County resource guide
Autism Resources in Polk County, Iowa
Local providers, school contacts, and support services for autism families in Polk County. Iowa statewide resources also apply.
Polk County (Des Moines) is served by Blank Children's Hospital for developmental evaluations. Iowa Compass (operated by University of Iowa's CDD) is an excellent free resource navigation service, and Iowa Compass (PTI) provides free IEP advocacy statewide. Iowa requires commercial insurance to cover ABA therapy, and Iowa's Early ACCESS early intervention program serves young children under 3.
Provider directory
Local Providers41 providers in Polk County
About our listings
Provider listings on Autism Parent Club are submitted by practices or researched from public sources. All listings are reviewed by a person before publication, and no provider has paid to appear here. Read how we verify listings, or use the “Suggest a correction” link below to flag anything inaccurate.
0 providers in Polk County. Filter by your child’s age — including 18+, which is the hardest to find anywhere.
Diagnostic clinics
Formal autism evaluations by developmental pediatricians, psychologists, or neuropsychologists.
Des Moines · multi-county
Blank Children's Hospital — Developmental Pediatrics
Autism and developmental evaluations at Blank Children's Hospital (UnityPoint Health), Des Moines' primary pediatric center. Serves Polk County and families from Central Iowa.
Indianola · multi-county
Blank Children's Hospital — Developmental Pediatrics
Autism and developmental evaluations at Blank Children's Hospital in Des Moines, the closest major pediatric center for Warren County families. Provides comprehensive multidisciplinary assessments.
Located in Des Moines (~25 min from Indianola). Referral from primary care recommended.
Winterset · multi-county
Blank Children's Hospital — Madison County Referral
Madison County families in Winterset (birthplace of John Wayne) access autism evaluations at Blank Children's Hospital in Des Moines, approximately 30 miles east. Blank Children's is the primary pediatric hub for the greater Des Moines metro.
Des Moines (~30 miles east) is the primary evaluation hub for Madison County families.
Adel · multi-county
Broadlawns Medical Center — Developmental Pediatrics
Developmental pediatric services at Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines, the primary public hospital serving Dallas County and the greater metro. Provides autism screenings and referrals for comprehensive evaluation at UI Stead Family Children's Hospital.
Broadlawns accepts Iowa Medicaid. Fast-growing suburb — Iowa Methodist and UI Children's also accessible.
Johnston
ChildServe Autism Program — Johnston
Autism assessments, diagnoses, early intervention, ABA, and behavioral support. Johnston and Ames locations serving Polk County families.
Source: https://www.childserve.org/autism-program-for-kids-in-iowa/
ABA therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis therapy — typically requires insurance authorization.
Newton · multi-county
Applied Behavioral Advancements — Central Iowa
ABA therapy serving Jasper County families, with BCBA-supervised home and community-based programming. Iowa Medicaid and commercial insurance accepted.
Iowa Medicaid covers ABA therapy for eligible children.
Des Moines
Carelinks ABA — Des Moines
In-home ABA therapy serving children and young adults ages 2–21 in Des Moines, Polk County, and across Iowa.
Source: https://www.carelinksaba.com/locations/des-moines
Winterset · multi-county
Centria Autism — Madison County
ABA therapy for Madison County families. BCBA-supervised home- and community-based programming. Iowa Medicaid and commercial insurance accepted.
Iowa Medicaid covers ABA therapy.
Indianola · multi-county
Centria Autism — South Des Moines Metro
ABA therapy services serving Warren County families, with centers in the Des Moines metro area. BCBA-supervised programming with home and center options. Iowa Medicaid accepted.
Iowa Medicaid covers ABA therapy for eligible children.
Waukee · multi-county
Centria Autism — Waukee
Center-based ABA therapy in Waukee for children with autism. Centria offers BCBA-supervised programming with individualized treatment plans. Iowa Medicaid and most commercial insurance accepted.
Iowa Medicaid covers ABA therapy for eligible children.
Des Moines · multi-county
Hopebridge — Des Moines
Center-based ABA therapy in the Des Moines metro. BCBA-supervised. Accepts most commercial insurance and Iowa Medicaid.
