Autism Resources in Iowa
A statewide guide to autism services across Iowa — for families in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, Iowa City, and rural communities across all 99 counties.
Iowa has several autism support structures that are genuinely distinctive — the Autism Support Program, which funds ABA for families who fall through the gap between Medicaid and private insurance; the Area Education Agency system that delivers special education support regionally; and the Regional Autism Assistance Program that coordinates screening and referral. Iowa is also in the middle of significant change — a major redesign of its Medicaid waiver system and a 2025 restructuring of how Area Education Agencies are funded and operate.
This page walks through how Iowa's autism services fit together, what's changing, and where the real gaps are.
We've written this as a starting point. Iowa readers who know specifics better than we do — tell us what we got wrong or missed.
Find your city
Jump to a local guide with providers, schools, and activities near you.
Iowa at a glance
Early intervention program
Insurance mandate
Medicaid waivers (5)
- Health and Disability (HD) Waiver
- Intellectual Disability (ID) Waiver
- Children's Mental Health (CMH) Waiver
- Brain Injury (BI) Waiver
- Physical Disability (PD) Waiver
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Support organizations
Statewide affiliate of the national Autism Society. Provides advocacy, support, and information to autistic individuals, families, professionals, and communities across Iowa.
ASK Resource CenterIowa's federally designated Parent Training and Information Center. Free support for families navigating special education, disability services, and transitions. Serves all disabilities including autism.
Regional Autism Assistance Program (RAP)Coordinates educational, medical, and other services for children and youth with autism. Provides regional screenings, referral coordination, training, and technical assistance.
Disability Rights IowaIowa's federally designated protection and advocacy organization. Legal advocacy for Iowans with disabilities.
ChildServeMajor nonprofit pediatric provider in the Des Moines metro offering autism services, therapy, and developmental care across central Iowa.
Autism resources, in your inbox
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