Autism Resources in Virginia
A statewide guide to autism services across Virginia — for families in Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads, Richmond, Northern Virginia, and communities across the Commonwealth.
Virginia's autism services system has some genuinely distinctive elements — the Infant & Toddler Connection early intervention network delivered through 40 local lead agencies, the three Developmental Disability (DD) Waivers administered jointly by DBHDS and Virginia Medicaid, an insurance mandate that (since 2020) covers autism treatment at any age, and VCU's Autism Center for Education as a statewide training resource. Virginia also faces real challenges — most prominently a DD Waiver waiting list with more than 14,000 Virginians on it, many waiting years.
This page walks through how the pieces fit together and where the gaps are.
We've written this as a starting point. Virginia 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.
Virginia at a glance
Early intervention program
Insurance mandate
Medicaid waivers (3)
- Community Living (CL) Waiver
- Family & Individual Supports (FIS) Waiver
- Building Independence (BI) Waiver
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Support organizations
Statewide advocacy organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Advocates on DD Waiver funding, runs family resources, and helps families navigate the system.
PEATC (Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center)Virginia's federally designated Parent Training and Information Center. Free support for families navigating special education, IEPs, disability services, and transitions.
disAbility Law Center of Virginia (dLCV)Virginia's federally designated protection and advocacy organization. Provides legal advocacy and rights protection for Virginians with disabilities.
Commonwealth AutismRichmond-based statewide autism nonprofit offering support services, inclusive employment programs, resources, and community education.
VCU Autism Center for Education (VCU-ACE)Virginia Department of Education-funded center providing training, technical assistance, and resources on evidence-based practices for educators, families, and professionals. A training resource, not a diagnostic clinic.
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