Iowa requires commercial insurance to cover ABA therapy.
Respite care
Respite care providers giving families a break — in-home, center-based, and overnight.
Statewide · multi-county
Children at Home — Iowa Family Support Network
Iowa's Children at Home program helps families buy what they actually need to keep a child at home, including respite alongside equipment, supplies and assistive technology. Respite is also a covered service under Iowa's HCBS waivers. Given that Iowa does not pre-screen eligibility before putting families on a waiver waiting list, this is the route that does not depend on that queue.
Ask about Children at Home separately from waiver respite — different funding, different application, and families are usually told about only one.
~3,000 providers nationwide
ARCH National Respite Locator
A free national database of respite providers searchable by state and locality — home care agencies, community-based organizations and state programs. The single best starting point for finding respite anywhere in the country, and it is the tool state agencies themselves point families toward.
A national programme with local chapters — we have not verified a chapter in this county. Use their finder to locate the nearest one.
Before you pay out of pocket, check what your state's Medicaid waiver funds — respite is covered by nearly every state waiver, and many families never think to ask.
Most states run one
Your state's Lifespan Respite Care Program
Lifespan Respite Care Programs are federally seeded, state-run programs that help families of any age and any disability find and pay for respite — often including vouchers or subsidies that do not depend on having a Medicaid waiver. Most states have one, they are chronically under-used, and they are rarely mentioned by anyone else in the system.
A national programme with local chapters — we have not verified a chapter in this county. Use their finder to locate the nearest one.
Search for "[your state] Lifespan Respite" or use the ARCH directory. Ask specifically about voucher or subsidy programs — that is the part families most often miss.
Parent & family support
Parent groups, sibling programs, and family peer support.
Des Moines
Autism Society of Iowa
Iowa's statewide autism organization. Support groups, resource navigation, family events, and advocacy across Polk County and statewide.
Indianola · multi-county
Autism Society of Iowa — Central Iowa
Parent support groups, community events, and statewide resource connections for Warren County autism families. The Autism Society of Iowa covers the Des Moines metro including Indianola.
Newton · multi-county
Autism Society of Iowa — Central Iowa
Statewide parent support network and resource hub for autism families in Jasper County. The Autism Society of Iowa hosts events in the greater Des Moines metro accessible from Newton.
Winterset · multi-county
Autism Society of Iowa — Central Iowa
Statewide parent support and resource connections for Madison County autism families through the Autism Society of Iowa.
Adel · multi-county
Autism Society of Iowa — Central Iowa Chapter
Parent support, resource sharing, and community events for autism families in Dallas County and the greater Des Moines metro. The Autism Society of Iowa connects families to local and statewide networks.
Advocacy & legal
Legal advocates, special education advocates, and disability rights organizations.
Iowa City · multi-county
Iowa Compass — Information & Referral Network
Iowa's premier information and referral service for disability and special education resources. Operated by the University of Iowa Center for Disabilities and Development. Free resource navigation, service coordination, and referrals statewide.
FREE. The first call for any Iowa family navigating autism services — excellent resource navigation.
Des Moines · multi-county
Iowa PTI — Parent Training and Information Center
Iowa's federally funded Parent Training and Information Center. Free IEP advocacy, training, and one-on-one support for Iowa families statewide.
FREE. Federally funded PTI. Essential before any IEP meeting or dispute in Iowa.
Adel · multi-county
Iowa PTI — Parent Training and Information Center
Iowa's federally funded Parent Training and Information Center offers free IEP advocacy, training, and individualized support for Dallas County families navigating special education.
FREE. Statewide service — call before any IEP meeting or school dispute.
Indianola · multi-county
Iowa PTI — Parent Training and Information Center
Free IEP advocacy and special education support from Iowa's federally funded PTI. Available to all Warren County families by phone, video, or in person.
FREE. Statewide service — call before any IEP meeting or school dispute.
Newton · multi-county
Iowa PTI — Parent Training and Information Center
Free IEP advocacy, special education support, and training for Jasper County families from Iowa's federally funded PTI. Phone and in-person consultations available statewide.
