A comprehensive, Omaha-specific guide created by Radical Minds for families of children ages 1–6 navigating developmental services in Douglas & Sarpy Counties

💙 So You Got a Diagnosis

Hearing that your child has autism or another developmental diagnosis can feel overwhelming. You may feel shock, relief, confusion, or even grief — sometimes all at once. Every parent’s reaction is different, and all of those feelings are valid.

Here are a few things Radical Minds wants you to know right away:

• You are not alone. Thousands of families in Omaha are on this path.

• This is not your fault. A diagnosis is a tool that opens doors to services and supports.

• There is hope. With early supports in the foundational years, children can make meaningful progress.

• You don’t have to do everything today. This handbook helps you take one step at a time.

Radical Minds serves children ages 1–6, with some children continuing beyond age 6 depending on individual needs. We created this handbook to help Omaha families feel confident and supported in their first steps.

Quick Start: Step-by-Step

This checklist is meant to give you a clear starting place — the big steps most families in Omaha take during the first weeks and months. Each step is explained later in the guide, so use this as a roadmap and move through it at your own pace.

1. Schedule a follow-up with your diagnosing provider. See Section 2 (Pediatrician).
2. Request a written copy of the diagnostic report. See Section 1 (First Steps).
3. Call your insurance provider to ask about autism coverage. See Section 6 (Insurance & Nebraska Funding).
4. Apply for Early Intervention (if under 3). See Section 3 (Early Intervention).
5. Request an evaluation from your school district (if age 3+). See Section 4 (School Services).
6. Confirm your pediatrician — or choose one familiar with autism. See Section 2 (Pediatrician).
7. Ask your pediatrician about referrals to specialists (neurology, genetics, psychiatry, psychology as needed). See Section 15 (Health & Co-Occurring Conditions).
8. Contact ABA therapy providers and ask about start dates and caseloads. See Section 5a (Choosing Quality ABA).
9. Schedule a speech-language evaluation. See Section 5 (Speech Therapy).
10. Schedule an occupational therapy evaluation. See Section 5 (Occupational Therapy).
11. Explore Nebraska Medicaid & waiver options. See Section 6 (Insurance & Funding).
12. Connect with a parent support group or autism resource center. See Section 9 (Community Supports).
13. Organize your records: reports, IEP/IFSP, insurance paperwork. See Section 11 (Parent Timeline & Checklists).
14. Set up regular check-ins with your care team and school. See Section 14 (Day-to-Day Practical Living).
15. Begin parent training or caregiver support programs. See Section 5a (ABA & Parent Training).

Before You Begin: Understanding Medical vs. Educational Diagnosis

One of the first confusing things families notice is that they may hear the word “diagnosis” in two different settings — at a doctor’s office and at school. These mean different things, and both can be important.

Medical Diagnosis

• Given by a physician or licensed psychologist (such as a developmental pediatrician, child psychiatrist, or clinical psychologist).

• Based on the DSM-5 criteria.

• Required for insurance coverage of services like ABA, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.

• Portable: valid across settings (insurance, clinics, specialists).

Educational Identification

• Determined by your school district after an evaluation for special education.

• Based on educational law (IDEA), which uses criteria related to how a condition affects school functioning.

• Determines eligibility for school-based services (e.g., speech therapy, occupational therapy, classroom supports, transportation).

• Only applies inside the school system — it cannot be used to get insurance coverage outside school.

Why Families May Need Both

• A medical diagnosis allows you to access medically necessary therapies through insurance and community providers.

• An educational identification ensures your child qualifies for and receives appropriate services and accommodations at school.

• It’s common for children to have both. Example:

  • Medical diagnosis of autism → insurance covers ABA therapy.

  • Educational identification of autism → school provides an IEP with speech therapy and classroom supports.

👉 At Radical Minds, we explain it this way: Medical = therapy access. Educational = school services. Both matter, and having one doesn’t replace the other.

1. First Steps After Diagnosis

Radical Minds encourages parents to:

• Ask Questions: Request plain-language explanations.

• Get Copies: Keep the diagnostic report and any evaluations.

• Stay Organized: Use a binder or folder for reports, insurance letters, IEP documents.

2. Work with Your Pediatrician

• Share your child’s diagnostic report.

• Ask your pediatrician for a referral. Most insurance plans require a referral or prescription from your child’s doctor before beginning ABA therapy.

• Ask about screenings for sleep, feeding, or related health needs.

• Your pediatrician is the medical home — the hub of your child’s care.

Radical Minds frequently works with pediatricians to ensure children can start ABA services promptly.

