An I/O, Level One waiver, and Autism Scholarship Program provider agency emphasizing community inclusion. They offer services to youth ages 16 and up and adults. Each program is developed to meet the needs of the wide variety of social and behavioral needs of individuals. Their focus is on personal daily living, health and wellness, employment, social, financial, family and spiritual health. Services are offered by trained and experienced care providers.
425 Metro Place North, Dublin, Ohio 43017
(614) 956-1229
abilitymattersohio.com
A social and vocational skills support group for high functioning teens and young adults on the autism spectrum in a small group setting. Two experienced group leaders create an atmosphere of acceptance and support as participants develop self-awareness, social insight, and vocational success strategies. Contact them about cost information.
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
Teaches families and professionals how to support individuals with autism. These free internet programs provide information for those working and living with individuals with autism.
470 Glenmont Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 410-0321
autisminternetmodules.org
Serving 14 central Ohio counties, they provide information, referrals, support groups, educational programs and fun family events. They also maintain a list of local support groups.
The nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization, that provides helpful information and resources about autism diagnosis and treatment.
1 East 33rd Street, New York, New York 10016
(888) 288-4762 or (888) 772-9050 in Spanish only
autismspeaks.org
A full-day private school program from early-intervention/preschool through high school for children with developmental disabilities. They provide speech, music and occupational therapy, psychological services, social skills groups, summer camps and parent support groups. Bridgeway Academy utilizes the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). 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.
2500 Medary Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43202
(614) 262-7520
bridgewayohio.org
Offers early childhood educational services for children under the age of 6 with and without developmental delays. They also provide home-based services and classes for young children with special needs. Most programs are free or for a small fee.
674 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 253-6933
childhoodleague.org
Provides legal advocacy and rights protection throughout Ohio to a wide range of people with disabilities. This includes assisting individuals with problems such as abuse, neglect, discrimination, access to assistive technology devices, special education, housing, employment, community integration, voting and rights protection issues within the juvenile and criminal justice systems.
200 Civic Center Drive, Suite 300, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 466-7264 or (800) 282-9181
disabilityrightsohio.org
We provide equine assisted activities, summer camps and therapies (including Therapeutic Riding, Horsemanship and Equine Assisted Learning) to individuals with special needs, ages 4 years old and up. Horses provide a special format for children to connect and socialize with the animal and each other.
(937) 935-6545
1797 State Route 47, East Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311
discoveryriders.org
Provides autism, disabilities and special needs services, including early childhood education, pediatric occupation, physical and speech therapies; adult day and in-home services, respite care for families who need a break from caring for their child with autism, and social skills groups. They also offer afterschool programs, summer day camps, vocational services, transportation and more.
3830 Trueman Court, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
(614) 228-5523
easterseals.com/centralohio
Students ages 18-22 focus on individualized transition plans to achieve future adult living and career aspirations. The ESC offers three unique programs on the campuses of Columbus State Community College and The Ohio State University, which serve students who have completed or met all graduation requirements, and have elected to defer their high school diploma.
2080 Citygate Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 445-3750
escco.org/Campus-BasedTransition.aspx
A multi-service, multi-specialty, outpatient clinic offering services for those with psychiatric disorders, autism and developmental delays. They offer counseling, psychological testing, behavioral consultation, ABA treatment, speech, occupational therapy, respite programs and more. Services can be provided at home, in their clinic or at the child’s school. Contact them for information about costs and eligibility.
2540 Billingsley Road, Columbus, Ohio 43235
(614) 470-2018
empowercenters.com
Provides a database of programs, organizations and products for families of individuals with developmental disabilities.
The Ohio State University, Nisonger Center
1581 Dodd Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 293-2134
frnohio.org
A non-profit that provides employment services, job training and sustained employment supports to individuals with autism. Their program EveryBody Works is a transition program that blends post-secondary education with paid work experiences. They employ individuals with autism in their gluten-free bakery, working with job coaches to develop skills.
4185 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 447-0424
foodforgoodthought.com
Assists people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or behavioral health challenges and their families with primary care, dental and behavioral health services. They offer long-term and temporary residential support, in-home and out-of-home respite services, applied behavior analysis (ABA) and outpatient behavior health services, vocational habilitation, summer programs for youth with autism, telehealth services, psychiatry and more. Their Family Support Services are provided by the State of Ohio for families who have chosen to keep their family member with developmental disabilities at home.
