ChildServe

Offers comprehensive autism services, including ABA therapy, diagnostic clinics, and social groups. They provide coordinated care and support for families through education, workshops, events, and respite services.

Visit their website: https://www.childserve.org/autism-services/

Regional Autism Assistance Program

Statewide program that provides services and resources to families of children and youth with or suspected ASD for birth through age 21. Services include care coordination, autism screenings, and family navigation, along with printable materials translated into 6 languages and offer free webinars. There is a family navigator that serves the Ames area.

Visit their website: https://chsciowa.org/regional-autism-assistance-program.asp

Autism Society of Iowa

Provides advocacy, community programming, and resources to empower individuals with autism and their families. They offer support groups, educational resources, and community events to create a more inclusive environment. Sign up for their e-newsletter to stay updated on their latest news and events.

Visit their website: https://autismia.com

Killian and Co

Provides augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices to children with autism, apraxia, and other speech disorders. They offer funding assistance, parent training, and tutorials to enhance AAC users’ experiences. Parents must complete a short training and quiz to receive a device. Families are asked to first attempt obtaining devices through insurance, as their budget limits the number of requests they can fulfill. They prioritize based on need, with no income requirements.

Visit their website: https://www.killianandko.org/

The Arc of Story County

Supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through advocacy, educational programs, and social activities such as Best Buddies, Project SEARCH (employment), and Active LifeStyles (social and recreational).

Visit their website: https://thearcstory.org/

REM Iowa

Provides support services for adults who need support in their daily living. They offer residential settings focused on daily living skills, a weekday day program that promotes community involvement, social skill building, and inclusion. They also have a host home program where an individual can live with a family who helps support their daily life skills.

Visit their website: https://www.remiowa.com/who-we-serve/make-a-referral/

Friendship Ark Homes

Offers support services for adults with intellectual disabilities, including 24-hour supported living. Their hourly supported program provides individualized services, such as cooking assistance, without 24 hour support. They also offer a day habilitation program with a monthly calendar of community-based group activities, recreation, and events for members. Eligibility requires an intellectual disability diagnosis (can be dual diagnosis) and an application. There is a priority-based waitlist.

Visit their website: https://www.friendshipark.org/

Mainstream Living

Provides community housing, supported community living, employment supports, and behavioral health services for individuals with disabilities. Their programs are designed to enhance opportunities, create success, and fulfill dreams through personalized support

Visit their website: https://www.mainstreamliving.org/about-us/who-we-serve

Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Assists individuals with disabilities in obtaining employment. The process starts with an application and an intake session, requiring medical records to determine eligibility. Eligible individuals are placed on a waiting list and later work with a counselor to develop an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). Services based on the IPE may include counseling and guidance, referrals for treatment or restoration, education, training, job-seeking skills, supported employment, rehabilitation technology, self-employment, customized employment, and on-the-job supports.

Visit their website: https://workforce.iowa.gov/locations/ames-vr-area-office

STRIVE and STRIVE Academy

STRIVE and STRIVE Academy are 4+ support programs provided by DMACC for students in special education transitioning immediately from high school to the college with an ongoing IEP in place. STRIVE is a service contracted by the school district as part of their continuum of service and students in the program are recommended by the IEP team.

Visit their website: https://www.dmacc.edu/strive/index.html

UI Reach

UI REACH (Realizing Educational and Career Hopes) is nested in the UI College of Education and is a comprehensive transition program for college-age students with intellectual, cognitive, and learning disabilities. UI REACH offers an integrated college experience in a caring and structured environment. Academics, career and transition, social growth, and campus life are areas of focus. UI REACH is a four-year program with early graduation options.

Visit their website: https://education.uiowa.edu/reach

Disability Rights Iowa

Disability Rights Iowa equips Iowans with the knowledge, advocacy, representation, and assistance they need to defend their rights. Our services are free to adults and children with a wide range of disabilities. DRI aims to break down the barriers that keep Iowans with disabilities from experiencing equality in everyday life through self-advocacy, systemic advocacy, individual representation, and benefits planning.

Visit their website: https://disabilityrightsiowa.org/how-we-help/

That Au-Some Book Club

A free book club focusing on autism and neurodiversity, featuring curated book lists and live interviews with authors and advocates. Designed to educate and support families and caregivers.

