Autism resources in
Kootenai 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.

Based at the University of Idaho, CDHD is the state's University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, supporting families through education, research, and community services. It's a trusted hub for information and connection to disability supports across Idaho.

Idaho's statewide early intervention program helps children from birth to age 3 who have a developmental delay or a condition likely to cause one. Services like developmental therapy, speech, and occupational therapy are provided at no cost to families, and you can refer your own child.

This university clinic in Pocatello offers comprehensive autism and neurodevelopmental evaluations, using the gold-standard ADOS-2 assessment, for anyone from 12 months old through adulthood. It's open to the whole community and offers an affordable, high-quality diagnostic option.

A pediatric psychology practice in Coeur d'Alene dedicated exclusively to comprehensive autism evaluations for children and adolescents. They offer families in northern Idaho a specialized place to seek a diagnosis.

This Meridian-based clinic provides early diagnosis and evaluation for children and teens ages 18 months to 18 years. Their focus is on getting families a clear, timely autism diagnosis so support can begin sooner.

A Coeur d'Alene clinic offering formal autism diagnostic evaluations for children as young as 12 months, plus ABA therapy if your child is diagnosed. They accept most major insurance and have a dedicated line for parents and caregivers.

This is Idaho's free early intervention program for children birth to age 3 who have a developmental delay or a condition that may cause one. The evaluation is always free, and you can call the local Coeur d'Alene office directly to get started, even while you are still pursuing an autism diagnosis.

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.

As Idaho's official protection and advocacy agency, Disability Rights Idaho offers free help and legal advocacy when your child faces problems getting the special education and services they're entitled to. They can advise you, help you write letters, and step in when the school isn't listening.

If you and your school disagree about your child's IEP, the state's dispute resolution office offers free facilitation, mediation, formal complaints, and due process hearings to help resolve it. These options are open to any Idaho parent and you don't have to try them in any set order.

IPUL is Idaho's federally funded Parent Training and Information Center, where parents who have raised kids with disabilities help you understand IEPs, 504 plans, and your special education rights. Their coaching is free and available to families statewide.

This local independent living center in Post Falls offers free one-on-one advocacy, information and referral, and peer support for families across Kootenai County. They can help you understand your rights and stand alongside you when you need support.

The state's main special education hub, home to the Idaho Special Education Manual and your procedural safeguards — the plain rules that spell out your rights in the IEP process. A trustworthy starting point when you want to know what the school is required to do.

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.

This is Idaho's state program connecting kids with autism and developmental disabilities to intervention services like behavioral therapy and skill-building, plus family supports such as respite. Call to apply, check eligibility, or find approved provider agencies near you.

Idaho's Parent Training and Information Center, a nonprofit that helps families navigate developmental disability and autism services, early intervention, and special education with one-on-one guidance and training. A warm first call when you're not sure where to start.

St. Luke's Children's offers pediatric speech-language, occupational, and physical therapy for kids with autism and other developmental needs, with clinics in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, and Twin Falls. A trusted hospital-based option for evaluations and ongoing therapy.

The rehabilitation team at Kootenai Health, the region's community hospital in Coeur d'Alene, offers pediatric speech, occupational, and physical therapy with comprehensive evaluations and family-centered treatment planning. They are described as north Idaho's premier pediatric therapy provider.

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.

Idaho ABLE lets people with a disability that began before age 46 save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. The State Independent Living Council offers free help setting up an account and understanding the program.

Idaho's Medicaid program provides home- and community-based services and support for children under 18 with developmental disabilities so they can stay with their families. Call the Developmental Disability Program office to ask about eligibility and start an application.

Idaho's Department of Health and Welfare covers home and community-based services through Medicaid for children birth through 17 with a developmental disability, including case management and family-centered service planning. Apply for Medicaid and this program at the same time, and an independent assessment determines what supports your child qualifies for.

Run by the Idaho State Treasurer, this program lets a person with a qualifying disability save money for everyday and future needs without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can learn more and open an account at idahoable.com.

This local office provides free civil legal help to lower-income families, including guidance and representation for Social Security SSI and SSDI applications and denials. If your child's disability benefits were denied or you need help navigating public benefits, they can walk you through it.

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.

This state council advocates for people with developmental disabilities and their families and helps them find and direct the services and supports they need. A good starting point for understanding your rights and the systems that serve your child.

RISE provides respite care, family education (including autism-specific training), community-based supports, and recreation for Idaho children with developmental disabilities. Their respite gives caregivers a real break while kids are cared for by trained staff.

A statewide program offering year-round sports, fitness, health screenings, and community for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ages 2 and up. It's a joyful way for your child to build friendships, confidence, and belonging.

A Hayden-based organization that supports people with developmental disabilities through community activities, recreation, and family support close to home in Kootenai County. Their team can help you find the right programs and day-support options for your family.

A Coeur d'Alene nonprofit started by local parents that offers year-round recreation, social groups, sports, and Camp All-Stars day camps for kids and adults with disabilities across North Idaho. It is a warm way for your child to make friends and stay active while you get a little breathing room.

A state council focused on independence, inclusion, and long-term planning for Idahoans with developmental disabilities, offering guidance, training, and connections to services across the lifespan. A helpful starting point for families mapping out adult and long-term supports.

Idaho's state agency that helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep a job, with special programs for transition-age students moving from high school into work. Counselors offer career guidance, job coaching, training, and workplace support in offices across all 44 counties.

A state-funded program offering long-term job coaching, transportation to work, and ongoing work support for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who need help staying employed after vocational rehab ends. Families usually reach it through a referral from Idaho Vocational Rehabilitation.

The state program that connects adults with developmental disabilities to Medicaid supports like day habilitation, supported employment, residential help, and self-directed 'My Voice, My Choice' services. This is also where your family applies when a young adult ages out of children's DD services into the adult system.

When your young adult is aging out of school services, this state agency helps them prepare for, find, and keep a job through career assessment, training, and on-the-job coaching. The Coeur d'Alene office serves families across northern Idaho.

A statewide nonprofit that helps families and professionals understand guardianship, conservatorship, and special needs trust planning through education, resources, and standards for ethical, least-restrictive care. A good starting point when you are weighing long-term legal and financial protections.

A one-year, hands-on transition program that places young adults with disabilities in real worksite internships so they can build job skills and move into competitive employment as they leave the school system. Run locally through Coeur d'Alene Public Schools.