Autism resources in
Chesterfield 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.

Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters offers fast-access autism diagnostic evaluations for children five and younger, since getting answers early makes a real difference. Their team reviews your child's history, observes them at play, and helps coordinate any follow-up testing and a treatment plan.

This is Virginia's statewide early intervention system for babies and toddlers (birth to age 3) who aren't developing as expected or have a condition that can affect development. Services are available to every eligible family regardless of ability to pay, and a local team can come to you to evaluate your child and get support started.

The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services is the state agency that runs early intervention under Part C of IDEA. Their page explains who is eligible, what supports are available, and how to get connected to services near you.

Virginia Tech's psychology clinics provide comprehensive autism diagnostic evaluations for children as young as 18 months on up through adults, using gold-standard assessment tools. The full evaluation is thorough and spread across a few appointments so your family isn't rushed.

Through Child Find, the county schools identify and evaluate children who may have a disability, including preschoolers ages 2 to 5 who are aging out of early intervention. Contact your child's home school or the special education office to request a free evaluation.

This is Chesterfield County's own early intervention program for babies and toddlers from birth to age 3 who may have a developmental delay. They do free evaluations and, if your child qualifies, offer therapy and support regardless of your ability to pay.

The developmental pediatrics team at Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU does thorough, family-centered evaluations for autism, developmental delays, ADHD, and related conditions. They serve families across the Richmond metro area, including Chesterfield County.

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.

dLCV is Virginia's designated protection and advocacy organization, providing free legal information, advocacy, and dispute-resolution help so children with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education. They offer guidebooks, fact sheets, and direct assistance when you and your school district disagree.

PEATC is Virginia's federally funded Parent Training and Information Center, offering free, confidential one-on-one help, workshops, and plain-language fact sheets so you can understand your child's IEP and special education rights. Their specialists can walk beside you through the whole process at no cost.

The state's Office of Dispute Resolution and Administrative Services helps families when they disagree with a school, offering an informal Ombudsman, mediation, state complaints, and due process. This official state page explains each option and how to ask for help.

A long-established nonprofit legal aid organization whose Richmond office serves families across central Virginia, including Chesterfield County. Their team can help you understand special education rights and get support with IEP and school problems at no cost.

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 hospital-based team of developmental pediatricians, psychologists, and educators who provide comprehensive autism evaluations, developmental assessments, and referrals to intervention services. A solid option for families in central Virginia seeking a diagnosis or care plan.

Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters runs an Autism Interdisciplinary Clinic in Hampton Roads with staff trained in autism assessment, plus speech, occupational, and physical therapy under one roof. They walk families through the diagnosis process and accept major insurance, Medicaid, and Tricare.

Formerly the Virginia Institute of Autism, this long-established Charlottesville nonprofit provides ABA therapy, behavioral consultation, and parent support for children and teens with autism, both center-based and in the community. Their team has been serving Virginia families since 1996.

A searchable statewide directory of ABA therapy providers you can filter by your region, whether they offer in-home or clinic care, and whether they take your insurance, Medicaid, or Tricare. It's a trustworthy starting point when you're looking for a behavior analyst near you.

This local nonprofit keeps a carefully maintained list of over 40 autism evaluation providers across our area, with ages served, costs, and insurance details. It's a huge time-saver, and they even coach you to get on several waitlists at once.

The children's hospital serving our region offers speech, occupational, physical, and feeding therapy tailored to each child's goals. They accept most commercial insurance and all Medicaid plans, and can help with a payment plan if cost is a worry.

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.

ABLEnow lets people with disabilities save and invest money for disability-related expenses without risking SSI, Medicaid, or other important benefits. It's Virginia's official tax-advantaged ABLE account, open to residents and non-residents alike.

Virginia's DD Medicaid waivers help fund community-based supports for your child at home, at work, and in daily life, based on their needs. You apply through your local Community Services Board, and slots are assigned from a waiting list by urgency of need.

If your family is on the DD waiver waiting list, this DBHDS program can reimburse eligible costs that help your loved one keep living in the community. Families can apply for financial assistance during open funding cycles each year.

An ABLEnow account lets your loved one save and invest money tax-free without risking Medicaid or SSI eligibility. It is run by an independent agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia and is open to anyone whose disability began before age 46.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly payments to children and adults with disabilities who have little income or resources. You can apply by phone or at the local office at 600 Southlake Blvd, Suite 100, North Chesterfield.

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 long-running local Autism Society chapter that runs free, peer-led support groups where parents and caregivers can connect, ask questions, and share what works. Groups meet for caregivers of young children, teens, and adults, plus dads, grandparents, siblings, and Spanish-speaking families.

A statewide peer-support network run by VCU that matches you one-to-one with a trained parent, grandparent, or sibling who has walked a similar path. Their free helpline offers a listening ear plus help navigating special education, early intervention, Medicaid, and disability services.

Year-round, no-cost sports training, competition, and inclusive community programs for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, including a Young Athletes program for kids as young as two. A welcoming way for your child to build skills, confidence, and friendships close to home.

Virginia's state agency dedicated to helping people with disabilities and their families find services, understand their rights, and connect with programs across the Commonwealth. A trusted starting point when you're not sure where to turn.

A long-running local chapter that runs free support groups for Chesterfield-area families, including groups for caregivers of young children, teens, and adults, plus Dads' Breakfast, Grandparents, and Sibshops for siblings. They offer both in-person and virtual meetups so you can find people who truly get it.

A welcoming, accessible retreat on 22 wooded acres in Chesterfield County offering weekend and emergency respite, day support, and summer camp for children and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. It's a place for your child to build friendships and enjoy recreation while you get a much-needed break.

Virginia's Developmental Disability Waivers fund the long-term community supports many autistic adults need, including day and employment services, help at home, and independent living. Because there is a waiting list, families are encouraged to get their loved one screened early through their local Community Services Board.

Virginia's state agency for vocational rehabilitation, aging services, and disability supports helps adults with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep a job, and connects families to transition assistance and community-based services. Call to reach a counselor or find your local office.

A Richmond-based nonprofit founded by parents that sets up and manages pooled special needs trusts, so you can set aside money for your child without risking their SSI or Medicaid. They walk families through the process and handle the day-to-day trust administration for you.

This local state office helps adults with disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum, get ready for, find, and keep a job at no cost to your family. The Chesterfield office serves Chesterfield and Powhatan counties and can connect you to job coaching and employment supports.

Before pursuing full guardianship, Virginia lets adults with developmental disabilities use a Supported Decision-Making Agreement to get help with choices while keeping all their own rights. This state page explains how these agreements work and who can help you set one up.