Early intervention in Richmond, VA
If your baby or toddler is behind on talking, moving or playing, Virginia's early intervention program can help now, before any diagnosis. Here is who to call in Richmond and the counties around it.
Early intervention in Richmond is run by the Infant & Toddler Connection, Virginia's program for children from birth to 36 months who aren't developing as expected. Call the office for your city or county directly; in Richmond, no doctor's referral is needed for an evaluation.
- Who: babies and toddlers under three with a delay or a condition likely to cause one.
- What: speech, occupational and physical therapy, assistive technology and service coordination, often at home.
- Cost: available to all eligible children regardless of a family's ability to pay.
- Early intervention isn't ABA. Many autistic toddlers do both.
What early intervention is in Virginia
The Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia is the state's early intervention system for infants and toddlers, age 0 to 36 months, with disabilities and their families. It runs under Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) leads it.
Virginia's Medicaid agency describes the services as speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, assistive technology, and targeted case management or service coordination. DBHDS says these supports are available to all eligible children and their families regardless of a family's ability to pay.
“We try to serve the whole family. And after the assessment is done and the evaluation, we’ll go over services they may be eligible for and then get them connected to a case manager, speech or physical therapy.”
Infant & Toddler Connection offices around Richmond
| Where you live | Office | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| City of Richmond | Infant & Toddler Connection of Richmond (intake is by phone) | (804) 855-2742 |
| Henrico (also Charles City and New Kent) | Infant & Toddler Connection of Henrico, Charles City, New Kent, 10299 Woodman Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060 | (804) 727-8535 |
| Chesterfield | Infant and Toddler Connection (ITC), Chesterfield, 9711 Farrar Court, Moorefield Commons, Suite 140, North Chesterfield, VA 23236 | 804-768-7205 |
| Hanover | Infant Toddler Connection Program, Hanover County (211 Virginia lists 200 Berkley Street, Ashland, VA 23005) | (804) 365-3330 |
Read 16 October 2026 from 211 Virginia, the Chesterfield County directory and the Hanover County Services for Families page. Office details change, so confirm when you call.
How early intervention works, step by step
- You call. A parent can call the office directly. In Richmond, the city office holds the intake appointment by phone.
- Evaluation. A team looks at how your child moves, talks, plays and learns, to see if they qualify.
- A family plan. If your child qualifies, you and the team write an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) with goals for your family's routines.
- Services start, often at home or in places your child already spends time.
Richmond Behavioral Health Authority told local news in May 2026 that no doctor referral is needed and that families can come in for an evaluation for little to no cost.
“You’re really cutting down on costs later, because you don’t need the therapies later, you don’t need the exceptional education through the school system.”
Early intervention and ABA therapy
Early intervention and ABA are different services that work well together. Early intervention covers broad development: speech, movement, feeding. ABA focuses on learning and behavior, often many hours a week, and for autistic children it's usually paid by Medicaid or private insurance, not the Part C program.
| Infant & Toddler Connection | In-home ABA | |
|---|---|---|
| Ages | 0 to 36 months | 18 months to 12 years (with us) |
| Diagnosis needed? | No, a delay is enough | Insurance usually needs an autism diagnosis |
| Services | Speech, OT, PT, service coordination | One-on-one ABA and parent training |
| Paid by | Ask your local office; services don't depend on ability to pay | Medicaid or private insurance |
If your toddler has an autism diagnosis or is waiting for one, read ABA therapy for toddlers. ABA and early intervention can share goals, so your child hears the same words from everyone.
“Research shows that access to needed services and supports early in life can promote people’s health and well-being over the long term.”
What happens at age three
Part C services end around the third birthday. Before then, your service coordinator helps plan the move to what comes next, often special education preschool through your school division. ABA through insurance can continue past three without a break.
Questions about early intervention in Richmond
Do I need a referral for early intervention in Richmond?
No. A parent can call the Infant & Toddler Connection office directly. Richmond Behavioral Health Authority has said no doctor referral is needed.
Is early intervention free in Virginia?
DBHDS says services are available to all eligible children regardless of a family's ability to pay. Ask your local office how costs work for your family.
Is early intervention the same as ABA?
No. Early intervention includes speech, occupational and physical therapy and service coordination. ABA is a separate therapy, usually paid by Medicaid or insurance.
Can my toddler get early intervention and ABA at the same time?
Yes. Many autistic toddlers do both. The teams can share goals when you give permission.
Questions about ABA for your toddler? Book a call, or read about in-home ABA therapy in Richmond.