🌱 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.
Children's Nebraska brings together developmental pediatrics and behavioral health experts for comprehensive autism evaluations, then helps connect your family to community resources and support. A physician referral is needed to get started.
This clinic at UNMC's Munroe-Meyer Institute, in partnership with Children's Nebraska, offers a thorough team evaluation for children who may have autism, including behavioral, genetic, developmental, and speech assessments. Your child will need a physician referral to be seen.
Nebraska ChildFind helps families of children from birth through age 21 who have concerns about learning, speaking, hearing, seeing, moving, or development get a free evaluation and connect to services. One phone call is all it takes to start.
If you're worried your baby or toddler isn't developing the way you expected, Nebraska's free early intervention program can evaluate your child (birth to age 3) and connect your family to the right services. It's voluntary, has no income limits, and anyone can make a referral.
ESU 8 serves Madison County and northeast Nebraska schools, providing early childhood special education and Early Development Network support for children from birth through age 5. Reach out if you would like help identifying and supporting a young child's developmental needs.
If you have concerns about how your baby or toddler is growing, this statewide program offers free early intervention for children birth to age three, right in your area. Anyone can make a referral, and a coordinator will reach out within about a week.
This is your local early-intervention team right in Norfolk, serving Madison County families whose children (birth to age 3) may have a developmental delay. They handle evaluations and coordinate free services, so it is a great first call if you have concerns about how your little one is growing or communicating.
⚖️ 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.
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.
Nebraska's official protection and advocacy organization defends the legal rights of people with disabilities, including students in special education. Their Inclusive Education Lay Advocacy Program trains advocates to stand beside your family and help secure the education your child deserves.
The state's special education office offers plain-language family guides, your official parental rights (procedural safeguards) in several languages, and information on IEP facilitation, mediation, and filing a complaint if things go wrong. It's the authoritative source for how special education works in Nebraska.
Nebraska's federally funded Parent Training and Information center helps you understand your child's special education rights, prepare for IEP meetings, and navigate services from birth through age 26. Support, workshops, and one-on-one help are always free and open to any Nebraska family.
Your local school district's special education team in Norfolk (Madison County) evaluates children birth through age 21 and works with you to build your child's IEP. This is your first stop for requesting an evaluation, joining IEP meetings, or asking questions about services and placement.
🧩 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.
Part of the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, this center offers autism diagnostic evaluations, ABA therapy, early intervention, and speech and occupational therapy for children across the state. Their Autism Diagnostic Clinic evaluates children from 16 months through late adolescence.
A statewide directory, funded by Nebraska Health & Human Services and run by the University of Nebraska, that helps families find local providers for autism and developmental-disability services, therapy, and other supports. You can search online or call to be pointed toward the right programs near you.
Norfolk's local hospital provides speech, occupational, and physical therapy for children and adults right in Madison County, so your child can get evaluations and ongoing therapy close to home. Call to ask about pediatric therapy and referrals.
💰 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.
Nebraska's ABLE program lets you open a tax-advantaged savings account for your child with a disability without risking their SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. It's administered by the Nebraska State Treasurer and can be used for a wide range of disability-related expenses.
If you're caring for a child or family member with special needs, this state program can help pay for respite so you can take a much-needed break. Eligible unpaid caregivers can receive up to $125 a month, with additional funding possible in exceptional circumstances.
Nebraska's Medicaid waivers help cover services like respite, residential support, and daytime community programs so your child with a developmental disability can be supported at home instead of an institution. The Family Support Waiver serves children from birth to 21, and staff can walk you through applying and eligibility.
Nebraska's Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services waivers help cover care, therapies, and in-home supports for children and adults with developmental disabilities, and for eligible kids a parent's income is not counted. Call the economic assistance line to start a Medicaid application and ask to have your child assessed for the waiver.
🤗 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.
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.
Nebraska's oldest autism nonprofit runs free, peer-to-peer support groups in several cities across the state where parents and family members can connect with others who understand. Their toll-free warm line is answered regularly for anyone with questions about living with autism in Nebraska.
This University of Nebraska Medical Center program offers recreation and social opportunities for children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities, including an inclusive summer day camp and an adult Autism Social Club. It's a warm way for your child to build friendships and lifelong leisure skills.
A Nebraska DHHS program that helps family caregivers find and pay for respite, giving you a short, needed break from the demands of ongoing care. A coordinator can connect you with respite providers in your area and answer questions about funding.
This Omaha nonprofit has served the local autism community for nearly two decades with family events, sensory-friendly outings, recreation, teen and adult social groups, and safety programs. It is a warm place to connect with other families and find support across every stage of your child's life.
With over 50 years of experience, Easterseals offers accessible summer camps, weekend respite getaways, and recreation for children and adults of any ability. It gives your loved one fun and friendship while giving you a healthy break.
This Norfolk-based nonprofit acts as a central navigator for families across Madison County, connecting you to local support groups including a Norfolk Autism Parent Support group. Their team can help you find the right services close to home.
🚀 Adult Transition & Long-Term Planning
Aging out of school, adult services, and long-term planning.
Nebraska's official ABLE savings program lets people with disabilities that began before age 26 save money for disability-related expenses without risking their Supplemental Security Income or Medicaid benefits. It's a simple, tax-advantaged tool for long-term financial planning.
The state agency that oversees adult day services, employment supports, and residential services for Nebraskans with developmental disabilities through Medicaid waivers. This is the office to contact about transitioning from school-based services to adult supports as your child ages out.
A program within the Nebraska Judicial Branch that serves as guardian or conservator for adults when no family member or alternative is available, and offers education and training for family and volunteer guardians. A helpful place to learn about guardianship as your child approaches adulthood.
Nebraska's state vocational rehabilitation program helps people with disabilities, including autism and developmental disabilities, prepare for, find, and keep jobs. They also offer Pre-Employment Transition Services that work with students and families to plan for careers as your child moves toward adult life.
Mosaic is a long-established nonprofit in Norfolk that supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through day programs, job coaching, community life, and residential services. Their team helps your loved one build skills and connection close to home.
This state office right in Norfolk helps adults with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep a job, with a personal plan and support for as long as you need it. It is a free, welcoming place to start when your young adult is thinking about work.
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.
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