This page gathers autism and disability resources for families in Racine 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.
This is Racine County's designated Birth to 3 early intervention provider, offering in-home support and therapy for children birth to age three who have developmental delays or special needs. Their team of teachers, speech, occupational, and physical therapists comes to your home or daycare so services fit into everyday routines.
This nearby clinic specializes in evaluating and diagnosing autism in young children, starting as early as 12 months, and serves families throughout the Racine and Kenosha area. They can do diagnostic evaluations in person or by telehealth, which can mean a shorter wait to get answers.
This hospital-based center has a full autism team of developmental-behavioral pediatricians, psychologists, and therapists who complete autism diagnostic evaluations and guide families through what comes next. It serves children across southeastern Wisconsin, and it helps to know their waitlist can run long, so calling to get on the schedule early is worth it.
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.
The regional education agency serving Racine County and the rest of southeastern Wisconsin, supporting local school districts with special education programs, behavior and mental health supports, and parent services. A useful local point of contact for questions about services in your district.
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.
Racine County's free early intervention program for children under age 3 with developmental delays or disabilities, including autism. Therapists and teachers come to your home or daycare, and you can start by calling the single point of referral.
A local ABA provider with a center in Mount Pleasant offering one-on-one therapy, day programs, and life-skills support for children and adults with autism. They also serve students through Sonnenberg Schools in Racine.
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.
The ADRC is your local one-stop for understanding and applying for Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, and other benefits, with free benefit specialists who sit down and walk you through your options. It serves people 18 and older with a disability and anyone over 60.
Legal Action offers free civil legal help to lower-income families, including problems with Social Security, SSI, Medicaid, and other public benefits. Apply for help online or through their intake line rather than walking into the Racine office.
This county program provides Medicaid waiver funding and services for children under 22 with disabilities, including autism, so they can stay home and take part in their community. Call the Racine County team to start an application and set up a home visit.
SSI provides monthly cash payments to children and adults with disabilities who have little income or resources, and it can be a key source of support for your family. You can start online or call Social Security to learn if your child qualifies and how to apply.
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.
This longtime Milwaukee-area nonprofit runs free parent support groups (including virtual and Spanish-language sessions) plus programs for kids, teens, and adults on the spectrum. It is a welcoming first call after a new diagnosis or whenever you need someone who understands.
A Racine-based nonprofit that helps local families access the Children's Long-Term Support waiver and Children's Community Options Program, which can fund respite care, home modifications, and other supports. Their staff walk you through the paperwork so your child can thrive at home.
A sensory-safe kids gym in Mount Pleasant built for children of all abilities, with open play, sensory equipment, classes, and social skills activities. It's a judgment-free spot where your child can move, explore, and just be a kid.
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.
A local Racine option for adults with disabilities who have aged out of school, offering community-based day services and real employment support. They help your adult child build skills, stay connected, and find or keep a job.
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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