(800) 409-2729
iamboundless.org
A non-profit organization that serves young adults with autism. They operate a commercial greenhouse that provides the opportunity for school-to-work transition services, job training and employment for young adults. Lettuce Work is an approved agency provider for the Ohio Developmentally Disabled system and is authorized to provide adult vocational rehabilitation, adult day habilitation, enclave and community employment.
14985 Fancher Road, New Albany, Ohio 43054
(740) 913-0495
lettucework.org
Provides a list of accessible dining, transportation, activities, hotels and other resources in and around Columbus that have been reviewed by disability inclusion experts. For specific questions about accessibility at a particular location, contact the location (or source of transportation) for the most up-to-date details.
experiencecolumbus.com/plan-your-visit/accessibility
Article on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from Autism Speaks
This faith-based, nonprofit learning center services children on the Autism Spectrum in grades K-12. Most of the cost is paid with the Ohio Autism Scholarship Program, and the remaining cost is the responsibility of the student’s family. No student is turned away due to financial need.
11573 Lithopolis Road Northwest, Lithopolis, Ohio 43136
(614) 425-0107
mac-ohio.org/
Provide support, evidence-based methods and coaching for families and professionals to help individuals with autism reach their unique potential. They have a resource center on their website that provides tool kits, recommended reading lists, blogs, and a list of organizations that support youth and adults with autism.
4853 Galaxy Parkway, Warrensville Heights, Ohio 44128
(216) 464-7600
milestones.org
A residential treatment program for individuals ages 8 to 21 with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. Youth live at Monarch and receive 24-hour structured care and treatment specifically designed to enhance social, behavioral and academic growth.
22001 Fairmount Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio 44118
(800) 879-2522 or (216) 320-8502
monarchcenterforautism.org/residential
Provides evaluations for children with suspected developmental disabilities and autism, and comprehensive care focusing on evidence based treatment, education, research and advocacy for children with the diagnosis of autism, Asperger’s syndrome or other disorders on the autism spectrum. They also offer classes for parents and siblings of children with autism, Asperger’s and other autism spectrum disorders, covering a wide range of topics:
187 West Schrock Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081
(614) 355-7570
To sign up for a class: (614) 355-0662
nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/center-for-autism-spectrum-disorders
Developmental occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and physical therapy services are provided at the main hospital, as well as many locations throughout the community, for children from birth to age 21. Visit the website for a list of all their clinic locations.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 722-2200
Occupational Therapy: nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/occupational-therapy
Speech Pathology: nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/speech-pathology
Physical Therapy: nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/physical-therapy
For students ages 5-21 that have autism or other developmental disabilities. Provides small class sizes at schools that maintain Ohio Department of Education (ODE) charters, and offers Ohio high school diplomas. Students receive daily instruction in academics, adaptive behavior, communication, self-care, advocacy, life skills, social skills and more.
7690 New Market Center Way, Columbus, Ohio 43235
(614) 602-6473
newstoryschools.com/locations-overview/ohio
Offers complete services for children, teens and adults with developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorders, including an autism clinic, behavior support services, dental care for children with developmental disabilities, early intervention programs, psychiatric services, special education/transition services. They also have a toy and technology library. Their website has an extensive list of resources for families as well.
1581 Dodd Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43210
Administration: (614) 685-3192 or (855) 983-9955 Toll-free
nisonger.osu.edu
Additional Contact Information: nisonger.osu.edu/contact-us
Serves families by supporting and educating children with autism. Their services include early intervention services, speech and occupational therapy, home-based programs and psychological services for kids of all ages. Oakstone’s summer social skills program is for children (and their siblings) with autism who attend Oakstone Academy. They also offer a transition to work program for teens with autism.
Serves families and professionals working with students with autism and low-incidence disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairments and traumatic brain injuries. Their website has an extensive services and supports database (Nexus) of helpful community resources, as well as a free lending library of books, DVDs and assistive technology. They publish a parent guide that discusses topics such as screening and diagnosis, accessing educational services, future planning and more.