FREE. Statewide service — call before any IEP meeting or school dispute.
Knoxville · multi-county
Iowa PTI — Parent Training and Information Center
Free IEP advocacy and special education support for Marion County families from Iowa's federally funded PTI. Phone, video, and in-person consultations available statewide.
FREE. Statewide service — call before any IEP meeting or school dispute.
Winterset · multi-county
Iowa PTI — Parent Training and Information Center
Free IEP advocacy and special education support for Madison County families from Iowa's federally funded PTI.
FREE. Statewide service.
Autism-friendly dentists
Dentists experienced with autistic patients — desensitisation visits, sensory accommodations, and staff who take the time it takes.
Iowa City · multi-county
University of Iowa — Geriatrics and Special Needs Clinic
Comprehensive dental care for medically, physically and cognitively complex patients. Note the age limit: this clinic serves people over 18, so it is a route for autistic adults rather than children. Dental school clinics trade time for expertise: appointments run longer because students do the work under supervision, and there can be a wait for a first visit. In exchange you get a team that treats disabled patients every day, usually at a lower cost, and they generally accept Medicaid.
Activities, clubs & recreation
Clubs, sports, camps, and social programs that welcome autistic children and teens — inclusive, adaptive, and special-needs specific.
Ames · multi-county
Adaptive Sports Iowa
A program of the Iowa Sports Foundation providing sport, recreation and wellness for Iowans of all abilities, statewide rather than metro-only - which matters in a state where organized provision outside Des Moines and the Corridor is thin.
Des Moines · multi-county
Camp Sunnyside
An Easterseals Iowa camp in Des Moines for people aged four and over, with and without disabilities together - summer day camps, adaptive recreation, fitness and team sport across ages and ability levels.
Des Moines · multi-county
Can Play
Adaptive sport and activities for children AND adults with disabilities through its Courage program - tennis, baseball, track and field, tumbling, group games and music, as classes and camps.
Des Moines
Des Moines Parks and Recreation - Adapted Programs
The city's adapted programs - adapted baseball, soccer and track and field, plus summer and kayak camps with adapted sensory activities built in. Municipal, so cheap and local.
200+ locations nationwide
ACEing Autism
Weekly Saturday tennis clinics built specifically for autistic children aged 5 to 18, run by volunteers at more than 200 locations across the country, serving over 7,000 players. Sessions run in six-week blocks of an hour. This is the clearest example of the interest-based model working: the sport supplies the structure, the turn-taking and the reason to be there, so the social side happens sideways rather than being the task.
A national programme with local chapters — we have not verified a chapter in this county. Use their finder to locate the nearest one.
Cost varies by location — around $120 for a six-week session at some sites, with scholarships available. Use the map on their site to find your nearest program, schedule and local contact.
~4,000 camps nationwide
American Camp Association — camp finder
A free searchable directory of close to 4,000 summer camps that can be filtered for camps serving autistic campers, by distance, session length, activities and cost. The best single starting point for finding a day or overnight camp anywhere in the country.
A national programme with local chapters — we have not verified a chapter in this county. Use their finder to locate the nearest one.
Registration for specialized camps typically opens December–February and popular overnight camps fill within days. Start the funding conversation in autumn.
Nationwide — find your local chapter
Best Buddies
One-to-one friendship matching between people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities, plus employment, leadership and inclusive living programs. Over 4,000 chapters across all 50 states, serving school-age through adult. If what your family wants is a friend rather than an activity, this is the most direct answer in the country.
A national programme with local chapters — we have not verified a chapter in this county. Use their finder to locate the nearest one.
A national organization, not a local listing — use the finder on their site, or call 1-800-89BUDDY, to locate your nearest chapter.
Local affiliates across most of the country
Easterseals — camps and recreation
Day and overnight camps run through local Easterseals affiliates, several of them autism-specific, with weekend respite and family camp sessions as well. Many affiliates operate sliding-scale fees, and several camps serve adults alongside children.
A national programme with local chapters — we have not verified a chapter in this county. Use their finder to locate the nearest one.
