This page gathers autism and disability resources for families in Cass County, North Dakota. You'll find 16 local resources listed here, alongside North Dakota statewide programs and nationwide services, all verified and in one place. For children under three, North Dakota's starting point is North Dakota's early intervention program; for school-age children, special education and IEPs run through your local school district. Confirm details directly with each provider.
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.
A long-established North Dakota nonprofit offering free, home-based developmental evaluations for children under 3, plus behavioral health and autism services at clinics in Jamestown, Fargo, Grand Forks, and Devils Lake. Their evaluations are done by speech, occupational, and special education professionals.
North Dakota's Family-to-Family Health Information Center, run by parents who guide other families through early intervention, diagnosis, and the Right Track free developmental screening program for children birth to three. A warm, knowledgeable place to start when you're unsure what to do next.
A statewide program that supports North Dakota families and their child's primary care provider with autism screening tools, evidence-based treatment guidance, and connections to child psychiatrists. Their consult line helps your pediatrician get expert input when autism or other concerns come up.
A dedicated nonprofit serving individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities and their families across the Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Jamestown areas. They provide ABA therapy, early intervention, family support, and caregiver training, with many community programs offered at no cost.
North Dakota's free statewide program for children birth to age 3 with a developmental delay or a condition likely to cause one. Any parent can request a free developmental evaluation directly, no doctor's referral or diagnosis needed, and services are provided at little or no cost regardless of income or insurance.
A hospital-based clinic in North Dakota where a team of specialists gives children a full developmental assessment and can make an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, then helps set up the right follow-up support. A good option for families who want a thorough, coordinated evaluation.
The state's free program that helps families of children under 3 identify developmental delays early and build an individualized support plan. It coordinates the evaluations and services your child may qualify for close to home.
A free program for Cass County children from birth to age three, offering developmental screenings and home visits with no income or diagnosis required. Their staff can answer your questions and, with your consent, connect you to a full early intervention evaluation.
Sanford Children's developmental pediatricians in Fargo provide comprehensive evaluations to diagnose autism, ADHD, and developmental delays. Their team can assess young children and guide you toward next steps and support.
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.
The state education agency's Special Education page gives you the official Parent Guide, the Notice of Procedural Safeguards, and clear steps for IEP facilitation, mediation, complaints, and due process. It's the go-to source for knowing exactly what protections your child is entitled to.
P&A is North Dakota's official disability rights agency, offering free advocacy and legal help when your child's rights, including at school, may have been violated. Their advocates can guide you through disputes and, in some cases, provide representation, at no cost statewide.
Pathfinder is North Dakota's federally funded Parent Training and Information Center, offering free help so you understand your child's rights under IDEA and can take part confidently in IEP and special-education decisions. They provide one-on-one parent advising, workshops, and webinars for families across the state.
Based right in Fargo, Freedom offers individual advocacy that helps people with disabilities understand their rights and speak up for what they need, along with information, referral, and transition services. It's a local place families in Cass County can turn to for one-on-one support.
Pathfinder is North Dakota's official Parent Training and Information Center, and their trained staff can walk you through the special education process, your rights, and IEP meetings for kids birth to 26. Reaching out is free, and they exist to help parents feel confident partnering with their child's school.
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.
A long-established North Dakota nonprofit providing ABA therapy for ages 2 to 21, plus speech and occupational therapy, at locations in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, and Jamestown. They accept Medicaid, the ASD Waiver, and many insurance plans.
North Dakota's official state hub for autism support, including the Medicaid Autism Spectrum Disorder Waiver and coverage for ABA therapy for children from birth through age 17. Start here to learn what your family qualifies for and how to apply.
The state division that connects families to no-cost case management and helps you find and coordinate therapy, waivers, and support services through eight regional offices across North Dakota. A DD Program Manager can guide you through what's available for your child.
Sanford's pediatric specialty team in Fargo assesses and diagnoses children showing signs of autism or developmental delays and coordinates their ongoing care. Ask your child's doctor for a referral to their developmental-behavioral specialists.
A family-centered Fargo clinic offering occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, orofacial myology, and autism trainings and consultation for children and families. They accept most major insurance plans including North Dakota and Minnesota Medicaid.
A Fargo clinic that brings ABA, speech, occupational therapy, mental health counseling, and neuropsychological evaluations together under one roof, so your child's therapists collaborate instead of working in silos. It was North Dakota's first BHCOE-accredited pediatric therapy center.