Visit their website: https://notanautismmom.com/bookclub/

Raising Readers

Supports language and literacy development in young children by providing books, caregiver guidance, and early childhood programs. They offer an open space for playing and reading at North Grand Mall Monday through Thursday for children in 2nd grade and below. Initiatives include STARS Storytime, Reading Buddies, and maintaining Little Free Libraries. The organization also works to accommodate neurodiversity, ensuring inclusive and supportive environments for all children.

Visit their website: https://www.raising-readers.org/

Iowa State University Neurodiversity Support

Visit their website: https://sas.dso.iastate.edu/neurodiversity-support

ABLE Up Iowa

Offers financial coaching and education to individuals with disabilities and their families, aiming to empower them with financial knowledge and resources for greater independence and security.

Visit their website: https://ableupiowa.org/

Iowa Compass

Provides information on services and supports for Iowans with disabilities, their families, and service providers. They offer access to thousands of local, state, and national programs for people with complex health-related conditions and disabilities. Resources include a searchable database, tip sheets, and provider tools.

Visit their website: https://iowacompass.org/services-and-resources/

ASK Resource Center

Provides advocacy, training, resources, and support for families of children with disabilities in Iowa. As the state’s Parent Training and Information Center, they offer assistance with education, healthcare, and disability-related needs. Their mission is to empower individuals with disabilities and their families through innovative and collaborative approaches.

Visit their website: http://askresource.org/

Job Accommodation Network (JAN)

Provides free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. Offers resources for employers, individuals, and service providers to enhance employment opportunities and improve workplace productivity.

Visit their website: https://askjan.org/

Neurowild Printable Resources

Offers a variety of educational resources tailored for neurodiverse students. These materials include visual supports, social stories, and tools designed to aid in understanding and communication, enhancing learning experiences for autistic students and other neurodiversities.

Visit their website: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/emily-hammond-neurowild

Autism Level UP

Provides resources and tools to support autistic individuals and their caregivers, focusing on practical strategies, sensory supports, and educational materials. Key offerings include Bumper: A Whole Body Learner, which promotes diverse learning styles through visual aids, and the Wear-N-Share Communication Lanyard, enhancing communication access in dynamic environments. They offer 90 free downloadable resources to support an inclusive environment and help individuals learn about themselves and communicate with others.

Visit their website: https://www.autismlevelup.com/

Axis Therapy Centers

Offers ABA therapy, speech therapy, feeding therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills groups. They provide comprehensive support for children with autism and special needs, including parent and caregiver training.

Visit their website: https://axistherapycenters.com/axis-ames/

Connections Testing & Consulting

Provides psychological evaluations, therapy, and consulting services specializing in autism and other developmental disabilities. They offer tailored support to meet individual needs.

Visit their website: https://www.connectionstesting.com/

Ames Counseling and Psychological Services

Offers therapy and psychological evaluations for individuals, couples, and families. Specializes in ADHD, anxiety, depression, and ASD.

Visit their website: https://www.amespsych.com/

Walnut Creek Psychiatry

Offers providers that are board-certified and specialize in the lifespan of Psychiatry with several years of clinical and teaching experience, including Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. They provide medication management for neurodevelopmental disorders including depression, ADHD, PTSD, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders. They also provide Autism Screening.

Visit their website: https://walnutcreekpsych.com/child-psychiatry/

Joyful Mind Institute

Offers social and behavioral health coaching to help individuals embrace their uniqueness, build confidence, and navigate social interactions. Provides strengths-based coaching tailored to individual needs.

Visit their website: https://www.joyfulmindinstitute.com/

Playful Speech & Feeding

Provides speech, language, and feeding therapy services for children. Offers personalized care in a comfortable environment to help children achieve their goals and thrive in their communities.

Visit their website: https://www.playfulspeechandfeeding.com/

The Community Academy

Offers various programs for youth, emphasizing community engagement, skill-building, and nature experiences. Current offerings include multi-week, all-day summer experiences for ages 5-18, focusing on community projects and nature exploration. Weekly Community Project Sessions for ages 8-18 involve collaborative efforts to improve local ecosystems, while Skill-Building Sessions, such as “Youth Voices on Community Radio” for ages 10-18, enhance digital literacy and storytelling skills.

Visit their website: https://thecommunityacademy.org/

Iowa Autism Spectrum Parents – Facebook Group

Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/9jKcsEJRnhPnPbZd/?mibextid=K35XfP

Iowa Special Needs Parents and Providers – Facebook Group

Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/bL1RPJ8BDZ38bG4B/?mibextid=K35XfP

Autism Society of Iowa – List of Support Groups

Link: https://autismia.com/support-groups/