Olmsted County, Minnesota

Autism resources in
Olmsted County.

Local providers and support groups, plus Minnesota 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
Fraser is Minnesota's oldest and largest autism provider, offering comprehensive diagnostic assessments for children and adults along with a free early screening for toddlers. Their intake team can help you schedule an evaluation and understand next steps.
autism diagnosisnonprofitall agesevaluations
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: www.fraser.org
If you have concerns about your baby or toddler's development, Help Me Grow is Minnesota's free early intervention program that connects your family to evaluations and services through your local school district. There's no cost and no immigration or income requirement to get a referral started.
early interventionbirth to 3freestatewide
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: helpmegrowmn.org
The state health department helps families understand why autism screening and diagnosis matter, who can provide them, and what you can do while waiting for an evaluation. Their special-needs program staff can talk through your child's situation and point you to local supports.
state agencyscreeningspecial health needsstatewide
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: www.health.state.mn.us
This statewide campaign from the University of Minnesota helps parents watch for early signs of autism and developmental delays using free milestone checklists and the CDC Milestone Tracker app. It's a gentle first step if you're wondering whether to raise a concern with your child's doctor.
early screeningmilestonesfree toolsdevelopmental delay
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: addm.umn.edu
Run by the University of Minnesota's autism monitoring network, this page lists trusted Minnesota clinics where children can be evaluated for autism and explains what to expect from the diagnostic process. It's a helpful starting point when you're deciding where to seek an evaluation.
diagnosisclinic listuniversityguidance
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: addm.umn.edu
This M Health Fairview university clinic offers multidisciplinary autism diagnostic evaluations for children from infancy through the teen years, staffed by developmental pediatricians and psychologists. They also provide medical consultation and parent support after a diagnosis.
diagnostic evaluationuniversity clinicall agesdevelopmental pediatrics
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: med.umn.edu
Right in Rochester, Mayo Clinic's Children's Center has one of the country's most experienced teams for evaluating and diagnosing autism in kids. A pediatric specialist can assess your child and help you figure out the next steps.
Autism diagnosisRochesterDevelopmental pediatrics
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.mayoclinic.org
If you have concerns about your young child's development, your local school district offers free developmental evaluations and early intervention through its Help Me Grow program. It is open to Rochester and Olmsted County families at no cost.
FreeEarly interventionLocalBirth to age 7
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.rochesterschools.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
AuSM offers education, advocacy, and support for autistic Minnesotans and their families at every stage. Their workshops and classes help parents navigate school, IEPs, and the systems around a new or ongoing diagnosis.
autism supporteducationadvocacyfamily support
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: ausm.org
The state's official guide to your special education rights, written for families. It walks you through IEPs, prior written notice, and what to do if you disagree with the school, including free mediation and how to file a complaint.
parent rightsIEPdispute resolutionstate agency
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: education.mn.gov
Part of Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, this is Minnesota's protection and advocacy agency for people with disabilities. They give families free legal advice and can advocate for a child's special education rights, including help with complaints and discipline issues.
free legal helpspecial educationdisability rightsIEP disputes
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: mylegalaid.org
PACER is Minnesota's federally funded Parent Training and Information Center, created by parents for parents. Their advocates offer free help understanding special education, IEPs, and your child's rights at school.
IEP helpspecial educationparent trainingfree advocacy
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: www.pacer.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
A free statewide resource network that helps you navigate the system, solve problems, and find services like therapy and treatment for your child. Reach a real person by phone, chat, or email, in any language.
navigation helpstatewidefreeall languages
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: disabilityhubmn.org
A University of Minnesota clinic specializing in autism assessment, neuropsychological evaluation, pediatric neurology, and social skills groups for children. Call to ask about specific services and whether they are accepting new patients.
autism assessmentclinicuniversityevaluations
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: midb.umn.edu
The state's official autism portal explains how to access therapy and treatment, including the EIDBI benefit that covers medically necessary early intensive intervention (like ABA) for children with autism. A clear starting point for understanding services and how to qualify.
state benefitEIDBIABA coveragehow to access
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: mn.gov
A Rochester center offering autism diagnostic evaluations and one-on-one ABA therapy for children as young as 12 months, with caregiver training built in. They also offer telehealth evaluations if you live farther out.
ABA therapyautism evaluationRochester
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: caravelautism.com
A Rochester location of an established Minnesota nonprofit providing ABA therapy alongside speech and occupational therapy for children from 18 months to age 21. Services are offered through the state's EIDBI autism benefit.
ABA therapyspeech & OTEIDBI
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.mnautism.org
A Rochester-based practice providing speech, occupational, and physical therapy for children with autism and developmental delays, including in-home, daycare, and school-based visits. Their team also helps families navigate school services.
speech therapyOT/PTschool support
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.owltherapyservices.com
A locally established Rochester provider offering center-based and in-home ABA therapy, occupational therapy, psychotherapy, and social skills groups for children with autism. They also run support groups for parents, siblings, and caregivers.
ABA therapyoccupational therapyparent support
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: rccminnesota.com