3. Early Intervention (Birth–3)

If your child is under 3, Nebraska’s Early Development Network (EDN) provides services.

📞 Contacts:

• Douglas & Sarpy (outside OPS): ESU #3 – 402-597-4936 | esu3.org

• OPS Families: OPS/ESU #19 – 402-557-2000 | ops.org

Services may include speech, occupational, or physical therapy, plus family coaching.

4. School Services (Age 3+)

At age 3, school districts become responsible for providing special education services. Families should submit a written request for an IEP evaluation.

Radical Minds encourages families to collaborate with schools while participating in ABA. We can also provide a note for school absences when children attend clinic sessions, so families don’t feel caught between the two systems.

School and ABA can complement each other: schools provide educationally focused supports (academic, classroom participation) while ABA provides medically based therapy (behavioral, communication, daily living skills). Together, they can support the whole child.

📞 District Context:

• Omaha Public Schools (OPS): Nebraska’s largest district, serving ~52,000 students. Offers preschool programs, speech/OT, and autism supports. Call the Special Education office: 402-557-2315.

• Millard Public Schools: ~24,000 students in southwest Omaha. Known for robust early childhood programs. Call 402-715-8300.

• Westside Community Schools: Mid-sized district (~6,000 students) with a single high school and strong special services. Call 402-390-2100.

• Elkhorn Public Schools: Fast-growing suburban district with strong early education expansion. Call 402-289-2579.

• Papillion-La Vista Community Schools (PLCS): Serves ~12,000 students in Sarpy County with 2 high schools and a range of autism programs. Call 402-537-6200.

• Bellevue Public Schools: ~10,000 students, with strong connections to military families at Offutt AFB. Call 402-293-4000.

• Ralston Public Schools: Smaller district (~3,400 students) with a personalized approach to special education. Call 402-331-4700.

• Bennington Public Schools: High-growth northwest Omaha district (~3,000 students). Call 402-238-3044.

• Gretna Public Schools: Expanding district serving ~6,000 students with new facilities. Call 402-332-3265.

• Springfield Platteview Community Schools: Small district (~1,500 students), call 402-339-3606.

• DC West: Rural/suburban district (~1,300 students) serving Valley/Waterloo, call 402-359-2583.

Radical Minds does not provide IEP services, but encourages families to pursue school supports alongside ABA.

5. Therapies & Services 

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

• What it looks like: ABA sessions are usually 2–4 hours long and may happen multiple times per week. Children work 1:1 with a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

• Skills targeted: communication (requesting, labeling, social language), play, social interaction, self-care (toileting, dressing, feeding), and daily routines.

• Goals: individualized for each child and adjusted frequently. Progress is tracked with data and shared with families.

• Education of providers: BCBAs hold a master’s degree or higher in applied behavior analysis/related field and board certification. RBTs complete formal training and ongoing supervision.

Speech Therapy (SLP)

• What it looks like: Sessions are usually 30–60 minutes.

• Skills targeted: speech sounds, expressive/receptive language, social communication, and feeding/swallowing.

• Goals: may include expanding vocabulary, building sentences, improving clarity, or supporting alternative communication (like AAC devices).

• Education of providers: Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology, licensed and certified (CCC-SLP).

Occupational Therapy (OT)

• What it looks like: Sessions are typically 30–60 minutes.

• Skills targeted: fine motor skills (grasping, writing, cutting), self-care (feeding, dressing, brushing teeth), sensory processing, and play skills.

• Goals: helping children participate in daily life activities more independently.

• Education of providers: Master’s or doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy, licensed and certified (OTR/L).

Physical Therapy (PT)

• What it looks like: Sessions are typically 30–60 minutes.

• Skills targeted: gross motor development — walking, balance, coordination, posture, jumping, stair climbing.

• Goals: improving strength, endurance, mobility, and participation in physical activities.

• Education of providers: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), licensed and certified.

Feeding Therapy: Specialized programs often at clinics like UNMC.

📊 Service Comparison Table

5a. Choosing Quality ABA Services

The ABA field has grown rapidly in recent years, and families in Omaha now have more choices than ever. With that growth, however, not all providers hold the same standards of quality and ethics.

As you consider providers, keep these points in mind:

✅ Signs of Ethical, High-Quality ABA

• Care is individualized to your child.

• A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is actively involved in your child’s program.

• Therapists are trained, supervised, and supported.

• Parents are partners — your input shapes goals.

• Progress is tracked and shared openly.

• Therapy focuses on functional, meaningful skills and uses positive, child-centered methods.

