Autism resources in
Summit 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.

Developmental and behavioral pediatricians here diagnose and treat delays in speech, language, motor skills, and behavior. It's a good next step if your child needs a broader developmental evaluation beyond an autism-specific one.

Summit County's Developmental Disabilities Board offers free developmental screenings, evaluations, and in-home coaching for children from birth to age three. There's no cost to eligible families, and anyone can make a referral if you have concerns about your little one's development.

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.

A statewide program that trains parents of children with disabilities to support other families through the special education process, including attending IEP meetings alongside you. Their searchable map helps you find a parent mentor working in or near Summit County.

Your local Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board connects families to community resources and pairs you with a Referral and Support Specialist during the school years. They're a trusted local resource for navigating IEPs, parent rights, and transition planning as your child grows.

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.

A local nonprofit affiliate whose free HelpLine listens to your concerns and connects your family to autism-related services and providers across Summit and neighboring counties. Parents, caregivers, and autistic adults are all welcome to reach out.

An accredited local center offering ABA therapy plus diagnostic evaluations and, where available, occupational and speech therapy for children with autism. It's a full-service therapy option right in Akron for families building a care plan.

A searchable directory to help you find autism, ABA, speech, and OT/PT providers across Ohio, including the Cincinnati area, with a map and provider listings. It's a helpful starting point when you're comparing options near you.

This county government board connects nearly 6,000 Summit County residents with developmental disabilities to individualized supports, from early intervention for young children to in-home help and service coordination. A caring service coordinator can help you find and access the right therapies.

Akron Children's dedicated autism center offers coordinated, family-centered care for children, teens, and young adults, including behavioral health services and parent training programs. It's a trusted local hospital hub for families navigating an autism 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.

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.

This nonprofit law firm in Akron offers free civil legal help to lower-income Summit County families, including appeals and problems with SSI and Social Security disability benefits. If a benefit was denied or an overpayment notice arrives, they can advise or represent you at no cost.

This is your local office to apply for or renew Ohio Medicaid and other medical, food, and cash assistance for your family. You can apply by phone or online, and staff can help sort out coverage questions.

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.

A long-established Ohio nonprofit providing respite care and a Rec & Leisure program for children and adults with developmental disabilities, including people on the autism spectrum, with services reaching Summit County families seven days a week. A real help when caregivers need a break or their loved one needs connection.

A nonprofit community agency in Akron serving over 1,500 people of all ages across Summit and Portage counties since 1969, with counseling, therapy, and day and residential programs for individuals with developmental disabilities and autism. A trusted local option for families needing clinical and community support close to home.

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 nonprofit serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Summit, Medina, and Wayne counties with adult day services, vocational rehabilitation, and employment support. Their programs help adults build life and digital job skills at their own pace.

The local court that handles guardianship for adults who cannot fully manage their own affairs, and explains alternatives such as setting up a trust with a chosen trustee. Their site walks families through the application steps, required evaluations, and what to expect.

A local program, administered by Summit County Public Health, that matches trained volunteer guardians with adults with disabilities who have no family able to serve. It is a lifeline for parents worried about who will make decisions for their child when they no longer can.