Riley County, Kansas

Autism resources in
Riley County.

Local providers and support groups, plus Kansas statewide and nationwide programs — all in one place.

🌱 Diagnosis & Early Intervention

Getting an evaluation and accessing early services.

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.
MilestonesFree appAges 0–5
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.cdc.gov
Kansas's statewide early intervention program offering free developmental evaluations and in-home services for children birth to age 3 with delays or disabilities. Enter your county or zip on their site to connect with your local program, or reach out to get started.
early interventionbirth to 3free evaluationsstatewide
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.itsofks.org
The state agency that oversees Kansas's Part C early intervention system for infants and toddlers with disabilities. Call if you want to understand your child's rights or how the birth-to-3 evaluation and services process works.
state agencyearly interventionPart Cbirth to 3
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.kdhe.ks.gov
The University of Kansas center that runs the state's primary autism diagnostic facility and connects families to evaluations, resources, and parent training. A good first call if you're wondering whether your child should be evaluated for autism.
autism diagnosisuniversity programresourcesstatewide
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: autism.ku.edu
The University of Kansas Health System offers comprehensive, gold-standard autism evaluations for children through a multidisciplinary team. Early diagnosis here opens the door to therapies and a personalized treatment plan.
autism diagnosishospital programevaluationstreatment
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.kansashealthsystem.com
KU Medical Center's pediatrics program provides clinical autism diagnoses, including a telemedicine clinic that cuts wait times for families in rural and underserved parts of Kansas. It works alongside school autism teams so children can be evaluated closer to home.
autism diagnosistelemedicinerural accesspediatrics
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.kumc.edu
If you're worried about how your baby or toddler is growing, talking, or moving, this local program offers free developmental evaluations and in-home early intervention for children birth to age 3 in Riley County. Their team of therapists and teachers comes to you, at no cost.
Early interventionAges 0-3FreeRiley County
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: infant-toddler.org
This university clinic in Manhattan provides diagnostic evaluations for children with communication and speech-language concerns, which can be part of understanding a developmental delay or autism. A sliding-scale fee is available for families who qualify.
EvaluationsSpeech-languageSliding scaleManhattan
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.hhs.k-state.edu
Your local school district offers free developmental screenings for children birth through age 5 who live within the USD 383 boundaries, and full special education evaluations starting at age 3. It's a good first call if you have questions about your child's development.
Free screeningAges 0-5Special educationManhattan
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.usd383.org

⚖️ School & IEP Rights

IEPs, 504 plans, special education, and school advocacy.

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.
IEPFreeFind your center
Verified 2026-06-24 · source: www.parentcenterhub.org
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.
Special ed lawFind an advocateIEP rights
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.copaa.org
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.
Free legal helpDisability rightsBy state
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.ndrn.org
As the official protection and advocacy agency for Kansas, this center provides free legal advocacy to protect the civil rights of children and adults with disabilities, including special education and IEP disputes. Their resource center has plain-language guides on your special education rights.
disability rightslegal advocacyspecial educationfree
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.drckansas.org
This is Kansas's federally designated Parent Training and Information Center, offering free one-on-one help, training, and support to families navigating IEPs, special education, and disability services. Their Education Advocate program can walk you through your child's rights step by step.
IEP helpparent trainingspecial educationfree
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: familiestogetherinc.org
This Kansas statewide family organization offers free information, training, support, and advocacy for parents of children with emotional, behavioral, or educational disabilities, including help with school and IEP concerns. They connect you with peer support from other Kansas parents who have been there.
parent supportschool advocacybehavioral needsfree
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.keys.org
A nonprofit that offers free and low-cost legal help to income-eligible families across Riley County, including school and disability-related matters. Reach out if you need someone in your corner when a dispute with the district gets stuck.
Riley CountyLegal aidFree/low-costDisability
This state agency keeps a plain-language list of Kansas special education resources gathered in one place for parents. It's a helpful starting point when you're trying to understand your rights and figure out who to call next.
state agencyspecial educationparent resourcesrights
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.childadvocate.ks.gov
This is the special education team for Manhattan and Ogden public schools, and they are who you work with directly to evaluate your child and build their IEP. If services feel unclear or you disagree with a plan, this is your first call to ask questions and request a meeting.
Riley CountyIEPPublic schoolsAges 3-21
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.usd383.org

🧩 Therapy & Treatment

ABA, speech, OT, and finding the right providers.

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.
CaregiversMental healthAffordable
Verified 2026-06-24 · source: www.psychologytoday.com
After an autism diagnosis, the Bridge Clinic provides short-term ABA and behavioral intervention from Board Certified Behavior Analysts while you line up a longer-term provider. It includes weekly parent training so the skills carry over at home.
ABAbehavioral therapyparent trainingearly childhood
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: oasis.ku.edu
For military families at Fort Riley, this Army program helps you navigate autism and special-needs care, connecting you to doctors, therapists, and services and coordinating support through Army Community Service. An EFMP Navigator can help you find the right local resources.
Military familiesFort RileyCare navigationSpecial needs
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: home.army.mil
A well-established Manhattan nonprofit offering integrated physical, occupational, speech, and ABA therapy for children with autism, developmental delays, and other disabilities. Their team collaborates across disciplines so your child's whole plan works together under one roof.
ABASpeech & OT/PTAutismNonprofit
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.nostoneunturned.org

💰 Financial Assistance & Benefits

Medicaid waivers, SSI, ABLE accounts, and legal aid.

