This page gathers autism and disability resources for families in Dane County, Wisconsin. You'll find 15 local resources listed here, alongside Wisconsin statewide programs and nationwide services, all verified and in one place. For children under three, Wisconsin's starting point is the Birth to 3 Program; for school-age children, special education and IEPs run through your local school district. Confirm details directly with each provider.
Diagnosis & Early Intervention
Getting an evaluation and accessing early services.
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.
The developmental team at Children's Wisconsin in Wauwatosa completes autism diagnostic evaluations for children from infancy through the teen years and supports families through the whole process. Developmental-behavioral pediatricians and pediatric psychologists work together to reach an accurate diagnosis and next steps.
A university-based clinic in Madison that provides comprehensive diagnostic evaluations for autism, intellectual disability, and other developmental disabilities in children, using a team of developmental pediatricians, psychologists, and therapists. A physician referral is required to schedule an evaluation.
Wisconsin's free early intervention program for babies and toddlers under age 3 who have a developmental delay or a diagnosed disability, offered through your county in your home and community. A referral can start an evaluation, and services are provided at little or no cost to your family.
A free, confidential statewide helpline that connects you with a real person, a children's resource guide, who helps you navigate services and supports for a child with a delay, disability, special health care need, or mental health condition. Guides can help you find evaluations, early intervention, and local programs across Wisconsin.
For families inside the Madison Metropolitan School District, this early intervention program supports infants and toddlers with developmental delays through home visits and professional assessments. It helps parents build the confidence and skills to nurture their child's development.
Dane County's early intervention program for infants and toddlers (birth to age 3) with a developmental delay or disability. A service coordinator and early interventionist support your family right at home, and anyone (including a parent) can make a referral.
UCP provides Birth to 3 early intervention for families in Dane County outside the Madison school district, pairing you with a primary coach and service coordinator who turn everyday moments into learning opportunities. Speech, occupational, and other therapists support your child's growth.
School & IEP Rights
IEPs, 504 plans, special education, and school advocacy.
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 Wisconsin is the state's designated protection and advocacy agency, defending your child's right to a free and appropriate public education. They offer fact sheets, rights coaching, and, in some cases, legal advocacy on IEPs, evaluations, discipline, and seclusion or restraint.
WI FACETS is Wisconsin's federally funded Parent Training and Information Center, offering free one-on-one help so you can understand your child's IEP and special education rights. Their Help Desk specialists can walk you through evaluations, meetings, and how to resolve disagreements with your school.
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction explains, in plain terms, the procedural safeguards and rights you and your child have under IDEA. It's the official source for understanding IEPs, evaluations, and your options if you disagree with a school decision.
WSEMS provides free, voluntary mediation and facilitated IEP meetings when you and your school district disagree about your child's special education services. A neutral, trained mediator helps both sides work things out privately, at no cost to you.
A UW–Madison Waisman Center program that guides Dane County and southern Wisconsin families of children with disabilities or special health care needs, including questions about school services and special education. Staff help you find answers, connect to resources, and feel less alone on the journey.
Therapy & Treatment
ABA, speech, OT, and finding the right providers.
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 statewide nonprofit helps Wisconsin families find their way after a diagnosis, with resource navigation specialists who connect you to treatment providers and services, plus a searchable online directory of therapy and community supports. They also run parent support groups in communities across the state.
These UW Health programs offer evidence-based behavioral treatment (ABA) for children, teens, and young adults with autism, ages 3 to 17. Parent coaching is at the heart of the program, so you learn hands-on strategies alongside your child, with sessions available onsite in Madison or by telehealth.
This university hospital clinic in Madison brings together developmental pediatricians, psychologists, speech, and occupational therapists to evaluate and diagnose autism and developmental disabilities. It's a trusted first stop when you're seeking answers and a care plan for your child.
Financial Assistance & Benefits
Medicaid waivers, SSI, ABLE accounts, and legal aid.
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.
Free, confidential specialists at your local Aging and Disability Resource Center help you apply for and appeal SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and other benefits. There is no cost and they don't sell anything, their only goal is to connect your family to the programs you qualify for.
A statewide, family-led network that helps parents of children with disabilities and special health care needs understand their options, including respite funding through CLTS and CCOP and how to navigate benefits. They offer plain-language guides, training, and someone to talk to when the system feels overwhelming.
RCAW runs the Caregiver Respite Grant Program, which provides short-term respite funding for family caregivers of children or adults with disabilities and special needs. They can also help you find respite providers in your area so you can rest and recharge.
