Autism resources in
Jefferson 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.

Kentucky's free statewide program that evaluates babies and toddlers from birth to age 3 and provides therapy and support if your child has a developmental delay or disability. You can call to make a referral yourself — no doctor needed, and services are available in every county.

Kentucky's parent-run information center that helps you understand evaluations, First Steps early intervention, and the whole process of getting your child diagnosed and supported. Real people who have been through it can guide you and answer your questions for free.

Kentucky's dedicated autism center, offering autism testing and diagnosis along with therapy and family support all in one place. Based in Louisville with outreach diagnostic clinics in Bowling Green, Owensboro, Paducah, and Somerset.

The University of Kentucky's clinic in Lexington that provides thorough diagnostic evaluations for autism, developmental delays, ADHD, and related conditions in young children. A good option for families in central and eastern Kentucky seeking a formal medical diagnosis.

A specialized tertiary clinic in downtown Louisville providing diagnostic evaluations and treatment for infants and children with autism, developmental disabilities, ADHD, and learning differences. Connected to Norton Children's at the Novak Center for Children's Health.

Families for Effective Autism Treatment is a local nonprofit that supports Greater Louisville families through the autism journey, including a directory of trusted service providers. Parents just starting out can lean on them for guidance, community, and programs built for the whole family.

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.

The state's special education office offers clear, official guidance on eligibility, ARC/IEP meetings, and 504 plans, including a family video series that walks you through the process step by step. It's a trustworthy place to check what the rules actually say for Kentucky schools.

Kentucky's designated disability rights agency protects your child's legal rights in school, including help understanding IEPs, 504 plans, and issues like restraint and seclusion. They provide free information, publications, and legal advocacy for Kentucky families.

A Louisville nonprofit serving the intellectual and developmental disability community across greater Louisville, with an Education Toolkit to help families understand and navigate school services and special education rights. A warm local place to start when you have questions.

This is Jefferson County Public Schools' own resource hub for families of students with disabilities, walking you through referrals, IEP development, related services, and your procedural safeguards. Guides are available in many languages, and staff can answer questions about the special education process.

A Louisville-based nonprofit (formerly KY IEP Advocate) that helps parents become confident advocates through IEP support tailored to each school stage, from First Steps and preschool through high school. They offer plain-language guidance, tips, and one-on-one support for navigating special education.

The state's official special education resource hub for families, covering evaluations, IEPs, assessments, transitions, and dispute resolution in one place. It's a reliable reference for understanding your rights and the steps in the process.

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 statewide center at the University of Louisville, established by the Kentucky legislature, that offers trainings, workshops, and evidence-based resources to help families and providers support autistic Kentuckians. A trusted first stop for understanding services and next steps.

A Kentucky state office that helps eligible children under 21 get physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, hearing tests, and specialty medical care. Call the toll-free line to find the office serving your county.

The community behavioral health board serving Jefferson County since 1978, providing individualized services and supports for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A trusted local starting point for connecting to care.

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 free, plain-language tool helps you understand how SSI, Medicaid, ABLE accounts, and work affect one another, with calculators to see how a job or savings changes your benefits. It's a clear guide for families navigating the confusing world of disability benefits.

This Kentucky grant program gives families flexible, non-Medicaid funds for supports like respite, home modifications, personal care, and adaptive equipment so a loved one with a disability can stay in their own home and community. Any Kentuckian with an ADA-recognized disability can apply, with an April 1 deadline each year.

DAIL runs Kentucky's caregiver support and respite programs and connects families to help through the regional Area Agencies on Aging. It's a good first call for finding in-home respite, adult day services, and other supports for caregivers.

This federally mandated agency offers free legal advocacy, information, and training to protect the rights of Kentuckians with disabilities, including help with waiver services, IEPs, guardianship alternatives, and disability discrimination. It's a trusted place to turn when your child's rights or services are at stake.

This Kentucky Medicaid waiver helps people with intellectual or developmental disabilities get in-home and community supports so they can live as independently as possible. You apply through kynect after establishing Medicaid eligibility; there is currently a waiting list, so applying early matters.

Kentucky's official ABLE program lets families and individuals with disabilities save and invest for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Anyone whose disability began before age 46 can open a tax-advantaged account and manage it entirely online.

A Louisville nonprofit serving Jefferson County families since 1952, with education and resources on navigating disability finances, insurance, and benefits like SSI and Medicaid. A warm local first call when the paperwork feels overwhelming.

Free civil legal help for lower-income families in Jefferson County and 14 surrounding counties, including problems with Medicaid, public benefits, and healthcare access. Call their intake line to see if you qualify, and they will walk you through what to bring.

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 nonprofit runs sensory-friendly family events, summer camps, and social gatherings so autism families across Kentucky and Southern Indiana can connect and have fun together. They also keep a resource directory and offer ongoing support and education for the whole family.

This state office helps connect autistic individuals, families, and caregivers to resources and coordinates autism supports across Kentucky. Its councils and subcommittees cover early childhood through adulthood so you can find guidance at any stage.

HDI is Kentucky's university center for people with developmental disabilities, offering family mentoring, advocacy connections, and information on education, recreation, and transition to adult life. It's a warm, statewide starting point when you're not sure where to turn.

A grassroots nonprofit serving Greater Louisville and Southern Indiana with monthly support meetings, workshops, and social events for families touched by autism. It is a warm place to connect with other parents who understand.

Kentucky's university center on disability, offering trusted, family-friendly resources on transitioning to adulthood, supported employment, and autism-specific job supports. Their planning guides help families map out life after high school across work, housing, and independent living.

The state program that steps in as legal guardian or conservator for adults who can no longer make their own personal or financial decisions and have no family available. If you're weighing guardianship as your child ages into adulthood, this office can explain your options.

Kentucky's state agency that helps adults and transition-age youth with disabilities find and keep jobs through counseling, training, supported employment, and assistive technology. Counselors serve all 120 counties, so there's an office near your family.

The state department that oversees adult supports for Kentuckians with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including the Supports for Community Living and Michelle P. Medicaid waivers and the Hart-Supported Living program. This is the starting point for adult day, employment, and community-living services.

A long-established Louisville nonprofit offering adult homes, supported living, and day programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A good option when families are planning long-term residential care and daily support.

A Louisville nonprofit providing community homes, day programs, and support services for adults with autism and developmental disabilities. They can help your adult child find meaningful daytime activities and a place in the community.

This state agency helps teens and adults with autism and disabilities prepare for, find, and keep a job, with local offices right in Louisville. If your young adult is thinking about work or aging out of school services, this is a good first call.

A trusted Louisville nonprofit since 1952 that guides families one-on-one through guardianship, futures planning, and the transition into adult life. Their toolkits and staff can help you map out the big long-term decisions.