Autism resources in
Pierce 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.

ESIT is Washington's free early intervention program for children birth to age 3 with developmental delays or disabilities, and their families. If you have any worry about your child's development, you can call the Family Health Hotline to be connected with a local Family Resources Coordinator.

Seattle Children's Autism Center offers comprehensive autism diagnostic evaluations for children and youth ages 15 months to 21 years, using a team of specialists to give families answers sooner. They accept Apple Health (Medicaid), private insurance, and offer financial aid.

The University of Washington Autism Center provides comprehensive autism diagnostic evaluations for infants, children, and adolescents, with specialized infant/toddler assessments starting as early as 6 months. They have locations in Seattle and Tacoma.

Autism Centers of Excellence are Washington providers specially trained to diagnose autism and prescribe ABA therapy, which is required for children on Apple Health (Medicaid). This page helps families understand the diagnosis pathway and find qualified evaluating providers.

A Step Ahead is a Puyallup-based nonprofit offering in-home therapy and early education for Pierce County children birth to three who have one or more developmental delays. They partner closely with parents right after a concern or diagnosis.

A South King County nonprofit and state-recognized Neurodevelopmental Center of Excellence, offering early education, therapy, and family support for young children with developmental needs. Services are backed by Medicaid, insurance, and community funding so cost isn't a barrier.

This is Washington's free birth-to-three early intervention program, and Pierce County families start by calling the county's central referral line. A Family Resources Coordinator will listen to your concerns and connect your child to a free developmental evaluation and services.

A free statewide navigator that offers developmental screenings for children under five and connects families to autism evaluations, early intervention, and local specialists. A friendly coordinator can walk you through your options in your language.

Mary Bridge Children's in Tacoma provides medical evaluations and autism diagnostic assessments for children from birth through 18 when there is a concern about a developmental difference. Ask your child's primary care provider for a referral, then call to schedule.

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.

Disability Rights Washington is the state's federally designated protection and advocacy agency, offering free legal advice and, for eligible families, representation on special education matters. Their site also gathers trusted resources on complaints, mediation, and due process hearings.

Open Doors is a federally designated Community Parent Resource Center that helps culturally and linguistically diverse families navigate special education, the IEP process, and disability services in their own language. Staff speak more than 20 languages and serve families across King and Pierce counties.

Washington's Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction runs the state special education program and answers non-legal questions from families about how the process works, your rights, and where to turn for help. It's a good starting point straight from the state agency that oversees your school district.

PAVE is Washington's official Parent Training and Information Center, offering free one-on-one help, coaching, and training so you can understand your child's special education rights and feel prepared for IEP and 504 meetings. Their staff can walk you through evaluations, accommodations, and disagreements for kids ages 0-26.

The Education Ombuds is a free, confidential state office, independent of your school district, that helps families understand the K-12 system and resolve special education concerns collaboratively. They can listen, share information, and work informally with you and your school, with phone interpretation in more than 150 languages.

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.

Free statewide hotline where you can talk with a family navigator about your child's health, development, or where to find therapy and evaluation services. A warm first call if you're not sure where to start.

A well-established Spokane nonprofit offering ABA therapy across the lifespan, speech and occupational therapy, and free autism screenings for all ages. A great option for families in Eastern Washington looking for coordinated autism care.

A leading hospital-based center offering diagnostic autism evaluations, an ABA early-intervention program, speech and feeding therapy, and support for kids from toddlers through young adults. They accept Apple Health, private insurance, and offer financial aid for families without coverage.

Part of UW's Institute on Human Development and Disability, this center provides autism evaluations and the ABA LAUNCH early-intervention program, plus parent and toddler support, at its Seattle and Tacoma locations. It's a trusted university clinic for families seeking assessment and treatment.

Washington's Medicaid agency (Apple Health) covers ABA therapy for kids and young adults with autism, and this state page walks you through how a Center of Excellence evaluation gets your child approved for treatment. It's the official starting point for finding a covered ABA provider.

A local Pierce County center in Lakewood offering autism diagnostic evaluations and one-on-one ABA therapy for children as young as 12 months. They see families in clinic or by telehealth and accept most major insurance.

A University of Washington program with a Tacoma location serving Pierce County families, offering autism diagnostic assessments, in-home ABA programming, and parent coaching. A trusted university-based option close to home.

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.

For unpaid family caregivers who aren't already getting respite through Medicaid, this program offers small vouchers (up to $1,000 per qualifying child) to help pay for a break from caregiving. It's run by PAVE with state and federal funding and is meant for planned respite, not just crisis moments.

Northwest Justice Project is Washington's free civil legal aid program, and its CLEAR hotline is the statewide door to free legal help with things like denied SSI or Medicaid benefits, special education, and housing. Callers who are deaf or hard of hearing and seniors 60+ have their own dedicated lines.

An ABLE account lets a person with a disability (that began before age 46) save and invest money for everyday and future needs without losing SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits, as long as the balance stays under the program limits. You can open an account online in about 10 minutes with a $25 minimum deposit.

Northwest Justice Project is Washington's largest free civil legal aid program, with a Tacoma office serving Pierce County, and it helps low-income families with denied or lost benefits like SSI, Medicaid, and DDA services. You reach a lawyer through the statewide CLEAR intake hotline, with a separate line for callers age 60 and over.

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.

An Autistic-led statewide nonprofit that builds community through free peer support, coffee and game clubs, sensory-friendly events, and connection for autistic people and their families. A warm place to find belonging and local resources across Washington.

Trusted, plain-language guidance from the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council and the DDA, organized by your child's life stage. A great starting point for understanding services like family support and respite, and finding county-specific supports.

An accessible, barrier-free overnight camp in Vaughn on the Key Peninsula offering summer sessions plus weekend respite for children and adults with disabilities, including autism. It gives your child the joy of camp and gives you a much-needed break.

A parent-driven Tacoma nonprofit that helps Pierce County families who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities find their way to services, workshops, and one-on-one support. Call or stop by and a real person will help you figure out next steps.

A Tacoma nonprofit that runs inclusive, community-based recreation, social outings, and sports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. It is a joyful way for your child to build friendships and try new things close to home.

A welcoming community center in Tacoma offering free peer support groups, wellness activities, and connection for adults with developmental, sensory, and other disabilities across Pierce County. It is a friendly place to find community and people who understand.

Created by the Washington Legislature, this state program lets families open a special needs trust at low cost so you can set money aside for your child's future without risking their SSI or Medicaid. It's managed by The Arc of Washington with funds safely invested by the state, and even offers matching funds on fees.

DVR is Washington's statewide vocational rehabilitation program, pairing your adult child with a counselor who helps them prepare for, find, and keep a job. They also offer transition services for high schoolers moving toward the workplace, plus benefits planning and assistive technology.

This state-backed special needs trust lets families set aside money for a loved one with a developmental disability without risking their SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Because Washington helps run it, the fees are far lower than a private trust.

This is the state vocational rehabilitation office serving Pierce County, where your young adult can get help preparing for, finding, and keeping a job as they leave school. Counselors work directly with transition-age students and adults with disabilities.

DDA is the state agency that determines eligibility and funds long-term adult supports like employment services, community access, and day programs once your child ages out of school. It is the main gateway to adult services in Washington, including Pierce County's Region 3.