💰 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
A plain-language guide to how SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, waivers, and ABLE accounts fit together, with estimators so you can see how work or savings affect benefits. A calm place to learn before you make decisions.
benefits guideSSISSDIMedicaid
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: mn.db101.org
A state-sponsored savings account that lets your child set money aside for disability-related costs without losing SSI or Medicaid. Contributions grow tax-free when used for qualified expenses.
ABLE accountsavingsprotects benefitsSSI
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: savewithable.com
Minnesota's federally designated disability rights advocate, offering free legal help on disability-related issues to families statewide. They can help when benefits, services, or your child's rights are on the line.
legal aidfreedisability rightsstatewide
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: mylegalaid.org
A state cash grant that helps families of children with disabilities pay for things like respite care and therapies insurance won't cover. You apply through your county or by calling the Disability Hub.
respite fundingcash grantchildrenMinnesota
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: mn.gov
Monthly federal payments for children and adults with disabilities and limited income, which in Minnesota can also open the door to Medical Assistance. This official page explains eligibility and how to apply.
SSImonthly incomefederalhow to apply
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: www.ssa.gov
This is your county's front door for disability support in Rochester and Olmsted County, including the DD, CADI, and other waivers, the Family Support Grant, and case management that help pay for the services your child needs. Call to start an assessment and find out which programs your family qualifies for.
Olmsted CountyWaiversCase managementFinancial help
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.olmstedcounty.gov
Free civil legal aid for lower-income families in Olmsted County, including help when disability benefits like SSI or Medical Assistance are denied, reduced, or terminated. They have a Rochester office and can guide you through appeals.
Legal aidBenefits appealsOlmsted CountyFree
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.smrls.org

🤗 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
A free statewide program that matches you one-to-one with a trained parent who has raised a child with disabilities or complex health needs, plus virtual parent support groups including a dads group. You don't have to navigate any of it alone.
parent-to-parentpeer supportfreestatewide
The state's official autism hub gathers verified information on support groups, community and recreation, respite care, waivers, and early intervention in one place. A good starting point when you're not sure what to search for next.
state resourcesupport groupsrecreationrespite
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: mn.gov
Founded by Somali American families, SPAN offers a warm virtual support group and networking for Somali parents and caregivers of children with autism, plus culturally grounded education and resource connections. Reach out to be added to their parent group.
support groupculturally specificparent networking
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: www.somaliautism.org
Accessible Minnesota camps and respite programs give children and adults with developmental or physical disabilities a fun, safe experience while giving families and caregivers a well-earned break. Respite is offered at Camp Friendship and Camp Eden Wood.
respiterecreationcampsstatewide
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: truefriends.org
A Rochester-based nonprofit supporting children, adults, and families living with developmental disabilities and autism, with family support services that include recreation and leisure activities, social connection, community involvement, and respite. A steady source of local support for everyday life.
respitefamily supportrecreationRochester
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.hiawathahomes.org
An Olmsted County nonprofit started in 1961 by three local mothers, offering recreation, socialization, art, and life-skill programs for people with developmental disabilities from age two through retirement. A welcoming place to build community and friendships.
recreationcommunitydevelopmental disabilityOlmsted County
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.possabilities.org
A Rochester-founded nonprofit that helps local autism families feel less alone through parent support groups, a 12-week CARES program for parents of newly diagnosed children, and a Coffee Club for autistic adults. Anyone is welcome, whether or not you are a client.
parent supportautismOlmsted Countycommunity
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.rochesterautism.org
Runs a free parent support group and a companion sibling support group for families of children with autism, meeting during the school year in Rochester. You do not need to be enrolled in their programs to attend.
parent supportsibling groupautismRochester
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: rccminnesota.com

🚀 Adult Transition & Long-Term Planning

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

A free statewide hub that helps your family plan the move into adulthood, from work and benefits to guardianship and long-term supports. You can call, chat, or email their experts whenever you get stuck, in any language.
transitionbenefits planningstatewide
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: disabilityhubmn.org
A state program that helps adults and older teens with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep a job that fits them. A counselor works with your family one-on-one to build an employment plan and connect you to training and support.
vocational rehabemploymentstate agency
Verified 2026-07-03 · source: careerforce.mn.gov
This state office helps adults with disabilities in Olmsted County prepare for, find, and keep meaningful jobs through counseling, training, and placement support. If your young adult is ready to work, VRS counselors walk beside them at no cost.
vocational rehabemploymentadultslocal
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: careerforce.mn.gov
The county's case managers help adults with developmental disabilities plan for life after school and connect to waivers, job training, housing, and daily support. This is the local starting point when your child is aging out and you need a plan in place.
case managementwaiversaging outlocal
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.olmstedcounty.gov
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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