Programs vary a great deal between affiliates — check what your nearest one actually runs rather than assuming the national description applies.
Week-long camps hosted nationwide
iCan Shine (iCan Bike)
Teaches people with disabilities to ride a conventional two-wheeled bicycle, using adapted roller bikes over a week-long camp that gradually transfers balance to the rider. Learning to ride a bike is a milestone a lot of autistic children are quietly written off for, and this is the program that most reliably delivers it. Camps are hosted by local organizations across the country, so availability is by host town rather than by chapter.
A national programme with local chapters — we have not verified a chapter in this county. Use their finder to locate the nearest one.
Check their site for host locations and dates — camps run in different towns each year, so somewhere near you may host this year and not next.
Local chapters in a number of US cities
KEEN (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now)
Volunteer-led one-to-one recreation for children and young adults with developmental and physical disabilities, at no cost to families or carers. The one-to-one model is the point: a volunteer is paired with your child for the session, which makes it workable for people who cannot manage a group setting unsupported.
A national programme with local chapters — we have not verified a chapter in this county. Use their finder to locate the nearest one.
Free to families. Runs through local chapters in a number of US cities rather than everywhere — check whether yours has one.
900+ divisions nationwide
Little League Challenger Division
Baseball for children and adults with a physical or intellectual disability, across more than 900 divisions. The main division serves ages 4–18, or up to 22 if still enrolled in school; the Senior League Challenger Division serves 15 and above with no upper age limit.
A national programme with local chapters — we have not verified a chapter in this county. Use their finder to locate the nearest one.
Use the league finder on their site to locate the nearest Challenger division, or ask about starting one.
200+ communities
Miracle League
Baseball on purpose-built accessible fields in more than 200 communities. Every player bats and every player scores, so ability differences do not decide the game.
A national programme with local chapters — we have not verified a chapter in this county. Use their finder to locate the nearest one.
Check their location list for the nearest field — coverage is good but not universal.
Every state — county-level programs
Special Olympics
Year-round sports training and competition at no cost to the athlete or their family, for children and adults alike. Programs run at county level in every state.
A national programme with local chapters — we have not verified a chapter in this county. Use their finder to locate the nearest one.
Eligibility centers on intellectual disability or a closely related developmental disability. If your child is autistic without an intellectual disability, have a direct conversation about fit before signing up rather than after.
Through local clubs and state associations
TOPSoccer (US Youth Soccer)
The Outreach Program for Soccer — recreational soccer for children and adults with intellectual, emotional or physical disabilities, usually with buddy support on the pitch. Run through ordinary local soccer clubs rather than as a separate organization.
A national programme with local chapters — we have not verified a chapter in this county. Use their finder to locate the nearest one.
Ask your state youth soccer association which local clubs run TOPSoccer — it is often not advertised on the club's own website.
For providers
Are you a provider serving this county?
Help families find accurate information about your services. Submit your practice for review so parents in this area can better understand their options.
Missing a provider? Submit a listing — it’s free →
School districts & government services
Public programs and school district contacts for Polk County.
School & special education
- Des Moines Public Schools — Special Education
Des Moines is the largest city in Polk County.
Services & benefits
- Iowa HHS — Polk County DD Services
Contact Iowa HHS for Polk County HCBS waiver enrollment and DD services.
Adult services
- Iowa HHS — Polk County DD Services
Contact Iowa HHS for Polk County HCBS waiver enrollment and DD services.
Respite & support
- Iowa HHS — Polk County DD Services
Contact Iowa HHS for Polk County HCBS waiver enrollment and DD services.
Helpful guides
Guides for Polk County families
Step-by-step help on the topics that matter most.
School & IEP
Navigating the IEP process
Your rights under IDEA, how evaluations work, and what every IEP section means.
Finding help
ABA, OT, speech and waitlists
How to find qualified providers, navigate insurance, and get off waitlists faster.
Getting started
Where to start after diagnosis
A week-by-week checklist for the first 90 days — from evaluation to early intervention.
