The nation’s largest child protection organization with many programs and resources for exploited and vulnerable children and families:
Main Website: missingkids.org/home
Serves: Students ages 3-21, individuals, and families.
Agency providing services for individuals with autism and other neurological disabilities. Services include intervention training and support, customized and individualized learning options through the Ohio Autism Scholarship Program, and independent supportive living. The Beyond Ability Matters program provides housing, educational experiences like preparing for a job interview, and community outings. Services are offered by trained and experienced care providers.
425 Metro Place North, Dublin, Ohio 43017
(614) 956-1229
abilitymattersohio.com
Beyond Ability Matters: beyondabilitymatters.com
The website has information on a wide range of health topics, including safety, fitness, school issues, dating, substance abuse; emotional wellness, including helping children handle stress, psychiatric medications, grief. It also provides information about healthy living, family life, immunizations, developmental stages and more.
healthychildren.org
Serves: Adolescents and adults 13-30 years with autism spectrum disorder and their families
A group-based social skills and support program for teens and young adults with autism. The facilitated group engages in discussion and activities focused on building social and vocational skills. They provide additional support groups including Men’s and Women’s Aspirations, financial empowerment, DBT therapy skills, EmployAbility, and self-advocacy. Find program schedules and registration details online.
The Ohio State University Nisonger Center
1581 Dodd Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 366-3276
nisonger.osu.edu/adolescent/adolescent-clinics-services/aspirations-ohio-2
Designed for those who support, instruct, work with, or live with someone with autism, the Autism Internet Modules (AIM) guide users through case studies, instructional videos, pre- and post-assessments, discussion questions, activities, and more. Professionals can receive graduate credit for completing modules. Modules include recognizing autism, medications, augmentative and alternative communication, cognitive behavioral intervention, and more. To get started, create a free account on their website.
(614) 410-0321
autisminternetmodules.org
Serves: teens, adults, families, and individuals.
Provides advocacy, education, information and referrals, and support groups in central Ohio for those in the autism community. The Central Ohio chapter hosts support groups for teens, adults, caregivers, Spanish-speaking community members, and regular community events. Find details online.
The nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization provides evidence-based information and resources about autism diagnosis, treatment, and awareness. Their website has helpful information for parents, teen and adult toolkits, resource guides, and more. The Autism Response Team can help connect individuals and families to resources in their community. Professionals can also find helpful information, research opportunities, and ways to engage.
(888) 288-4762
Autism Response Team:autismspeaks.org/autism-response-team-art
autismspeaks.org
Español: (888) 772-9050
autismspeaks.org/que-es-el-autismo-espanol
Serves: Children birth to age 21, parents, and families.
Nonprofit education center serving children with autism and developmental disabilities. Bridgeway Academy utilizes Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to provide private school-day education from preschool through high school, life skills training, vocational training, and transition to adulthood support. Bridgeway Therapy Center serves Bridgeway Academy students and outpatient clients for music therapy, speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy, mental health, and family partnership services. Clinical staff work with families and professionals to assess, diagnose and develop individualized treatment plans in client-centered therapy sessions. They are a provider of Ohio’s Autism Scholarship Program, Jon Peterson Scholarship, Title XX (20), Medicaid, Level One, I. O. and Self Waiver and some insurances.
1350 Alum Creek Drive, Columbus, OH 43209
(614) 262-7520
bridgewayohio.org
Provides practical tips, useful information and insights on mental health and learning disorders. They offer a Symptom Checker that analyzes your answers to give you a list of psychiatric or learning disorders that are associated with those symptoms. Note that this tool cannot diagnose your child, but it can help you inform yourself about possible diagnoses and will offer information to help you learn about them and facilitate a conversation with a professional. This website is also available in Spanish.
childmind.org
Advocates for people with disabilities in Ohio. Their website has helpful resources on abuse, neglect and exploitation, employment, benefits counseling, education, voting, and more. Rise Up is an interactive youth advocacy guide with resources for transitioning into adulthood. Most of their resources are available in multiple languages, including Spanish and Somali. Complete the online intake form for legal help.
200 Civic Center Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 466-7264 or (800) 282-9181
Rise Up guides: disabilityrightsohio.org/riseup
Intake Form: disabilityrightsohio.org/intake-form
disabilityrightsohio.org
Serves: Autism diagnosis and testing for children up to age 4, Children and young adults with an autism diagnosis 2 to 21 years old.
A multidisciplinary outpatient clinic offering services for those with autism and developmental delays. The Autism Intervention Center provides autism diagnosis, testing and full-day autism therapies like occupational therapy, speech, ABA, IEP services, and transition services. Home and community based therapies include case management, mental health treatment, and transportation help.
2540 Billingsley Road, Columbus, Ohio 43235
(614) 470-2018 or (614) 407-7508
empowercenters.com
Provides resources, tools, and trainings to help individuals and families of individuals with developmental disabilities. Their website has database of programs and organizations across Ohio for helpful products, therapy, schools, legal help, clinical trials, and more. They use Charting the LifeCourse principals to help individuals and families of all abilities and ages develop a vision for a good life, and regular LifeCourse trainings are available for families and professionals.