470 Glenmount Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 410-0321 or (866) 886-2254 Toll-free
ocali.org
OCALI Contact Directory: ocali.org/project/learn_about_OCALI/page/contact_OCALI
Includes information about the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship Program, the U.S. Senate Youth Program and the Autism Scholarship Program. The Ohio Educational Choice (EdChoice) Scholarship Program provides scholarships or vouchers for students from under-performing schools to attend private schools.
25 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 728-2743 or (877) 644-6338
Text “OHED EC” to 468311 to get texts for EdChoice Scholarship
education.ohio.gov/Scholarships
education.ohio.gov/Media/Sign-up-for-Text-Alerts/Subscribe-to-Ohio-Education-Options-Text-Alerts
Ohio F2F staff are parents of children with special healthcare needs helping other parents. We offer one-on-one support through information and referrals, and hold training events for families and professionals. We are an affiliate of the national organization Family Voices. Visit the website for additional contact information.
ohiof2f.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. Visit the website for contact information.
Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD)
30 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
iwg-autism.org
Offers summer day, overnight and weekend camps throughout the year for youth with disabilities. They have specialized camps for children with autism, Prader-Willi Syndrome, epilepsy and other disabilities. Their year-round weekend respite care camps have on-site nursing and provide an environment for indoor and outdoor fun.
7700 Piper Road, Ashley, Ohio 43003
(740) 548-7006
recreationunlimited.org
facebook.com/recreationunlimited
This online resource supporting the physical, emotional, intellectual and social development of children and young adults, prenatal to age 25. The website helps families find resources, organizations and events to meet their specific needs and challenges. Users can customize profiles by location (counties within Ohio), age ranges and topics of interest.
10415 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
redtreehouse.org
Offers providers and parents resources to help children thrive and deal with some common issues that affect children’s lives. Explore topics related to health and wellness, social-emotional skills, and school readiness.
sesamestreetincommunities.org
To view their additional toolkit: sesamestreet.org/toolkits
Provides therapeutic foster care, in-home and community-based behavioral health, adoption services; family preservation and reunification programs, and older youth services to preserve families and strengthen youth. Anyone can make a referral. Their services help youth from infant to age 18 and older throughout Ohio. They also offer free classes to support parents and guardians of youth participating in SAFY programs. Visit the website for other Ohio offices.
Columbus Office: 4615 Hilton Corporate Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43232
(614) 729-2024 or (888) 590-7239 Toll-free
safy.org/ohio
Program: services for kids with autism, in and out of the school setting, including occupational therapy, speech therapy, music therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), behavioral health, support groups, summer camps, educational services and more
Eligibility: ages 2 ½ through 22
Cost: Caresource and most insurances are accepted; also, Jon Peterson, Autism Scholarship and District Placements accepted
Referral: individuals may refer themselves or be referred by parents, physician or organization
(614) 844-5433
thelearningspectrum.com
Offers clinical services for adult and transition-age-youth patients with autism. Available services include: primary care with physicians, medical assistants, a nurse and a social worker who have experience working with youth and adults with autism, clinical pharmacy consultation for medication questions and medication monitoring, and in-office lab and procedural care.
OSU Wexner Medical Center’s Internal Medicine & Pediatrics
3691 Ridge Mill Drive, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
(614) 688-9220
wexnermedical.osu.edu/primary-care/adult-autism-center
Serves: Single Adults & Families, Youth & Teens
Their programs, services and initiatives are for men, women and children of all ages covering health and fitness, swimming, age-specific activities, child care, camps, juvenile justice, housing, programming for infants and children with special needs (ECRN+), loanable adaptive equipment, and more. In their YMCA Stable Families coordinated service program, families with children (from Pre-K to 12th grade) who live in Franklin County have access to a service coordinator who can help in increasing household income, obtaining/maintaining safe and stable housing, and increasing the academic achievement of school-aged children. Visit the website or contact a YMCA center for additional information.
YMCA Administrative Office: 1907 Leonard Ave, Columbus, OH 43219
(614) 389-4409
YMCA Stable Families: (614) 636-3208
ymcacolumbus.org
YMCA Stable Families: ymcacolumbus.org/stable-form
YMCA Locations & Contacts: ymcacolumbus.org/locations