Autism Resources in Missouri
A statewide guide to autism services across Missouri — for families in Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia, and communities across the state.
Missouri's autism services system has some real strengths — the University of Missouri's Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment in Columbia is a nationally recognized diagnostic and research hub that takes referrals from across the state, and MO HealthNet (Missouri Medicaid) covers ABA for children under 21 through the EPSDT benefit. Missouri also has real gaps — provider shortages in rural areas, diagnostic waitlists, and the everyday complication that Kansas City straddles the Missouri–Kansas state line, so families in that metro often navigate two states' systems at once.
This page walks through how the pieces fit together and where the gaps are.
We've written this as a starting point. Missouri 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.
Missouri at a glance
Early intervention program
Insurance mandate
Medicaid waivers (4)
- Missouri Comprehensive Waiver
- Community Support Waiver
- Missouri Children with Developmental Disabilities (MOCDD / Sarah Lopez) Waiver
- Autism Waiver
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Support organizations
University of Missouri center in Columbia — a national leader in autism diagnosis, research, training, and clinical care. Accepts referrals from parents, educators, and providers across Missouri.
Missouri Family to FamilyA statewide resource connecting Missouri families of individuals with disabilities to information, support, and services. Based at the UMKC Institute for Human Development.
MPACT (Missouri Parents Act)Missouri's federally designated Parent Training and Information Center. Free support for families navigating special education, IEPs, and disability services.
Missouri Protection & Advocacy Services (MO P&A)Missouri's federally designated protection and advocacy organization. Legal advocacy for Missourians with disabilities.
Missouri Division of Developmental DisabilitiesDepartment of Mental Health division administering developmental disability services and Medicaid waivers through regional offices statewide.
Get our free summer guide
Sensory-smart, low-pressure, and actually fun. Free PDF, delivered instantly, plus one short practical email each week.
10 Amazing Activities to Do With an Autistic Child This Summer — free PDF, delivered instantly.
No spam. Unsubscribe any time.