This state Medicaid waiver helps families of children under 22 with a developmental disability, including autism, pay for services like intensive autism treatment, respite care, home modifications, and daily living support. You apply through your county's CLTS program to keep your child at home with the help they need.
The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions explains how families can open an ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) account to save money for a loved one with a disability without losing Medicaid or SSI. Wisconsin residents can use another state's ABLE program and may qualify for a state tax deduction on contributions.
This is the local Dane County office that opens the door to Medicaid funding for kids with autism or developmental disabilities, covering things like respite care, therapy, equipment, and home modifications so your child can stay home with you. Call the intake line and a worker will walk your family through the application and functional screen step by step.
A Madison-based nonprofit that helps Dane County families of children with disabilities get connected to the CLTS waiver, respite care, and financial assistance, all tailored to what your family actually needs. They offer case management and advocacy so you do not have to navigate the paperwork alone.
This state Medicaid pathway lets a child with significant disabilities qualify based on their own needs rather than the parents' income, so families who earn too much for regular Medicaid can still get coverage. A specialist completes the application with you over a phone or video visit.
Support Groups & Community
Find your people, in person and online.
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.
They match you one-to-one with a trained support parent who has raised a child with special needs, so you can talk with someone who truly understands. The connection is free, confidential, and available with Spanish-language support.
The University of Wisconsin's Waisman Center offers autism diagnosis, treatment, and family support programs, plus a Children's Resource Center-South for families of children with special needs. It's a trusted hub for evidence-based care and family services in Wisconsin.
A peer support network from UW–Madison's Waisman Center that connects parents and caregivers of children with disabilities to others walking a similar path. It is designed by families with lived experience, so you can talk with people who truly understand.
Easterseals runs Camp Wawbeek and a year-round Respite Camp near Wisconsin Dells for children and adults with disabilities, including campers on the autism spectrum. It offers accessible recreation and overnight respite so your loved one has fun while you rest.
A local Madison nonprofit serving families since 1956, UCP offers respite care, inclusive child care, and teen and family-directed programs for children with autism and other disabilities. It is a warm place to find a break for yourself and community connections for your child.
Adult Transition & Long-Term Planning
Aging out of school, adult services, and long-term planning.
A neurodivergent employment agency offering job support nationwide over Zoom: resume building, mock interviews, and career guidance, plus direct outreach to employers to help secure placements. Supports neurodivergent individuals roughly ages 16 to 50, and has been in business over 15 years.
A trusted Wisconsin nonprofit (serving families since 1949) that provides corporate guardianship, special needs trusts, and futures planning for people with disabilities. A caring option when a family needs help planning who will support their child long-term.
Your county ADRC is a free, single starting point for adult disability services, and they begin helping young people around age 17.5 plan the move from school and children's programs into adult supports. Call the statewide line to reach your local office.
Wisconsin's state agency that helps teens and adults with disabilities find and keep jobs, offering job coaching, training, and career counseling at no cost. A good place to start when your young adult is ready to explore employment.
Wisconsin's Medicaid long-term care programs help adults with disabilities get the daily support, employment, and community services they need to live at home. IRIS is the self-directed option; you apply through your local ADRC.
A statewide nonprofit that has administered pooled and community Special Needs Trusts for thousands of Wisconsin residents with disabilities since 2003, helping protect savings without risking public benefits. Trusts can be set up by a parent, grandparent, or guardian.
This is the county's free one-stop office for planning adult life, including the transition out of school services, adult day and employment options, and long-term care programs. A specialist can meet with your family, help you weigh choices, and walk you through applications, all at no cost regardless of income.
This Madison nonprofit helps adults with disabilities find and keep meaningful work, and offers benefits counseling so a paycheck does not put SSI, Medicaid, or other supports at risk. They also guide young people and families through the shift from school into employment.
A free, neutral helpline for families facing decisions about guardianship, protective placement, and less-restrictive alternatives as a child becomes a legal adult. They answer questions by phone or email and offer free online guardian training, though they cannot give legal representation.
This Madison-based nonprofit sets up and manages special needs trusts so a loved one can have money set aside for their future without losing eligibility for Medicaid, SSI, and other benefits. It is a widely used option for families who want long-term financial security but do not have the assets for a private trust.
A note on these listings. This directory is informational and not an
endorsement. Programs, phone numbers, and eligibility change, so always confirm details
directly with the provider before relying on them. Nothing here is medical or legal advice.
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