Autism resources in
Calcasieu Parish.

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.

EarlySteps is Louisiana's free statewide program for babies and toddlers (birth to age 3) with developmental delays or diagnoses, providing evaluations and in-home therapy services. Anyone can make a referral by calling the System Point of Entry for your region.

This state help line connects families of children with special health or developmental needs to doctors, therapists, early intervention, and insurance help — all in one call or text. Multilingual support is available and the service is free.

As Louisiana's University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, the HDC offers autism diagnostic services and connects families to resources, training, and advocacy support. It's a trusted starting point for families navigating a new developmental-disability diagnosis.

Ochsner's Boh Center provides specialized developmental and autism evaluations plus therapy for children, often letting families see several specialists in one visit. It serves families in the New Orleans area with additional locations in Covington and Jefferson.

This hospital-based center offers comprehensive autism diagnostic evaluations for children and teens ages 18 months to 21 years, performed by licensed psychologists and a developmental-behavioral pediatrician. Call to schedule an evaluation or ask about services.

Louisiana's free early intervention program for babies and toddlers birth to age 3 who may have a developmental delay. You can call directly for a no-cost evaluation, and no diagnosis or doctor referral is needed to get started.

The state-created agency serving Calcasieu and nearby parishes, and the local single point of entry into Louisiana's developmental disability services. Their staff walk families through applications, waivers, and support coordination for a child with autism or a developmental disability.

A university-based program at McNeese State University in Lake Charles offering functional assessments and individualized, ABA-based support for children with autism. Board-certified behavior analysts keep caseloads small so each family gets focused, personal attention.

A Lake Charles nonprofit that supports children with autism and developmental delays from 18 months through the school years. Alongside ABA, occupational, and speech therapy, they offer developmental evaluations to help families understand their child's needs.

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 Louisiana's official protection and advocacy agency, they defend students with disabilities against inappropriate discipline and illegal exclusion from school under IDEA and Section 504. Reach out if your child needs help with transition services, assistive technology, or access to their education.

This regional resource center teaches parents in the Baton Rouge area practical advocacy skills for special education, with free consultations, trainings, and support around your child's IEP and rights under IDEA. Serves East/West Baton Rouge, Ascension, Iberville, Pointe Coupee, and the Felicianas.

When you and your child's school can't agree on special education services, the state offers free help—from a confidential Special Education Ombudsman to IEP facilitation, mediation, and formal complaint options. It's a good first call if you feel stuck and want a neutral guide.

Louisiana's federally funded Parent Training & Information Center helps you understand your child's rights under IDEA, Section 504, and the ADA, and coaches you—free of charge—through IEP meetings and disagreements with the school. Their staff are parents of children with disabilities themselves, so they truly get it.

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.

The Louisiana Department of Health maintains this hub of local, regional, and national resources for families raising a child with special health or developmental needs. It gathers professional organizations, family advocacy groups, and Medicaid and benefits information in one place.

Louisiana Medicaid covers ABA therapy for children from birth through age 21 who have an autism diagnosis, a comprehensive evaluation, and a physician's prescription. The state's Medicaid team can walk you through eligibility and finding an enrolled provider.

This university clinic provides interdisciplinary autism evaluations and treatment through psychology, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, and education specialists. It serves children ages 2 to 12 across north Louisiana's Ark-La-Tex region.

A well-established Louisiana nonprofit providing speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral health, and autism services all under one roof. They focus on helping children with autism and communication challenges grow toward independence.

A Lake Charles pediatric clinic offering speech, occupational, and physical therapy, plus feeding therapy, for children from infancy through young adulthood with autism, sensory challenges, and developmental delays. A good option when your child needs therapy beyond ABA.

A Lake Charles nonprofit that brings ABA, occupational therapy, and speech therapy together under one roof for children ages 2 to 21 with autism and developmental delays. Their team builds an individualized plan for each child across Southwest Louisiana.

Founded by parents of a child with autism, this Sulphur-based nonprofit provides one-on-one ABA therapy with small caseloads and steady family support. They focus on West Calcasieu families who want personal, hands-on 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.

