Autism resources in
Pennington 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.

Sanford Children's developmental-behavioral pediatricians in Sioux Falls work to catch delays early and to test, diagnose, and treat children showing signs of autism spectrum disorder or other developmental differences. Their autism clinic offers coordinated, team-based care, and you can call to ask about a referral.

South Dakota's free, statewide early intervention program helps babies and toddlers under age 3 who have developmental delays, offering evaluations and services like speech, physical, and occupational therapy right in your home. You don't need a diagnosis or referral to get started, and the program has 45 days to complete an evaluation once you reach out.

Based at the University of South Dakota's Sanford School of Medicine in Sioux Falls, this clinic provides comprehensive autism diagnostic evaluations for children and adults of any age, using a full team of specialists and ASD-specific assessments. They welcome referrals from families and providers and mail an intake packet to get you scheduled.

This is the local early-intervention program that serves families right here in Pennington County. If you have concerns about your child under age 3, they offer free developmental screenings and in-home support like speech, occupational, and physical therapy.

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's federally designated protection and advocacy agency, providing free legal-based help to families of students with disabilities on IEPs, FAPE, discrimination, and transition planning. They can advise you on your child's education rights and, in some cases, advocate directly.

The state office overseeing special education in South Dakota, with parent guides, IEP process documents, and parental rights information organized by your child's age and stage. A helpful place to understand the official rules schools must follow.

South Dakota's federally funded Parent Training and Information Center, offering free, individualized help so parents can understand their child's rights and navigate the IEP and special education process. Their Navigator Program pairs you with a guide at no cost, from birth through age 26.

BHSSC is a public education cooperative that provides special education support and transition programs for students with disabilities across the Black Hills and West River region, including Rapid City. Their team runs work-experience and school-based programs like Project SEARCH and Project Skills to help students grow toward independence.

This is the official federal home for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the law that guarantees your child a free appropriate public education and special education services. It's a trustworthy place to read up on your rights, the IEP, and what schools are required to provide.

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.

This Sioux Falls hospital clinic offers pediatric developmental-behavioral care, including autism assessment, diagnosis, and early-intervention therapies. Their team can evaluate children showing signs of autism or other developmental delays and coordinate ongoing treatment.

The state's single point of contact for families seeking developmental-disability services, from in-home support to around-the-clock care. Staff help you check eligibility and connect to therapy and long-term supports across South Dakota.

This statewide nonprofit helps families find and navigate to the right services, including therapy providers and evaluations, with free one-on-one guidance and searchable resources by county and diagnosis. It serves parents raising a child with any disability or special health-care need, birth to 26.

A local pediatric clinic in Rapid City (and Spearfish) providing occupational, speech, and physical therapy for children ages 0-21, including kids with autism, with a focus on sensory processing and feeding. Warm, kid-centered care right in the Black Hills.

A locally owned Rapid City clinic with 20+ years serving western South Dakota families, offering speech, occupational, physical, and feeding therapy for children in the clinic, schools, and Birth-to-Three programs. A trusted neighborhood choice for early therapy needs.

South Dakota's official state resource directory where you can browse autism therapy providers and filter by age, insurance, and payment options. A helpful way to compare local and statewide options and find providers accepting your coverage.

A long-established South Dakota nonprofit with a Rapid City clinic offering autism screening for young children plus speech, occupational, and physical therapy and clinical psychology. A strong first stop if your child needs evaluation or ongoing therapy close to home.

A Rapid City ABA therapy center offering in-clinic and community services, parent training, and social skills groups for children with autism and related developmental needs. A local option if you're looking for behavior-focused, evidence-based support.

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.

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. South Dakota doesn't run its own program, so this official state page explains your options and lists other states' ABLE plans you can join from South Dakota.

This is the state's single point of contact for getting your child or family member connected to services like case management, respite, and in-home support. Call and they'll walk you through eligibility and what's available in your community.

South Dakota's Medicaid waivers, including the Family Support 360 and CHOICES waivers, help cover services for people with developmental disabilities so they can live at home and in the community. This state page explains the waivers and points you to how to get started.

This nonprofit provides free civil legal help to low-income families in Rapid City and Pennington County, including matters like benefits, health, housing, and income maintenance. If a Medicaid or SSI issue leaves you stuck, their local office can offer real guidance.

South Dakota Medicaid is the state health-coverage program that pays for many autism-related services and is the eligibility backbone for the developmental disability waivers. Their general information line can walk you through who qualifies and how to apply.

SSI provides monthly cash payments to children and adults with disabilities who have little income or resources, which can be an important source of financial support for autism families. The Social Security site explains who is eligible and how to apply.

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 local nonprofit affiliate of the Autism Society, run by parents and professionals in the Rapid City area since 1997. They host welcoming community events like parent nights, park days, bowling and swim socials, and holiday gatherings for autistic individuals and their families.

A program of LifeScape, a well-established South Dakota nonprofit serving thousands of children and adults with disabilities across nearly every county. A Family Support Coordinator can help you access funding, respite and companion care, and connect to community resources.

South Dakota's university center for developmental disabilities at the USD Sanford School of Medicine, serving families statewide with information, clinical services, and disability-specific resources including autism. Their staff can help point you toward the right supports and programs.

A long-established Rapid City nonprofit offering community activities, day programs, employment, and residential support for adults with developmental disabilities, including autism. A good next step for families planning for a child's adult years.

A state program that gives family caregivers a temporary break by arranging short-term care for a child or adult with a developmental disability, from a few hours to overnight stays. There is no income limit, and it serves families in Rapid City and across South Dakota.

The state's free helpline and resource finder for long-term services and supports, including the Division of Developmental Disabilities' adult day, employment, and residential programs. Call to learn what adult DD services and waivers your family may qualify for and how to apply.

The state agency that helps adults with disabilities, including autism, prepare for, find, and keep a job through counseling, training, job coaching, and support services. A rehabilitation counselor works one-on-one with your young adult to build a plan around their strengths and goals.

A statewide nonprofit that provides guardianship and conservatorship services, assessments to determine whether guardianship is appropriate, and consulting for parents planning for a child with disabilities. They also help families think through estate planning and long-term protection.

A statewide project that helps South Dakota youth with disabilities and their families plan the move from high school to adult life, covering employment, college, daily living, guardianship options, and connecting to vocational rehab and DD services. Regional liaisons and events like Project SEARCH and 'Let's Talk Work' help teens build real-world skills.

A state program that can act as guardian or conservator for adults with developmental disabilities as a last resort, and offers up to $1,500 to help families set up a guardianship. A helpful starting point as you plan for decision-making after your child turns 18.

South Dakota's Vocational Rehabilitation office in Rapid City helps adults and older teens with disabilities train for, find, and keep a job that fits them. Services are free and include counseling, job coaching, and workplace accommodations.

South Dakota's Transition Services Liaison Project helps high school students with disabilities plan the move into adult life, work, and further training. The Western Region liaison covers Rapid City and the Black Hills.