Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and families. 

https://www.autismspeaks.org/screen-your-child – M-CHAT-R autism test link  

https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-response-team-art  The Autism Response Team (ART) is an information line for the autism community. Team members are specially trained to provide personalized information and resources to people with autism and their families. 

https://www.autismspeaks.org/information-topic – Here you’ll find links to everything from financial assistance, school resources, medical resources, and lots of other information that will be helpful no matter where you are on your journey.

As the national public health agency of the United States, the CDC collaborates to create the expertise, information, and tools that people and communities need to protect their health through health promotion, prevention of disease, injury and disability, and preparedness for new health threats.  

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/index.html   Milestone Tracker – From birth to 5 years, your child should reach milestones in how he plays, learns, speaks, acts and moves. Track your child’s development and act early if you have a concern. 

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html – Autism information page 

ASAT  provides a comprehensive website that tackles the array of considerations surrounding autism treatment. 

https://asatonline.org – website 

https://asatonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/New-Parent-Packet-2021.pdf –  This parent packet was created to help guide parents of children recently diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and for parents who have questions concerning their child’s development both in the United States and abroad. The initial diagnosis process can be overwhelming, and this packet is primarily for children between ages birth through seven years. 

MAGI has devoted considerable effort to creating an overview of evidence based interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorders based on six recent nationally recognized systematic research reviews. 

• Autism Spectrum Disorders: Missouri Best Practice Guidelines for Screening, Diagnosis, and Assessment is based on the principles of family-centered care, early identification, informed clinical judgment, and community collaboration. 
• Autism Spectrum Disorders: Guide to Evidence-based Interventions focuses on the results of six nationally recognized reviews, providing data summaries as well as detailed processes for effective interventions. 

https://autismguidelines.dmh.mo.gov/ – downloadable copy available here 

The Regional Office for your county is the place to start for services offered by the state for developmental disabilities.  The Regional offices provide eligibility determination, information services, case management support and monitor for contract compliance ensuring that individuals with developmental disabilities have quality opportunities and choices to be fully included in the community.  Waiver programs to help with funding for needed services and therapy equipment are available but limited.  

https://dmh.mo.gov/dev-disabilities 

Within the Dept of Mental Health (DMH), the Office of Autism Services (OAS) was established in 2008 to provide leadership in program development for children and adults with autism spectrum disorders. OAS is committed to supporting the independence and self-sufficiency of individuals with autism by leading collaborative efforts to improve system supports for individuals with autism and their families. 

https://dmh.mo.gov/dev-disabilities/autism 

Missouri’s Autism Insurance Law requires private insurance companies in Missouri to provide coverage, under group health insurance policies, for applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy and other health services for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. 

https://insurance.mo.gov/consumers/autismFAQ/ 

United Healthcare Children’s Foundation Offers medical assistance grants of up to $5,000 for medical services or equipment not fully covered by commercial health insurance. Includes ABA, speech and physical therapy; equipment such as wheelchairs, braces, hearing aids and eyeglasses; and other needs.  

https:// www.uhccf.org 

Cerner Charitable Foundation (formerly, Firsthand Foundation) Helps children with health related needs when other financial resources are exhausted.  

https://www.firsthandfoundation.org/  

816-201-1569 

Action for Autism Provides grants to help pay for assessments, education, therapies, special programs/camps, and equipment/technology needs. Families must live within a 250-mile radius of St. Louis, Missouri. Child with autism must be 17 or younger.  

www.afastl.org   

636-449-0352 

Autism Speaks – Autism Cares Grant -Grant may provide up to $1000 in emergency funding to cover the cost of critical living expenses such as housing, utilities, car repair childcare, funeral expenses, etc. (autism medical treatments and services are not covered)  

www.autismcares.org 

888-AUTISM-2 (toll-free)