• BCBA caseloads are small enough to allow meaningful oversight. At Radical Minds, BCBAs typically serve just 5–7 children each, which allows them to spend real time observing your child, adjusting programs, and coaching parents.

🚩 Red Flags That May Signal Lower-Quality Care

• Programs look the same for every child.

• BCBAs are hard to reach or rarely observe therapy.

• High staff turnover with little training.

• Parents are excluded or not shown progress data.

• The focus is on compliance rather than skill-building.

• BCBAs stretched across 10+ children, leaving little time for direct involvement.

📌 Why This Matters: ABA should never be about “filling hours.” It should be about building skills that matter for your child and your family.

At Radical Minds, we are a locally founded, locally led organization. We believe in partnering with Omaha families to provide early, ethical, high-quality ABA — because this is our home, too.

6. Insurance & Nebraska Funding

Radical Minds educates families about:

• Private Insurance coverage for ABA.

• Nebraska Medicaid Managed Care Plans (families choose one):

  • Molina Healthcare

  • Nebraska Total Care

  • UnitedHealthcare Community Plan (UHC Community)

• Waivers: Katie Beckett, A&D, DD Waiver.

• Other supports: SSI, ABLE accounts.

7. Understanding Deductibles, Co-Insurance & Out-of-Pocket Maximums

💡 Example:

• Deductible $3,000

• Co-insurance 20%

• Out-of-Pocket Max $8,000

👉 In practice:

1. The family pays the first $3,000 in full (the deductible).

2. After that, for each ABA session (or other covered service), the family pays 20% of the allowed cost and insurance pays 80%.

3. This continues until the family has spent a total of $8,000 for the year.

4. After $8,000, insurance pays 100% of covered services for the rest of the year.

8. Waitlists & Getting Started

Most ABA providers in Omaha have waitlists of 3–9 months. Radical Minds does not maintain an ABA waitlist.Children ages 1–6 can start services without delay, subject to scheduling and time slot availability.

Other systems may still involve waitlists (such as speech therapy, OT, PT, or the DD Waiver). While families are waiting for those services, they can:

• Request IEP evaluations through their school district.

• Join workshops from AAP or PTI Nebraska.

• Use home supports such as visual schedules and routines.

9. Community & Advocacy Supports

• Autism Action Partnership (AAP): Parent training, sensory-friendly events, micro-grants.

• PTI Nebraska: Free statewide support for parents navigating IEPs and rights.

• Autism Society of Nebraska (ASN): Parent groups and social/recreational events.

• Munroe-Meyer Institute (UNMC): Evaluations, therapy clinics, feeding programs, and medical specialty services.

• Disability Rights Nebraska: Advocacy and legal supports.

11. Parent Timeline & Checklists

Radical Minds recommends:

• Weeks 1–2: Pediatrician, EDN

• Weeks 2–3: Request IEP (if age 3+)

• Weeks 3–4: Call insurance, apply for waivers

• Month 2+: Begin therapies, join supports

12. Sample Tools

IEP Request Letter Example:

“Hello, this is [Parent Name]. I am writing to request that my child, [Child’s Name], age [X], DOB [MM/DD/YYYY], be evaluated for special education services under IDEA.

We live in the [School District] attendance area. Please confirm receipt of this request and provide information about the evaluation timeline.

Thank you,

[Parent Contact Info]”

Insurance Call Script Example:

“Hello, I am calling to ask about autism therapy coverage. Does my plan cover ABA therapy for children ages 1–6? What is my deductible, co-insurance, and out-of-pocket maximum? Do I need a referral or prior authorization? Which providers are in-network?”

Sample IEP Goals for Ages 3–6:

• Communication: “Student will request help using words or pictures in 4/5 opportunities.”

• Behavior: “Student will use a break card or coping strategy instead of tantrums in 3/5 opportunities.”

• Social: “Student will join a peer in play for 5 minutes with prompts.”

• Independence: “Student will put on coat and backpack with one prompt 4/5 days.”

13. Parent Rights Highlights

• IEP requests must be answered within 45 school days.

• Advocates and interpreters are allowed.

• Parents may request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE).

14. Day-to-Day Practical Living

• Toileting: ABA and OT can teach toileting in small steps with reinforcement. Schools can write toileting into IEPs.

• Feeding: Many children are picky or have trouble swallowing. Specialized feeding therapy (UNMC Feeding Clinic) is available.

• Sleep: Create consistent routines, limit screens, and ask pediatricians about sleep supports.

• Childcare: Nebraska daycares must consider accommodations. At age 3+, children may qualify for free special education preschool.

