Autism Resources in Rhode Island
A statewide guide to autism services across Rhode Island — for families in Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, and communities across the state.
Rhode Island is small and densely served, which is an advantage: much of the state is within an easy drive of Providence, where the specialty resources concentrate. The state is home to Bradley Hospital — founded in 1931 as the nation's first psychiatric hospital exclusively for children — and its Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, alongside Hasbro Children's Hospital, both now part of the Brown University Health system. Rhode Island also has a comparatively strong autism insurance mandate and, as of this writing, no Medicaid waitlist for autism services.
This page walks through how the pieces fit together and where the gaps are.
We've written this as a starting point. Rhode Island 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.
Rhode Island at a glance
Early intervention program
Insurance mandate
Medicaid waivers (1)
- Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)
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Support organizations
Rhode Island's federally designated Parent Training and Information Center. Free support for families navigating special education, disability services, health, and transitions; serves tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders each year.
Paul V. Sherlock Center on DisabilitiesRhode Island's University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, based at Rhode Island College. Training, resources, and advocacy promoting community membership for people with disabilities.
Disability Rights Rhode IslandRhode Island's federally designated protection and advocacy organization. Legal advocacy for Rhode Islanders with disabilities.
BHDDH Division of Developmental DisabilitiesThe state agency administering adult developmental disability services and Medicaid home and community-based supports.
Bradley Hospital Center for Autism and Developmental DisabilitiesSpecialized autism and developmental disability clinical services at the nation's first children's psychiatric hospital, part of Brown University Health.
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.