County resource guide
Pearl River County, Mississippi
Local providers, school contacts, and support services for autism families in Pearl River County. Mississippi statewide resources also apply.
Local providers
8 listedDiagnostic clinics
Formal autism evaluations by developmental pediatricians, psychologists, or neuropsychologists.
Poplarville
Pearl River County Hospital — Pediatric Referrals
Pearl River County is a rural county in south Mississippi. Local pediatric resources are limited; most families travel to Hattiesburg (Forrest County, ~45 miles north) or the greater New Orleans metro (Louisiana, ~60 miles south) for autism evaluations and specialized services.
Very limited local autism specialist coverage. Hattiesburg (~45 min north) and New Orleans metro (~60 min south) are the nearest evaluation hubs.
Early Intervention (0–3)
Free services for children under 3 under IDEA Part C.
Picayune · multi-county
First Steps — Pearl River County
Mississippi First Steps provides free early intervention for Pearl River County children under 3. Services coordinated through the south Mississippi regional office, often delivered in the home.
FREE. One of the most accessible services for rural Pearl River County families with children under 3.
Hattiesburg · multi-county
First Steps — South Mississippi Regional Office
Mississippi's First Steps early intervention program provides free developmental services for children under 3 with disabilities, including autism. The south Mississippi regional office coordinates services for Forrest, Lamar, and surrounding counties.
FREE under IDEA Part C. No income requirement. Refer any child under 3 with developmental concerns.
ABA therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis therapy — typically requires insurance authorization.
Picayune
ABA Therapy — Hattiesburg Providers Serving Pearl River County
Pearl River County families seeking ABA therapy typically travel to Hattiesburg (Forrest County, ~45 minutes north). Lighthouse Autism Center and other Hattiesburg-based ABA providers may serve Pearl River County via in-home services. Mississippi Medicaid covers ABA.
Mississippi Medicaid covers ABA. Ask Hattiesburg providers about in-home services reaching Pearl River County.
Mental health
Therapists and psychiatrists experienced with autistic children and adults.
Picayune
Telehealth Options — Pearl River County
For Pearl River County families, telehealth is often the most practical access point for autism-experienced therapists and psychiatrists. Mississippi Medicaid covers telehealth mental health services. Several national telehealth platforms now serve Mississippi.
Telehealth is often the only realistic option for autism-experienced mental health support in Pearl River County. Mississippi Medicaid covers approved telehealth visits.
Parent & family support
Parent groups, sibling programs, and family peer support.
Hattiesburg · multi-county
Autism Society of Mississippi — Hattiesburg Chapter
Local chapter of the Autism Society of Mississippi providing peer support, family connections, and resource navigation for families in Forrest and surrounding counties.
Free. Contact the state chapter to connect with the local Hattiesburg group.
Advocacy & legal
Legal advocates, special education advocates, and disability rights organizations.
Jackson · multi-county
MPACT — IEP & School Advocacy for Lamar County
MPACT provides free IEP advocacy and special education support statewide, including Lamar County families. Essential for navigating the Lamar County School District and Pine Belt area schools.
FREE. Federally funded. Call to request an advocate or attend a parent training.
Jackson · multi-county
MPACT — IEP Advocacy for Pearl River County
MPACT, Mississippi's federally funded Parent Training and Information Center, serves Pearl River County families navigating IEPs and special education. Free support critical in a rural county with limited local specialists.
FREE. Statewide service by phone and video. Especially valuable for isolated rural families.
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See all Mississippi resources
Waivers, PTI centers, and state programs apply to all families in Mississippi.
Mississippi state guide →