• Transportation: Nebraska Medicaid may cover rides for therapy appointments, but young children typically must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

  • Most school districts provide transportation through an IEP if it is listed as a related service. This can include:

    • Bussing to and from a special education preschool program

    • Bussing to and from a clinic (such as Radical Minds) if written into the IEP.

  • Radical Minds coaches families on how to discuss transportation needs with their IEP teams so children can access both school and clinic-based supports.
• Sensory Strategies: Families often use headphones, chew tools, weighted lap pads, or visual schedules.

• Preparing for Haircuts/Dentists: Practice at home, use social stories, and ask about autism-friendly providers.

15. Health & Co-Occurring Conditions

Many children with autism also experience ADHD, anxiety, gastrointestinal (GI) issues, seizures, or sleep problems. These co-occurring conditions can significantly affect learning and daily life.

What families should do:

• Always coordinate with your pediatrician about ongoing health concerns.

• In many cases, it may also be appropriate to seek consultation with a child psychiatrist (for medication management) or a child psychologist (for diagnostic clarification, anxiety, or emotional/behavioral support).

• Ask your pediatrician for referrals to specialists if concerns arise with attention, mood, feeding, sleep, or seizures.

How Radical Minds fits in:

• Radical Minds provides behavioral supports and does not manage medical care.

• When children are under the care of psychiatrists, psychologists, or pediatric specialists, we work collaboratively — for example, by collecting data on behavior, sleep, or side effects so physicians can see how medications or interventions are impacting your child in real life.

16. Family & Sibling Supports

• Autism Action Partnership (AAP): Family mentorship, sensory-friendly outings, parent trainings.

• PTI Nebraska: Support for parents navigating IEPs and rights.

• Autism Society of Nebraska: Peer support groups and family social events.

• Boys Town: Parenting classes and sibling-focused supports.

• Nebraska Respite Network: Matches families with respite providers so caregivers can take breaks.

17. Recreation, Faith & Inclusion

• Special Olympics Nebraska: Sports and recreation for children (generally older).

• Challenger Baseball: Inclusive baseball league for children with developmental disabilities.

• YMCA Adaptive Programs: Some locations offer adaptive swimming and classes.

• Bloom Dance Studio: Inclusive dance classes designed for children of all abilities, focusing on movement, fun, and social connection.

• All-Inclusive Aquatics: Adaptive swim lessons and recreational swim opportunities for children with disabilities in the Omaha area.

• Omaha Children’s Museum: Sensory-friendly nights with reduced crowds.

• Henry Doorly Zoo: Offers sensory maps and quiet areas.

• Marcus Theatres: Sensory-friendly movie showings.

• WhyArts? and VSA Nebraska: Inclusive art programming.

• Faith Communities: Many Omaha churches and temples host sensory-friendly services.

18. Looking Ahead: Transition Planning Beyond Age 6

Although Radical Minds primarily serves ages 1–6, some children may continue beyond age 6 depending on needs. Families should also know:

• IEPs expand in elementary, middle, and high school.

• Transition planning begins at age 14 in Nebraska.

• Schools, VR, and Region 6 Behavioral Health take on larger roles as children grow.

19. Adulthood Services (For Future Reference)

Families may later interact with: Nebraska VR, Region 6, DD Waiver housing, guardianship, and Supported Decision-Making. Radical Minds does not provide adult services, but includes this for long-term awareness.

20. Future Planning

Families may eventually consider:

• Special Needs Trusts

• ABLE Accounts ($17,000/year contribution limit)

• Estate planning with an attorney

21. FAQ

Access & Referrals

• Do I need a referral to start ABA? Usually yes, from a pediatrician.

• Can my child get school and ABA services together? Yes, they complement each other.

• How quickly can my child start at Radical Minds? We do not maintain an ABA waitlist. Admission depends only on scheduling and time slot availability.

• What if another provider says there’s a long waitlist? Families are free to compare providers; ask about start dates and staffing stability.

Insurance & Funding

• Does Nebraska Medicaid cover ABA? Yes, through Molina, Nebraska Total Care, and UHC Community.

• What if insurance denies coverage? Appeal, request written denial, explore Medicaid/waivers.

• What’s the difference between deductible, co-pay, and co-insurance? Deductible = what you pay first. Co-pay = flat fee per visit. Co-insurance = shared percentage after deductible. Out-of-pocket max = cap for the year.

• What financial supports exist beyond insurance? Medicaid waivers, SSI, ABLE accounts.

School

• IEP vs 504 plan? IEP = specialized instruction, 504 = accommodations only.

• How do I request an IEP? Submit a written request to your district’s special education office.

• What if the school says my child doesn’t qualify? You can request an Independent Educational Evaluation.