Louisiana's federally designated protection and advocacy agency offers free information, referrals, and legal advocacy on disability issues, including helping Medicaid-enrolled children get medically necessary services like autism evaluations. They also help with public benefits, special education, and abuse or neglect concerns.

Louisiana's ABLE program lets you save money for your child's disability-related expenses without risking their Medicaid or SSI eligibility, and deposits may qualify for a state tax deduction. It's administered by the state and open to Louisiana residents with a qualifying disability.

Louisiana Medicaid covers doctor visits, therapies, and other care for eligible children and adults with disabilities, and it's the gateway to the state's developmental disability waivers. You can apply online, by mail, or by phone, and staff can walk you through eligibility.

The Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities runs Louisiana's Medicaid waivers (New Opportunities, Children's Choice, Residential Options, and Supports) that fund respite, support coordination, day programs, and in-home help so your child can be supported at home and in the community. Contact your local governing entity to request services.

Free civil legal help for lower-income and older Calcasieu families, including denied Medicaid, SSI, or disability benefit appeals, guardianship, and special education issues. Their Lake Charles office serves the area directly.

A Louisiana tax-advantaged savings account that lets your family set aside money for disability-related costs like housing, education, and transportation without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility. It is a simple way to build a financial cushion for your child's future.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly cash payments to help support a child or adult with a qualifying disability and limited income. You can apply by phone or at the Lafayette field office on Corporate Boulevard.

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.

A Baton Rouge-based statewide chapter that connects families across Louisiana to autism resources, events, and support so no one has to navigate a diagnosis alone. Reach out through their inquiry form or by phone for help finding what you need.

A statewide network of nine family-staffed regional resource centers where parents raising a child with a disability can find peer support groups, information, and someone who's been there to lean on. Every center is free, welcomes any disability and any age, and can connect you to services near you.

Louisiana's Parent Training and Information Center, offering free autism support, IEP and special-education guidance, peer support, and a statewide resource guide for any disability and any age. A warm first stop when you're not sure where to turn.

A free residential summer camp for Louisiana youth with special needs and certain medical conditions, sponsored by local Lions Clubs so families pay nothing. It offers your child a welcoming week of outdoor recreation and gives caregivers a break.

The state office that serves as the single point of entry for developmental disability services in Louisiana, including respite care, family support, and flexible family funds. It's the first call to understand what supports your child may qualify for.

A nonprofit that runs week-long overnight summer camps completely free of charge for Louisiana children with disabilities, including autism, with each camp tailored to specific needs and staffed by trained health professionals. It's a chance for your child to have real camp fun and for you to get a bit of respite.

A Lake Charles nonprofit founded in 2003 by local families touched by autism, providing homes and community support so adults on the spectrum can live and thrive close to home. A good contact as your child grows into adulthood.

A Lake Charles nonprofit that has served local families since 1954, offering respite, residential support, job training, and community programs for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Call to ask about respite and family services in Calcasieu Parish.

Free, year-round sports training and friendly competition for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with local programs serving the Calcasieu and Southwest Louisiana area. A welcoming way for your child to find teammates, coaches, and community.

The Council, appointed by the Governor, works statewide on employment, self-determination, and community living for people with developmental disabilities, and is a helpful starting point for understanding your options as your child moves into adulthood. Their staff can point families toward the right adult programs and supports.

GODA serves as a statewide information hub for people with disabilities and their families, helping you find the agencies and programs behind adult services, benefits, and long-term planning. When you're not sure who to call, this office can help point the way.

OCDD is the state's single point of entry for developmental disability services, including the Medicaid waivers (NOW, Supports, Residential Options) that fund adult day, supported employment, and community living as your child ages out of school. Their support coordination and My Place Louisiana programs help plan the move into adult life.

LRS is the state's vocational rehabilitation program, helping young adults and adults with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep competitive jobs through work evaluation, job counseling, assistive technology, and placement support. It's a key resource as your child transitions from school toward employment.