Part of Sanford Health in Fargo, this clinic provides medical evaluations and treatment for children in cases of suspected abuse or neglect, a resource families sometimes need alongside developmental care. Referrals can be made by phone.
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.
Because North Dakota doesn't run its own ABLE plan, the state's Bank of North Dakota offers official guidance for opening a tax-advantaged ABLE account through another state, letting your child save for disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. The page points you to trusted comparison tools and answers common questions.
A nonprofit that provides free civil legal help to low-income and elderly North Dakotans, including denied Medicaid, SSI, and other government benefits that support your child. There's no charge, and they have offices across the state.
North Dakota's Developmental Disabilities Division helps children and adults with autism and related conditions get Medicaid Home and Community-Based waiver services like respite, family support, day services, and case management. Case managers walk your family through eligibility and connect you to funded supports so your child can stay at home and in the community.
This free, independent state agency protects the legal and human rights of North Dakotans with disabilities, including help when your child is denied services, mistreated, or facing barriers at school. Their advocates answer questions, investigate abuse and neglect, and can represent your family at no cost.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly cash benefits to low-income children and adults with qualifying disabilities, including many autistic children, to help with everyday costs. You can start an application by phone or online, and North Dakota's Disability Determination Services reviews the medical side of the claim.
This Fargo-based nonprofit walks Cass County families step by step through applying for North Dakota's Developmental Disabilities and Autism waivers, including the Medicaid coverage and respite funding that come with them. Their family support staff can help you understand eligibility and gather what you need.
North Dakota's official page explaining the Autism Spectrum Disorder Waiver and the Developmental Disabilities Waiver, which help cover services like respite, care coordination, and assistive technology for eligible children and adults. It's the authoritative starting point for understanding what these programs pay for.
This is your local North Dakota Health and Human Services office serving Cass County, and it's the front door for connecting your family to Medicaid, disability services, and benefit programs. Staff here can point you toward the right waiver and financial supports.
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.
A Fargo-Moorhead nonprofit serving families across the Red River Valley with social gatherings, inclusive game nights, and connection for autistic individuals and their parents. Reach out by email to learn about their next 'Anything But Typical' event.
Year-round sports and recreation across the state for people of any age or skill level with intellectual disabilities, always at no cost to athletes or their families. It's a warm, welcoming way for your child to make friends and build confidence.
A long-established Fargo-based nonprofit that helps families cover real costs like respite care, adaptive recreation, medical equipment, and travel to appointments. Their local office can walk you through what assistance you may qualify for.
A social and recreational program in Fargo for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with everything from fitness and ceramics to games, camping, and Friday dances. It's a friendly place for your child to build friendships and life skills.
Adult Transition & Long-Term Planning
Aging out of school, adult services, and long-term planning.
A neurodivergent employment agency offering job support nationwide over Zoom: resume building, mock interviews, and career guidance, plus direct outreach to employers to help secure placements. Supports neurodivergent individuals roughly ages 16 to 50, and has been in business over 15 years.
The state court system's plain-language guide explains adult guardianship, limited guardianship, and less-restrictive alternatives for when a person turns 18 and may need help making decisions. It includes forms and steps for families considering guardianship in North Dakota.
This nonprofit administers a statewide pooled special-needs trust that lets families set aside money for a loved one with a disability without risking Medicaid, SSI, or other benefits. It's open to any North Dakota resident and can pay for extras that public programs don't cover.
This state program helps teens and adults with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep a job, with student transition services, supported employment, and one-on-one job coaching. Most services are free, and there are regional offices across North Dakota.
When a young adult can't safely make all their own decisions, this program provides court-appointed guardianship and advocacy for adults 18 and older with intellectual disabilities. They serve the Fargo area under a contract with the state.
This is the state regional office in Fargo where Cass County families start enrollment for adult Developmental Disabilities services, including day and employment supports as a young adult ages out of school. A DD program manager helps map out what comes next.
A Fargo nonprofit that has supported adults with disabilities for over 50 years, offering day habilitation, vocational work programs, and meaningful daily activities. A warm option for a loved one aging out of school services.
A note on these listings. This directory is informational and not an
endorsement. Programs, phone numbers, and eligibility change, so 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 →