, social skills groups, and other approaches address different skill areas. A diagnostic evaluation should include recommendations for what types of therapy may help. You can also ask your pediatrician or a developmental specialist for guidance.
What if I cannot afford private therapy?
Start with your school district (free evaluation and services) and your state's Medicaid program or early intervention service (free or sliding scale). Many states have waiting lists for intensive ABA through Medicaid, but you can begin with school and early intervention services while you wait. Some private clinics also offer sliding-scale fees or scholarships; ask when you call.
How long does autism therapy usually take?
There is no fixed timeline. Some children make rapid progress and need fewer hours after a year or two; others benefit from ongoing therapy into their teens or adulthood. Your provider should measure progress regularly and adjust the plan based on your child's growth. Ask about progress tracking and how often the plan will be reviewed.