• Can my child still get ABA if they already receive speech/OT through school? Yes, medical therapy and educational services can work together.

Therapy & Progress

• How many ABA hours does my child need? Plans are individualized, generally 10–25 hours per week for ages 1–6.

• How do I know ABA is working? Providers should share data and you should see functional progress.

• What does ethical ABA look like? Individualized, transparent, reinforcing, child-centered.

• What if I disagree with therapy goals? Parents are part of the treatment team — goals should be updated with your input.

Daily Life

• What if my daycare won’t accept my child? Schools must serve at age 3; daycares must consider accommodations.

• Are there respite options in Omaha? Nebraska Respite Network and A&D Waiver may provide supports.

• How can I support siblings? Many nonprofits (ASN, Boys Town) offer sibling groups.

• What can I do at home while waiting for services? Use visual schedules, structured routines, and positive reinforcement strategies.

Long-Term Planning

• What happens after age 6? Schools take the lead, with IEPs through elementary and beyond.

• What is transition planning? Begins at 14; schools help prepare for life after high school.

• What about adulthood? Families may later work with VR, Region 6, and DD Waiver supports. Radical Minds provides this information for awareness but does not serve adults.

22. Glossary

• ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis): Therapy using reinforcement to teach communication, play, social, and life skills.

• BCBA: Board Certified Behavior Analyst — designs and oversees ABA programs.

• RBT: Registered Behavior Technician — provides ABA under BCBA supervision.

• SLP: Speech-Language Pathologist — supports communication and feeding.

• OT: Occupational Therapist — supports sensory, play, and self-care.

• PT: Physical Therapist — works on gross motor skills.

• IEP: Individualized Education Program — special education plan.

• 504 Plan: School plan for accommodations only.

• IFSP: Individualized Family Service Plan — early intervention plan for birth–3.

• EDN: Early Development Network — Nebraska’s early intervention system.

• ESU: Educational Service Unit — regional agency supporting schools and early intervention.

• Waiver: Medicaid program that funds additional services.

• SSI: Supplemental Security Income — monthly income for children with disabilities (income-based).

• ABLE Account: Tax-free savings account for disability-related expenses.

• Deductible: What you pay before insurance coverage begins.

• Co-pay: A fixed cost per visit.

• Co-insurance: A percentage of costs shared with insurance after deductible is met.

26. Nebraska Autism Insurance Mandate

Nebraska law requires many insurance plans regulated by the state to cover autism spectrum disorder services, including ABA therapy.

• Age Range: Most plans must cover services up to age 20.

• Scope: Coverage includes ABA therapy, speech, OT, and other medically necessary services for autism.

• Plan Type Matters: Self-funded employer plans (often large corporations) may be exempt from state mandates. Families should confirm directly with HR or their insurance administrator.

👉 Always request written confirmation of benefits. If coverage is denied, families have the right to appeal and may also explore Nebraska Medicaid options.

27. Legal Disclaimer

This guide is for educational purposes only.

• Radical Minds provides ABA services for children ages 1–6, with some children continuing beyond age 6 depending on needs.

• It does not replace medical, legal, educational, or financial advice.

• Families should confirm details with pediatricians, insurers, school districts, attorneys, and other qualified professionals.

28. Credits & Feedback

Prepared by Radical Minds

Edition: Omaha 2025

📌 Feedback & Updates

This guide will be updated periodically to reflect changes in Nebraska policy and local resources.

If you see an error, have a suggested addition, or want to request a future topic, please contact:

📧 Hello@radicalmindsomaha.com

🌐 radicalmindsomaha.com

📌 Copyright & Use Statement

© 2025 Radical Minds. All rights reserved.

This handbook was created by Radical Minds as a community resource for families of children ages 1–6 in Greater Omaha. You are welcome to share this guide in its original form with parents, pediatricians, educators, and professionals.

You may not copy, alter, rebrand, or redistribute this material, in whole or in part, without express written permission from Radical Minds. Any unauthorized use may violate copyright, trademark, and other applicable laws.

For permissions or partnership inquiries, please contact:

📧 Hello@radicalmindsomaha.com

🌐 radicalmindsomaha.com

✅ Final Thoughts

This journey is not a sprint — it’s a marathon.

In the early years (ages 1–6), Radical Minds focuses on helping children build communication, play, and independence. Some children continue services beyond 6 depending on their needs, but schools and other systems begin to take a larger role as children grow.

This handbook equips families with a clear map — from diagnosis to services — so no Omaha parent feels lost.

💙 From all of us at Radical Minds: thank you for trusting us in your child’s foundational years.