Autism resources in
Sebastian 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.

The pediatricians at this Fort Smith clinic take part in Arkansas's autism screening program, so they can watch your child's development at regular visits and start an evaluation when something needs a closer look. A good first call if you want a local doctor who knows the process.

This is Arkansas's university-based center for full autism and developmental evaluations, where developmental-behavioral pediatricians and specialists work as a team to give your child a clear diagnosis and next steps. They serve families from across the state, including the Fort Smith area.

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.

This is the district office in Sebastian County where your child's IEP or 504 plan is created, and staff can walk you through evaluations, referrals, and your rights as a parent on the team. If your child attends Fort Smith schools, this is your first, most direct contact.

Arkansas's federally funded Parent Training and Information Center, standing beside families of children with disabilities and working hand in hand with schools on IEPs, evaluations, and special education services. Their team will walk you through your rights and your next steps, at no cost to you.

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.

The state's Developmental Disabilities Services page explains how children with an autism diagnosis can access ABA therapy, the Autism Waiver, and Early Intervention Day Treatment. It is the doorway to Medicaid-funded therapy in Arkansas.

A local pediatric clinic serving Fort Smith and Van Buren with ABA, occupational, physical, and speech therapy plus feeding and sensory support. They work with children from birth to age 21, including those with autism.

A Fort Smith clinic providing occupational, physical, speech, feeding, and ABA therapy for children from birth to 21. They build individualized plans for kids with autism and developmental delays.

A family-centered Fort Smith clinic offering pediatric occupational, speech, physical, and aquatic therapy, with speech services in both English and Spanish. A warm local option for kids who need therapy close to home.

This UAMS Health center in Springdale is the region's go-to place for autism and developmental evaluations, offering developmental-behavioral pediatrics and psychological testing for kids across Northwest Arkansas. If you are seeking a diagnosis or next steps, their team can guide you through the process.

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.

Free civil legal help for lower-income Arkansas families, including problems with SSI, Medicaid, and other public benefits. One statewide helpline connects you to the Center for Arkansas Legal Services, which serves Sebastian County.

SSI provides monthly cash payments to children and adults with disabilities who have limited income and resources, and it can also open the door to Medicaid. You can start an application any time by calling Social Security or visiting the Little Rock field office.

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.

A nonprofit serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities since the 1960s, offering an adult day program of life-skills learning and community activities that also welcomes Sebastian County families. A good next step as your child grows toward adulthood.

A long-running Fort Smith nonprofit that supports children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities through waiver services, day programs, and community recreation like swim parties and group outings. Families in the Greater Fort Smith area can call to learn how to enroll and get connected.

Year-round sports training and friendly competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, with Area 4 covering Sebastian County and the Fort Smith River Valley. It is a warm way for your child to build skills, confidence, and friendships at no cost to families.

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.

This guide from Arkansas's legal aid partnership explains adult guardianship and gentler alternatives in plain language, so you can plan for decision-making once your child turns 18. The statewide legal help line can connect qualifying families with free civil legal assistance, including in Sebastian County.

This state agency helps adults and transition-age youth with disabilities prepare for and find work through job training, career counseling, and placement support. The Fort Smith office serves Sebastian County directly, so your family can meet with a counselor close to home.

This long-established Fort Smith nonprofit runs a day program for adults with developmental disabilities that builds daily-living skills and offers real work training, job placement, and supported employment. It's a local, in-person option right here in Sebastian County for the years after school ends.