Benefits & money
SSI, Medicaid waivers, ABLE accounts
Federal benefits your child may qualify for and how to apply without losing your spot.
Mental health
Co-occurring conditions and support
Managing anxiety, ADHD, and depression alongside an autism diagnosis.
Daily life
Sensory processing and OT
Understanding sensory needs, sensory diets, and how occupational therapy helps.
Adulthood
Employment, housing, legal planning
Supported employment, housing options, guardianship alternatives, and ABLE accounts.
Communities served
Cities in Polk County
Serving families across Polk County including Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Urbandale, Johnston, Clive, Pleasant Hill, Altoona, Grimes and Windsor Heights and more.
See all Iowa resources
Waivers, PTI centers, and state programs apply to all families in Iowa.
Iowa state guide →Common questions
Answered from the providers currently listed for this county — these update as the directory does.
How many autism providers serve Polk County, Iowa?
We list 29 providers serving Polk County, covering activities, clubs & recreation, ABA therapy, parent & family support, diagnostic clinics and respite care, plus 2 more. Some are based in the county and others serve it from nearby areas. Every listing is reviewed by a person before it is published.
Which autism providers in Polk County accept Medicaid?
5 of the providers we list for Polk County state that they accept Medicaid, including Applied Behavioral Advancements — Central Iowa, Broadlawns Medical Center — Developmental Pediatrics, Centria Autism — Madison County and Centria Autism — South Des Moines Metro, plus 1 more. Coverage and plan participation change often, so confirm directly with the provider before your first appointment.
Where can I find ABA therapy in Polk County?
ABA providers serving Polk County are listed in the ABA therapy section of this page, with phone numbers and websites. Many deliver services in the family's home or at school as well as in a clinic. Ask about waitlists when you call — they vary widely and change month to month.
Can autism therapy happen at home in Polk County?
1 provider serving Polk County delivers services in the family's home. Many children do better in a familiar setting than in an unfamiliar clinic room, and in-home visits remove the travel burden.
Does Medicaid pay for autism services in Iowa?
Iowa families can apply to the Intellectual Disability, Children's Mental Health and Health & Disability waivers — moving to the HOME system, a Medicaid waiver that can fund respite, therapies and in-home support. The typical wait is Years — some applicants have been waiting since 2020, and your place is usually set by the date you apply — so applying early matters even if you are unsure what services you need. Many waivers also disregard parental income, so families who don't qualify for regular Medicaid often still qualify here.
What if I can't find an autism provider in Polk County?
If none of the Polk County providers is the right fit, these Iowa counties currently have the most listed providers: Cerro Gordo County (34), Pottawattamie County (28), Mitchell County (25), Monroe County (25). Many providers travel or offer telehealth, so it is worth calling even if they are not based nearby. You can also tell us about a provider we are missing.
Nearby counties in Iowa
You know things we don’t
Still missing from Polk County
These are the things no database has and every parent knows. If you can answer one of them, another family in Polk Countygets an afternoon back. It takes about a minute and you don’t need to know the business details — a name and a rough location is enough for us to check.
- Who cuts your child's hair without a meltdown?
- Is there a group here where your child has made a friend?
- Which pediatrician here actually listens, and doesn't rush the appointment?
- Who has managed an eye exam here?
We check everything before it goes up, and nobody pays to be listed. How we verify.
Get told when this page changes
New provider in Polk County? We'll email you.
One email when we verify a new provider in Polk County — no newsletter, no digest, nothing else. Some counties hear from us a few times a year and some stay quiet for months; we would rather send you nothing than send you filler.
We store your address and county, and nothing else. How we handle it.
See something that needs fixing?
Providers move, phone numbers change, and links break — it happens. If anything on this page is out of date, wrong, or no longer working, please tell us and we’ll fix it. Keeping this accurate for autism families is the whole reason we’re here.
Report a correction →Help the community
Know a great provider in Polk County?
If a therapist, clinic, or specialist helped your family, tell us about them and we’ll add them to the directory so other families can find them too.
Tell us about a provider →For providers
Are you a provider serving Polk County?
Add your practice so families searching for help can find you. Listings are free.
Add your practice →