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.
SavingsTax benefitAll states
Verified 2026-06-24 · source: www.ablenrc.org
Run by the Kansas State Treasurer, an ABLE account lets your child or family save money for disability-related expenses without risking their SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Earnings grow tax-free when used for qualified costs like education, housing, therapy, and assistive technology.
ABLE accountsavingsbenefitstax-free
Kansas offers Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers through KanCare Medicaid, including an Autism waiver for young children and an Intellectual/Developmental Disability waiver, that pay for respite, in-home support, and other services so your child can stay at home with family. This plain-language guide from the Disability Rights Center of Kansas walks you through which waiver fits and how to start.
MedicaidHCBS waiverrespiteautism
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.drckansas.org
Big Lakes is the county-designated organization for Riley County and is your single point of entry to apply for the Kansas I/DD Medicaid (HCBS) waiver and other disability supports. Their eligibility staff walk you through what your child qualifies for and what services are available locally.
I/DD waiverlocaleligibilityRiley County
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.biglakes.org
KanCare is Kansas Medicaid, and it can cover your child's medical care plus the home and community-based waiver services that support kids with autism and developmental disabilities. You can apply online or by phone, and the Clearinghouse can answer eligibility questions.
MedicaidHCBS waiverapplystatewide
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.kancare.ks.gov
A tax-advantaged savings account that lets your child put money aside for disability-related expenses without risking their SSI or Medicaid eligibility. It is run by the Kansas State Treasurer's office and can be opened online.
ABLE accountsavingsprotects benefits
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: savewithable.com

🤗 Support Groups & Community

Find your people — in person and online.

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.
AutismHelplineLocal chapters
Verified 2026-06-24 · source: autismsociety.org
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.
IDDAdvocacyLocal chapters
Verified 2026-06-24 · source: thearc.org
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.
FreeReferrals24/7
Verified 2026-06-24 · source: www.211.org
The Autism Society of America's affiliate serving Kansas families, offering caregiver support meetings, sensory-friendly events, and social groups for teens and adults on the spectrum. It's a welcoming place to connect with other local families who get it.
Support groupsSocial eventsCommunityKansas & MO
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.asaheartland.org
A free program that pairs you one-on-one with a trained Kansas parent who has raised a child with a similar diagnosis or situation, so you have someone to lean on. They also host twice-monthly online Topic Talks for parents to connect and share.
Peer supportMentoringFreeStatewide
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: familiestogetherinc.org
The state's single call point for caregivers seeking respite, in-home help, and disability services anywhere in Kansas. Staff can connect you to your local Community Developmental Disability Organization and respite options for a much-needed break.
RespiteState agencyCaregiver supportStatewide
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.kdads.ks.gov
The community developmental disability organization (CDDO) for Riley County since 1973, offering day services, employment support, and residential services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They're your local starting point for connecting to services in the county.
developmental disabilityCDDOadult servicesRiley County
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.biglakes.org
Year-round adaptive recreation and social programs for children, teens, and adults with disabilities, including bowling, Friday fun nights, movie nights, and adaptive art. A welcoming way to build friendships and leisure skills close to home.
recreationadaptive programsall agescommunity
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.manhattanks.gov

🚀 Adult Transition & Long-Term Planning

Aging out of school, adult services, and long-term planning.

This state council supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live, work, and belong in their communities, with resources on employment, transition, ABLE accounts, and self-advocacy. It's a good starting point for understanding the bigger picture of adult services in Kansas.
advocacytransitioncommunity livingstatewide
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.kcdd.org
This statewide program recruits and supports trained volunteer guardians and conservators for adults with disabilities who need someone to help protect their rights and make decisions. It's a helpful resource for families thinking through guardianship or alternatives for the long term.
guardianshipconservatorshiplong-term planningstatewide
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: ksgprog.org
Kansas's state agency for adult disability services runs the I/DD Medicaid waiver that funds adult day programs, supported employment, and residential support once your child ages out of school. Their statewide resource center can walk you through eligibility and connect you to your local point of entry.
I/DD waiveradult day servicesaging outstatewide
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.kdads.ks.gov
This state program helps teens and adults with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep a job, including pre-employment transition services for students still in high school. Counselors offer job training, placement, and ongoing supported-employment help at no cost.
vocational rehabemploymenttransitionstatewide
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.dcf.ks.gov
OCCK serves adults with disabilities across north central Kansas, including Riley County, with job training, supported employment, in-home support, and community living services. A helpful option as your young adult moves toward independence and work.
EmploymentIn-home supportCommunity living
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: occk.com
A note on these listings. This directory is informational and not an endorsement. Programs, phone numbers, and eligibility change — always confirm details directly with the provider before relying on them. Nothing here is medical or legal advice. Spot something out of date? Suggest or report a resource →

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