In the April-June 2026 quarter, 11,435 ESA students statewide had autism, more than half of all students in the disability categories. ADE's 2025-26 (ADE estimate; the 2026-27 chart isn't posted yet) chart places autism with multiple disabilities and severe intellectual disability, at roughly $34,121 to $47,725 a year; kindergartners receive half.
Valley autism programs differ a lot. Some are full-day schools with behavior analysts on staff; others run small classrooms with therapy brought in. Several operate more than one campus, so compare the branch nearest you rather than the organization as a whole.
Before you apply, make sure your child's IEP or MET report from your district lists autism as the category. That is what sets the ESA amount, and private diagnoses alone do not set it unless they come through an independent educational evaluation.
What the account can pay for
- Tuition at a qualified school that fingerprints staff
- Licensed therapies such as ABA, speech and occupational therapy, including what insurance leaves
- A licensed aide or paraprofessional
- Evaluations and assistive-technology rentals
Therapies, aides and devices are allowed ESA purchases when they meet ADE's rules and the provider is licensed or accredited. Read the full list →