Autism resources in
Apache County.

Free CDC milestone checklists and a Milestone Tracker app help you follow your child's development from 2 months to 5 years, so you know what to watch for and when to act. A gentle first step when you're unsure whether to seek an evaluation.

An Arizona nonprofit providing autism and developmental diagnostic evaluations for children and adults of any age, conducted by clinical psychologists. You can schedule a free call with a Family Support Specialist to get started.

Arizona's free statewide program for infants and toddlers birth to age 3 who may have a developmental delay or disability. If you have any concerns about your baby's development, you can call to request an evaluation and connect with early intervention services.

Hospital-based developmental and diagnostic evaluations for children who may be on the autism spectrum, with personalized recommendations after a comprehensive assessment. A trusted place to start if you're seeking a formal diagnosis for a young child.

A well-established Arizona nonprofit offering free developmental screenings and coordinating early autism diagnostic evaluations, often getting results to families within about two weeks. Their Family Resource Team can talk you through your options and next steps.

This is the local team that delivers Arizona's Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) for babies and toddlers birth to age 3 in Apache County. If you're worried about your child's development, they can arrange a free developmental evaluation and family-centered support right in your home and community.

Every state has a federally funded Parent Training & Information Center offering free help with IEPs, special-education rights, and early intervention. This hub's directory locates the center that serves your state.

A national nonprofit protecting the rights of students with disabilities. Use their member directory to find a special-education attorney or trained advocate near you when you need help with an IEP or a dispute with a school.

Every state has a federally mandated Protection & Advocacy agency that offers free legal help when a school isn't following your child's IEP or evaluating them as required. This directory connects you to the office serving your area.

Arizona's federally designated protection and advocacy law firm, providing free legal help and advocacy when a school denies your child the special education or accommodations they're entitled to. Their Education Team can guide you through your rights step by step.

Arizona's official Parent Training and Information Center, offering free IEP and 504 support, workshops, and one-on-one help so you don't have to navigate special education alone. A trained parent can even sit beside you at your child's IEP meeting.

A nonprofit law center that helps Native families on the Navajo Nation, which covers much of Apache County, understand their child's special education rights and advocate at IEP meetings. Their services, including IEP support, are free.

You matter too. Psychology Today's therapist finder filters for 'caregiver stress' and 'autism family,' and Open Path Collective offers reduced-cost therapy sessions nationwide. You cannot support your child well without also supporting yourself.

A Phoenix nonprofit providing ABA, speech, and occupational therapy along with diagnostic evaluations, habilitation, respite, and parent training. They serve children and families across the Valley and beyond.

Arizona's state agency connects eligible children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities to therapies, respite, case management, and long-term support. Call to start an eligibility intake and get help navigating services.

A curated listing of ABA, speech, occupational therapy, and other autism service providers across Arizona, kept by a trusted local nonprofit. A helpful starting point when you're searching for the right therapy team for your child.

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities (onset before age 26) save money tax-free without losing Medicaid or SSI eligibility. This center compares every state's ABLE program so you can pick the best one for your family.

This is Arizona's Medicaid long-term care program, and it covers children and adults with developmental disabilities like autism who need a nursing-facility level of care. Approved families can receive in-home supports, therapies, and respite at little or no cost while their child stays at home.

AZ ABLE is Arizona's tax-advantaged savings account that lets people with disabilities set money aside for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. It's a simple way for families to build a financial cushion for their child's future.

Disability Rights Arizona (formerly the Arizona Center for Disability Law) is the state's federally mandated protection and advocacy program, offering free legal help to people with disabilities. They can assist with benefits denials, special education disputes, and abuse or neglect concerns.

This is Arizona's Medicaid program, and for many children with autism it's the doorway to health coverage and the developmental-disability long-term care waiver. You can apply online or by phone to see if your child qualifies based on income and needs.

Offers respite funding and vouchers so worn-out family caregivers can get a break, even when you don't qualify for other programs. Call their Caregiver Resource Line and a real person will help you find and pay for care.

ALTCS is Arizona's Medicaid program that pays for long-term care and home- and community-based services, including respite and attendant care, for children and adults with a developmental disability. It's the main door families in Yavapai County walk through to get DDD services funded.

A free, plain-language guide from the nonprofit World Institute on Disability that helps Arizona families understand SSI, SSDI, AHCCCS, and how working affects benefits. Their Work Incentive Consultants can walk you through the numbers one-on-one.

The nation's oldest grassroots autism organization. Their National Helpline connects families to information and referrals, and their affiliate finder points you to a local chapter in your area for in-person support and events.

The largest national community-based organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Local chapters offer advocacy, family support, and lifelong services. Use the chapter finder to locate the office nearest you.

Dial 2-1-1 (or visit 211.org) to reach a free, confidential referral line for local health and human services in almost every US community — including disability services, respite, food, housing, and financial assistance.

AZA United provides respite care that gives parents and caregivers a much-needed break, with short-term supervision for your child at home or in the community. Their family support team will even help you at no cost with the ALTCS paperwork to access funding.

This 50-year-old local chapter runs free caregiver support groups all over the Valley, including in-person and online meetings, a dads' group, and a Spanish-language group. It's a warm place to connect with other parents who truly get what you're going through.

Serving the Tucson area, this chapter offers parent peer support groups, a fathers' group, and social clubs for children, teens, and autistic adults. They also help families navigate what comes after a diagnosis, all at no cost.

A statewide nonprofit that helps families find autism services and supports through resource referrals, a Day of Learning series, and an annual Autism Expo resource fair. It is a helpful starting point when you are not sure which door to knock on first.

Year-round sports training and competition, at no cost, for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the Phoenix area and beyond. It's a joyful way for your child to build friendships, confidence, and fitness through 16 different sports.

A state council that publishes a free, plain-language Legal Options Manual covering guardianship, supported decision-making, and alternatives, so families can choose the least-restrictive path for an adult with a disability. It also supports self-advocacy groups across Arizona.

The state's Rehabilitation Services Administration helps teens and adults with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep a job through evaluation, training, job placement, and on-the-job support. You can be referred as early as age 14 to start planning for work after high school.

The Arizona courts' free self-help resource that walks families step by step through adult guardianship, including the forms and process for the county probate court. A practical starting point if you're deciding whether guardianship is right as your child turns 18.

A Tucson-based nonprofit that has helped Arizona families since 1994 set up and manage special needs trusts, including pooled trusts, so you can leave money for your loved one without risking their SSI or Medicaid. They can also serve as professional trustee and coordinate ongoing support.