Autism resources in
Franklin 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.

Part of Akron Children's NeuroDevelopmental Science Center, this clinic provides thorough autism assessments including developmental, speech-language, and ADOS testing to help families in northeast Ohio get clear answers and a path forward.

A hospital clinic in the Dayton area that evaluates children from 18 months through their 4th birthday, with a developmental pediatrician and child psychologist working together to confirm a diagnosis and recommend helpful therapies.

A comprehensive autism and developmental evaluation center in central Ohio staffed by developmental-behavioral pediatricians, nurse practitioners, and psychologists. It also runs an infant clinic for babies birth to age 2 with motor or developmental delays.

An Ohio initiative that partners with local doctors and early intervention teams so families can get an autism diagnostic evaluation close to home, without long waits or travel. It has helped lower Ohio's average age of diagnosis to about 30 months.

A trusted Ohio hub with plain-language guides for parents on autism screening, diagnosis, and next steps, including a gentle introduction for families who just received a diagnosis. A good first place to understand what is happening and what to do.

Ohio's statewide, free program for children birth to age 3 with developmental delays or disabilities. Anyone can make a referral, and a team comes to your home for a no-cost developmental evaluation and to build a support plan with your family.

If you're worried about how your baby or toddler is growing, this free county program is the first call to make. A local coordinator will help arrange evaluations and connect your child, from birth to age three, with support in your own home.

This Ohio State University center provides diagnostic evaluations for autism and other developmental disabilities across the lifespan, and accepts most insurance and Medicaid. It's a trusted, university-based option right here in Columbus.

A long-running Columbus nonprofit serving children birth through five who have, or may have, a developmental delay or disability. They blend early intervention and specialized preschool so young kids get a strong, supported start.

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 Ohio's official protection and advocacy agency, Disability Rights Ohio offers free legal advocacy and clear guides to help you fight for your child's right to a free, appropriate public education. They can help with IEPs, disputes, restraint and seclusion, and other special education concerns.

OCECD is Ohio's federally designated Parent Training and Information Center, offering free, one-on-one help so you can understand your child's special education rights and feel prepared for IEP meetings. Their trained specialists can walk you through the process by phone, online, or in person anywhere in Ohio.

The state's Office for Exceptional Children publishes 'A Guide to Parent Rights in Special Education' and offers free dispute resolution, including mediation and state complaints, when you and your school disagree. Their Dispute Resolution team can answer your questions and explain your options at no cost.

Parent Mentors are experienced parents of children with disabilities who offer free, one-on-one support to help you navigate special education and advocate confidently for your child. Funded by the state and based in local school districts across Ohio, they meet you where you are.

Serving Franklin County and surrounding areas, LASCO offers free civil legal help to families with low incomes, including education matters like school and special-education disputes. Their Columbus office is a good first call if you need a lawyer and can't afford one.

A free clinic where parents and guardians of students ages 3–26 with disabilities can join monthly workshops and get a private 30-minute consultation with a special education attorney. Sessions run over Zoom, so families anywhere in central Ohio can take part.

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 national leader in autism care since 1998, providing interdisciplinary diagnostic evaluations, clinical ABA services, and outpatient speech and language therapy across several Northeast Ohio locations. Call to schedule an evaluation or learn about their therapy programs.

One of Ohio's leading hospital autism programs, offering diagnostic evaluations, ABA-based behavioral intervention, social skills groups, and outpatient therapy for children and teens. Call to ask about assessments or getting your child started with services.

Ohio's statewide autism resource center, offering the Family Resource Hub, guidance on navigating an autism assessment, and trusted, evidence-based information for families and the professionals who support them. A great first stop to understand your options.

This is your local county agency and a good first call for families in Franklin County. They coordinate early intervention for children birth to age three and help you connect with approved therapy and service providers.

This state program can help pay for therapy and services listed in your child's IEP, letting you choose from approved providers instead of relying only on the public school. The office can walk you through eligibility and applying.

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.

Every Ohio county board of developmental disabilities can connect your family to Family Support Services, which help reimburse costs like respite care, adaptive equipment, home modifications, and training. The statewide association can help you find and contact the county board that serves you.

Ohio's Medicaid home- and community-based services waivers help pay for care and support so your child can stay in your home and community instead of an institution. You start the process through your county board of developmental disabilities, and the Medicaid Consumer Hotline can point you in the right direction.

A STABLE Account lets your family save and invest money for disability-related expenses without risking Medicaid or SSI eligibility, and Ohio was the first state to offer one. You can check eligibility and open an account online in a few minutes, and new accounts get a $25 match on the first contribution.

SSI provides monthly cash payments to children and adults with disabilities who have limited income, and in Ohio qualifying for SSI usually brings automatic Medicaid coverage too. You can start an application online or by phone, and it's worth applying early since the process can take several months.

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.

Milestones runs a free Helpdesk that does the research for you, connecting Ohio families to support groups, social opportunities, respite care, therapists, and funding. Just send your question and a real person will help you find vetted, autism-specific resources.

OCALI is Ohio's statewide autism and disability center, and its Family and Community Outreach Center helps parents find information, connections, and support with free guides, webinars, and podcasts on autism, behavior, and self-care. It's a warm first stop when you're newly navigating a diagnosis and want to feel less alone.

Created by Ohio law and led by the state Department of Developmental Disabilities, the IWGA coordinates autism efforts statewide and maintains a searchable directory of local autism support groups by county. It's a trustworthy way to find a parent group meeting near you.

Your local Autism Society chapter runs free parent and caregiver support groups across Franklin County, including the monthly Coffee, Tea, Autism and More group in Gahanna and a Spanish-language Cafecito group. It is a warm, no-judgment place to meet other families who get it.

Boundless offers in-home and out-of-home respite so Franklin County families raising a child or adult with autism can take a needed break while trained staff step in. They also run drop-in respite with art, sports, and games for a fun, supported day.

Run by Ohio State's Nisonger Center, Aspirations is a welcoming social program where autistic teens and young adults build friendships and confidence alongside support for their families. It is a friendly bridge to community and belonging right here in Columbus.

The state agency that oversees adult day support, employment services, and Medicaid waivers for Ohioans with developmental disabilities. It's the starting point for long-term services as your child ages into adulthood, working alongside your local county board.

STABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings and investment accounts that let a person with a disability save money without losing Medicaid or SSI. Administered by the Ohio Treasurer, they're a key tool for building financial security as your child grows up.

Ohio's state vocational rehabilitation agency helps teens (starting at age 14) and adults with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep jobs in the community. Counselors across the state can guide your family through the transition from high school to college or work.

A Columbus-based nonprofit that has administered pooled special needs trusts across Ohio since 1993, protecting a loved one's assets while preserving Medicaid and SSI. A helpful option for families planning for care that outlasts them.

When an adult in Franklin County can no longer make certain decisions and there is no family or friend able to serve, this county board can act as guardian of last resort. They help with healthcare, housing, and safety decisions and advocate for the person's wishes.

Ohio's state vocational rehabilitation agency helps adults and transition-age youth (starting at 14) prepare for, find, and keep a job. Counselors offer job training, placement, and support tailored to your young adult's goals.