Autism resources in
Jackson 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.

Missouri's Department of Mental Health funds a statewide network of autism centers that provide diagnosis, treatment, and family training, including hospitals and universities in St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbia, and Cape Girardeau. It's a helpful starting point for finding an evaluation site near you.

The Division of Developmental Disabilities connects Missourians with a lifelong developmental disability (including autism) to services through local regional offices. Anyone can make a referral, and an intake team follows up within one business day to begin the eligibility process.

Based at UMKC's Institute for Human Development, this statewide program pairs you with navigators who are often parents of children with disabilities themselves. They help you understand benefits, early intervention, special education, and next steps after a diagnosis, all at no cost.

Missouri's early intervention system provides free evaluations and in-home services for babies and toddlers birth to age 3 who have developmental delays or a diagnosed condition. Any parent can make a referral, and services are delivered right in your home or child care setting.

MPACT is Missouri's statewide parent training and information center, staffed largely by parents of children with disabilities. They offer free guidance and parent mentors to help you navigate early intervention, evaluations, and the special education (IEP) process.

This University of Missouri center offers comprehensive pediatric autism diagnostic evaluations using gold-standard tools like the ADOS-2, and has evaluated thousands of children from across Missouri. A parent, doctor, teacher, or therapist can submit a referral to get on the scheduling list.

The Missouri state office that determines eligibility for developmental disability services, including autism, for families in Jackson County and the surrounding area. Staff complete assessments and connect eligible children and adults to ongoing supports; a formal autism diagnosis is needed for autism-specific services.

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 education department's special education office offers parents plain-language guides to their rights under IDEA, the IEP process, and how to resolve disagreements with a school. Their compliance team can help when you have concerns about your child's IEP.

Based at UMKC's Institute for Human Development, this statewide program trains families on special education law, student and parental rights, and how to be heard within the school system. It offers free courses, videos, and live trainings on IEPs, 504 plans, and transition planning.

MPACT is Missouri's federally funded Parent Training and Information Center, offering free trainings, one-on-one support, and IEP guidance to help you advocate for your child in special education. Their volunteers can even coach you through the IEP process step by step.

Mo P&A is Missouri's federally mandated legal rights organization for people with disabilities, and they help students get the free, appropriate public education (FAPE) they are entitled to. They can step in when a school isn't meeting your child's IEP or 504 needs.

Based in Kansas City, this family-driven center offers the Missouri Lay Educational Advocacy Program (MOLEAP), free training that walks you through special education law, your child's IEP, and how to be heard in school meetings. Staff can also connect you one-on-one with resources that fit your family's situation.

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.

Children's Mercy in Kansas City provides autism and developmental evaluations, diagnosis, and behavioral therapy for kids across the region. A trusted pediatric hospital resource for families in western Missouri.

The largest provider of autism services in Missouri offers 1:1 ABA therapy, diagnostic testing, caregiver training, and support groups with clinics in St. Louis, Springfield, Cape Girardeau, Columbia, and Kansas City. They accept MO Medicaid and most insurance.

The University of Missouri's nationally recognized center offers autism diagnosis, medical and therapy services, ABA, and family navigators all in one place in Columbia. Families can start a referral online or by phone.

Easterseals is one of Missouri's largest autism-services nonprofits, and its Kansas City ABA clinics offer one-on-one therapy from behavior technicians, parent training, and behavior assessments for young children. They accept Missouri and Kansas Medicaid, commercial insurance, and private pay.

A state-funded regional autism program whose Kansas City office serves Jackson County families, helping you access supports, services, and resources with more choice and flexibility. A helpful local navigation point after a diagnosis.

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.

Missouri's Department of Mental Health runs four Medicaid Home and Community Based waivers that can pay for respite, personal assistance, therapies, and other supports so your child can stay at home and in the community. Contact your local Regional Office to start an eligibility review.

MO HealthNet is Missouri's Medicaid program, and you can apply for coverage for your child even if you don't qualify yourself. Apply online at mydss.mo.gov or by phone, and a Medical Review Team can make a disability determination if needed.

Housed at UMKC's Institute for Human Development, this free statewide program pairs you with information specialists and trained parent mentors to help navigate Medicaid, waivers, and other disability benefits and services. Their navigators can walk you through where to start.

A MO ABLE account lets Missourians with a disability that began before age 46 save and invest money for disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. Contributions are also eligible for a Missouri income tax deduction.

EITAS is the county's own tax-funded developmental disability board, investing millions locally and pairing families with a support coordinator who helps you access Medicaid waiver funding, respite, and other services. It is the single best starting point for Jackson County families navigating benefits.

Legal Aid offers free legal help to lower-income families in Jackson County, including appeals for denied or reduced SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid benefits. If a benefits decision doesn't seem right, they can advise you and represent you at hearings.

This is the state office that enrolls Jackson County residents in Missouri's Medicaid Home & Community Based (HCBS) waivers, which can fund respite, in-home support, and other services for your child. Call them to begin an eligibility determination and get connected to waiver programs.

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.

The local Autism Society affiliate for Missouri and Kansas, offering parent support groups, social and recreation events (like A.W.A.R.E. gatherings for autistic adults), and sensory-friendly community programs. A warm place to connect with other families and find local resources.

The largest provider of autism services in Missouri, offering parent support groups, respite services, caregiver training, Sibshops for siblings, and family navigation across St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbia, Springfield, and Cape Girardeau. A safe space to share, ask questions, and connect with other parents.

The state's autism office runs five Regional Autism Projects across Missouri, each with a Regional Parent Advisory Council where parents and autistic adults help shape services. Call to find your regional project and connect to family support near you.

A Missouri State University program with a free Autism Helpline that connects families to local support groups across the state, along with family toolkits and information sheets. A friendly first call when you're not sure where to turn.

A Kansas City nonprofit serving adults with developmental disabilities, with community and therapeutic recreation programs and day activities designed for connection and belonging. A good option for families looking for ongoing recreation and community for a loved one.

Created by Missouri statute in 1989, this nonprofit administers pooled special needs trusts so your loved one can hold savings without losing SSI or Medicaid. They are a trusted, affordable option for families planning long-term financial security.

This state agency supports Missourians with autism and developmental disabilities across their whole life, connecting adults to Medicaid waivers, day and employment services, and case management. Your regional office is your starting point for adult supports and long-term planning.

This state program helps teens and adults with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep meaningful jobs, including transition services for students leaving high school and supported employment. One free phone call connects you to the office for your county.

Based at UMKC, this family-led center helps you weigh guardianship against gentler options like supported decision-making as your child becomes a legal adult. They offer plain-language guides, webinars, and real stories from Missouri families.

Developing Potential is a CARF-accredited Jackson County nonprofit that has run adult day habilitation programs for people with developmental disabilities since 1993. Its Kansas City and Independence locations offer daily structure, life-skills building, and community connection for adults who have finished school.

Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation helps teens and adults with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep a job through assessment, counseling, training, and youth transition services. Three district offices serve the Kansas City area, and staff work directly with young people moving from school into work.

MO ABLE, run through the Missouri State Treasurer's office, lets a person with a disability save and invest money for the future without losing SSI or Medicaid. It is a simpler, lower-cost first step toward long-term financial planning, and can work alongside a special needs trust.

The Whole Person is a long-established Kansas City nonprofit that helps adults with disabilities find and keep meaningful work through job coaching, placement help, interview practice, and workplace accommodation guidance. It pairs well with a Vocational Rehabilitation case for hands-on, local support.