County resource guide
Cole County, Missouri
Local providers, school contacts, and support services for autism families in Cole County. Missouri statewide resources also apply.
Local providers
9 listedDiagnostic clinics
Formal autism evaluations by developmental pediatricians, psychologists, or neuropsychologists.
Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders — University of Missouri
Columbia · serves multiple counties
One of the most comprehensive autism centers in the Midwest, housed at the University of Missouri in Columbia. Offers multidisciplinary diagnostic evaluations, behavioral health, speech-language therapy, OT, and telehealth services. Nationally recognized research center with a lifespan approach from toddlers through adults. A flagship resource for mid-Missouri families.
Jefferson City
Capital Region Medical Center — Developmental Pediatrics
Capital Region Medical Center is Jefferson City's regional hospital for Cole County. The Missouri Division of Developmental Disabilities — which administers waivers and state autism services — is headquartered nearby, making Cole County families well-positioned to access state DD resources.
Missouri Division of DD is nearby in Jefferson City — Cole County families can connect directly to state waiver and autism services.
Early Intervention (0–3)
Free services for children under 3 under IDEA Part C.
Jefferson City
Missouri First Steps — Cole County Early Intervention
Free early intervention for Cole County children under 3 under IDEA Part C. The Missouri Division of DD in Jefferson City can also connect families to additional state resources and waiver programs.
Free under IDEA Part C.
Columbia · multi-county
MU Thompson Center — Early Intervention Services
Early intervention evaluations and services for children birth to age 3 through Missouri's First Steps program, coordinated at the Thompson Center. Covers developmental screening, speech, OT, and family support planning for Boone County and surrounding mid-Missouri counties.
Missouri First Steps partner. Referrals through your pediatrician or call the Thompson Center directly.
ABA therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis therapy — typically requires insurance authorization.
Jefferson City
Behavioral Innovations — Jefferson City
Center-based and in-home ABA therapy for Cole County families in Jefferson City. Being the state capital, Cole County families have strong access to Missouri Medicaid and state DD waiver programs that fund ABA.
Parent & family support
Parent groups, sibling programs, and family peer support.
Jefferson City
Autism Society Missouri — Jefferson City/Mid-Missouri
Statewide autism organization with Jefferson City-area programming. Cole County families can also connect directly with the Missouri Division of DD for waiver navigation given the state capital's location.
Columbia · multi-county
Autism Society of Missouri — Mid-Missouri Chapter
Support groups, community events, and resource navigation for Boone County families. Coordinates with Thompson Center and local schools to connect families across mid-Missouri.
Advocacy & legal
Legal advocates, special education advocates, and disability rights organizations.
Jefferson City
MPACT — Missouri Parents Act (Cole County / Jefferson City)
Missouri's federally funded Parent Training and Information Center serving Cole County. Jefferson City families benefit from proximity to state agencies — MPACT can help connect families directly to the right state contacts for IEP disputes and DD services.
FREE. Federally funded PTI.
Columbia · multi-county
MPACT — Missouri Parents Act (Mid-Missouri)
Missouri's federally funded Parent Training and Information Center, serving Boone County and mid-Missouri families. Free IEP advocacy training, one-on-one support, and special education rights information. Bilingual services available.
FREE. Federally funded PTI. Call before any IEP meeting or dispute.
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See all Missouri resources
Waivers, PTI centers, and state programs apply to all families in Missouri.
Missouri state guide →