Autism resources in
Garland 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.

The state's Developmental Disabilities Services division explains how autism diagnosis and services work in Arkansas and can connect your family to evaluations, funding, and support programs. It's a helpful starting point for understanding your options across the state.

A partnership between UAMS and Arkansas DHS that brings autism screening and developmental evaluations to communities across the state, helping families get answers faster and shortening the wait for a diagnosis. Suspected cases are fast-tracked to the Dennis Developmental Center for a full evaluation.

Arkansas's free early intervention program for babies and toddlers from birth to age 3 who have a developmental delay or disability. Evaluations are free, and supports like speech, physical, and occupational therapy happen right in your home or community at little or no cost.

This is Arkansas's primary center for diagnosing autism and other developmental conditions in children, with a team of developmental pediatricians, psychologists, and speech-language pathologists. They offer full evaluations and hold outreach clinics in communities across the state.

Based right in Hot Springs and serving Garland County since 1958, First Step offers a developmental preschool and early intervention day treatment for children ages 18 months to 6 years, including kids with autism and developmental delays. It's a warm, local place to get therapy and support close to home.

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.

A state council offering advocacy tools, person-centered planning resources, and training to help families support a loved one with a developmental disability. Their materials cover self-advocacy, supported decision-making, and planning across your child's life.

Arkansas's federally designated protection and advocacy agency, providing free information, guidance, and in some cases legal representation to protect your child's special education rights. Their plain-language guides walk you through IEPs, evaluations, and dispute resolution.

A long-standing Arkansas nonprofit offering advocacy, support groups, and clear guidance on evaluations, eligibility, and school strategies for children with learning disabilities. A helpful place to connect with other parents who understand what you're going through.

Free civil legal help for lower-income Arkansas families, including support with special education disputes, IEP eligibility, and due process when a school isn't meeting your child's needs. Their online guides explain the referral and IEP process step by step.

This is Arkansas's federally funded Parent Training and Information Center, offering free help so you can understand your child's rights and feel prepared and confident walking into IEP meetings. They serve families of children from birth through age 26 across the whole state.

When you and your school district disagree about your child's services, this state office offers free ways to work it out, including IEP facilitation, mediation, state complaints, and due process hearings. Staff can walk you through your options as a parent.

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.

Easterseals Arkansas offers physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy for children from newborn to 18, including those with autism, Down syndrome, and developmental delays. A family service coordinator helps you navigate financial, medical, and educational resources, and teletherapy is available.

UAMS's developmental center in Little Rock evaluates and diagnoses autism and developmental delays in children, with a team of developmental pediatricians, speech-language pathologists, and psychologists. A Family Navigator helps you find services before and after your child's appointment.

A Hot Springs nonprofit serving families of children with special needs since 1958, offering ABA therapy along with early intervention, day treatment, and school-age programs across Garland County and the surrounding area. This is a well-rooted local organization built by parents and professionals in the community.

A pediatric therapy clinic in Hot Springs providing speech, occupational, physical, and developmental therapy for children with delays and special needs. If your child needs several types of therapy in one place, this is a convenient local option.

A Hot Springs clinic offering physical, occupational, speech, and mental health therapy for children, including nature-based options like aquatic and equine therapy. A local choice for families wanting several therapies under one roof.

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.

A tax-advantaged savings account that lets your child save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can open one with as little as $1, and eligibility now extends to disabilities that began before age 46.

Arkansas's Medicaid home- and community-based waiver helps people with autism and other developmental disabilities get support to live in their own home and community instead of an institution. The Developmental Disabilities Services intake team can walk you through applying and joining the waiver list.

This state program reimburses family caregivers up to $300 per quarter (up to $1,200 a year) for a short break, whether that's an in-home helper or a respite center. It's open to Arkansas caregivers of children or adults living in their home, on a first-come basis.

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.

An Arkansas nonprofit that builds community for autism families through autism-friendly events, workshops, and family resources. They also offer a grants program to help support Arkansans with autism on the path toward independence.

A parent-founded center offering training, guidance, and local community chapters to help Arkansas families understand an autism diagnosis and navigate services. They host support connections, workshops, and community events like their annual Zoo Day.

A long-established nonprofit serving people with developmental disabilities and autism and their families across Arkansas since 1988. Their Children and Family Services program helps families find supports so children can thrive at home and in their community.

Year-round sports training and friendly competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, at no cost to athletes or families. Area 10 covers Garland County, with regional games hosted nearby each year.

Arkansas's Division of Developmental Disabilities Services runs the programs that carry your child into adulthood, including the Community and Employment Support (CES) Waiver, Adult Developmental Day Treatment, and job supports. This is the state's main doorway to long-term community-based services and the waiver waitlist.

ARS helps Arkansans with disabilities prepare for and keep a job through vocational rehabilitation, on-the-job training, assistive technology, and school-to-work transition services. With 19 field offices covering all 75 counties, they walk alongside young adults as they move into employment.

Connects Arkansas families to free civil legal aid, including help with guardianship when a young adult with disabilities turns 18. One statewide helpline screens you and routes you to the Center for Arkansas Legal Services, which serves Garland County.

A long-established Arkansas nonprofit with a Hot Springs office providing adult day treatment, supported employment, and CES Waiver services for adults with developmental disabilities. They help your grown child stay active, build job skills, and live as independently as possible.