The Ohio State University Nisonger Center
1581 Dodd Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43210
Family Resource Coordinator: (614) 293-2134
Family Support Coordinator: (513) 636-4723
frnohio.org
Offers free guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. JAN consultants offer one-on-one guidance on workplace accommodations, ADA and related legislation, and self-employment and entrepreneurship options for people with disabilities. Assistance is available both over the phone and online. Their website also has helpful information on a wide range of medical conditions with related resources and accommodations.
Voice: (800) 526-7234
TTY: (877) 781-9403
Text: (304) 216-8189
askjan.org
Provides resources on a wide range of mental health topics, including patient education handouts, descriptions of mental health conditions, how therapy works, descriptions of medications, how to take medications, videos on various behavioral health topics and more.
ramp.luriechildrens.org
Helps veterans and people with disabilities find information, support, and referrals for disability-related services. They also provide adaptive equipment loans, peer support groups, living skills classes and transition services.
1829 East Long Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 443-5936
mobileonline.org
Serves: Individuals 14 years old and older with autism, families, and professionals
Provides trusted resources to help individuals with autism reach their unique potential. The website Resource Center provides tool kits, recommended reading, and a list of organizations that support youth and adults with autism. The Helpdesk will do the searching for you and is staffed by masters’ level social workers who can connect you to therapies, support groups, funding help, and more. The Self-Advocate Social Group is a community for people with disabilities over the age of 16 that meets monthly on Discord. The Milestone Autism Planning (MAP) tool allows you to explore life skill guidelines based on your child’s age or developmental stage. They also provide consultation and training services for professionals. Find program details and fill out their intake forms online.
4853 Galaxy Parkway, Warrensville Heights, Ohio 44128
(216) 464-7600
milestones.org
Offers medical, psychiatry and counseling services and year-round programming for children and teens, including help with substance abuse, anger issues, behavior problems, ADHD, exposure to violence, depression, anxiety and self-harm behaviors for children up to age 21, at several locations throughout Columbus. Visit their online Community Behavioral Health Resource Directory to find behavioral health services throughout the state of Ohio.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 355-8080
nationwidechildrens.org/behavioral-health
Serves: Children 16-30 months for diagnostic screening, Children ages 2-22, Parents, and Families.
Provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care focusing on evidence-based treatment, education, research and advocacy for children with the diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Services include diagnostic assessment, behavioral intervention, outpatient psychotherapy, complex behavior program, and community support services. Find details about services and eligibility online. They also host the following programs:
187 West Schrock Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081
For an Autism Diagnostic Screening: (614) 355-8080
For all other Autism resources: (614) 355-7570
nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/center-for-autism-spectrum-disorders
Serves: Infants, school-aged children, teens, and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
The Nisonger Center has a variety of programs for individuals with developmental disabilities, including Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorders. Services include clinical support services, specialized dental programs, inclusive childcare and early childhood education, social programs for teens, TOPS post-secondary education and transitional skills program for adult students at OSU, psychiatric services, and more. Contact the center for program details and eligibility.
1581 Dodd Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43210
Administration: (614) 685-3192 or (855) 983-9955
nisonger.osu.edu
Represents the 88 county boards of developmental disabilities throughout Ohio and monitors legislation at the state and national level. Their website lists helpful advocacy information for individuals, families, and professionals.
73 East Wilson Bridge Road, Worthington, Ohio 43085
(614) 431-0616
oacbdd.org/index.php
Connects individuals with disabilities to community resources, advocates for inclusive public policy, and provides training opportunities for professionals. They publish an Autism parent guide that includes topics such as screening and diagnosis, accessing educational services, and future planning. Their website has many helpful resources, including the Autism Center, Outreach Center for Deafness and Blindness, Lifespan Transitions, Assistive Technology, Teaching Diverse Learners, Family and Community Outreach, and Young Child Center.
470 Glenmont Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 410-0321
OCALI Contact Directory: ocali.org/project/learn_about_OCALI/page/contact_OCALI
ocali.org
Coordinates state efforts to help kids with autism. Their website has education and development resources for babies and toddlers, preschoolers, school-age children and adults with autism spectrum disorders.
Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD)
30 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
iwg-autism.org
Provides a lot of information on understanding autism throughout the lifespan, for individuals, parents, and professionals. Topics include understanding the spectrum, masking, how to respond to meltdowns, research resources, being an ally, and more. This organization is led by members with autism, and provides advocacy, education, and resources for those affected by autism. Parents or professionals can purchase continuing education modules for a small fee, and the “Autism Glossary” is a helpful guide for anyone trying to understand autism and related resources.
Autism Glossary: reframingautism.org.au/service/glossary-terms
I am Newly Diagnosed
reframingautism.org.au