County resource guide
Autism Resources in Cooper, Missouri
Local providers, school contacts, and support services for autism families in Cooper. Missouri statewide resources also apply.
Local providers
12 listedDiagnostic clinics
Formal autism evaluations by developmental pediatricians, psychologists, or neuropsychologists.
Columbia · multi-county
Thompson Center for Autism — Cooper County Referrals
The Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders at the University of Missouri (Columbia) is the primary autism evaluation referral destination for Cooper County families. Thompson Center provides diagnostic evaluations, behavioral consultation, and family support services accessible from Boonville via the I-70 corridor.
Columbia · multi-county
Thompson Center for Autism — Moniteau County Referrals
The Thompson Center for Autism at University of Missouri (Columbia) is the primary autism evaluation referral for Moniteau County families. Located in nearby Columbia via US-50, Thompson Center provides comprehensive diagnostic, behavioral, and family support services for central Missouri families.
Columbia · multi-county
Thompson Center for Autism — University of Missouri (Howard County)
The Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders at the University of Missouri in Columbia is the closest comprehensive autism evaluation center for Howard County families in Fayette. An internationally recognized center with multidisciplinary teams providing diagnostic, behavioral, and family support services.
National center of excellence. Fayette is ~30 miles from Columbia. Expect waitlists.
Early Intervention (0–3)
Free services for children under 3 under IDEA Part C.
Boonville · multi-county
Missouri First Steps — Cooper County
Missouri First Steps delivers free birth-to-3 developmental services and autism-related EI supports for Cooper County families in Boonville and surrounding communities. Coordinated through local school district contacts in this mid-Missouri river town.
California · multi-county
Missouri First Steps — Moniteau County
Missouri First Steps provides free birth-to-3 developmental services and autism-related EI supports for Moniteau County families in California, Missouri. Coordinated through local school district contacts for this small rural central Missouri county.
ABA therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis therapy — typically requires insurance authorization.
Columbia · multi-county
Hopebridge — Columbia (Howard County Referral)
Hopebridge's Columbia location provides center-based ABA therapy accessible to Howard County families in Fayette. The Columbia campus offers BCBA-supervised services with multidisciplinary integration of speech and OT. Missouri Medicaid and commercial insurance accepted.
Columbia hub for Howard County. Missouri requires insurance to cover ABA.
Mental health
Therapists and psychiatrists experienced with autistic children and adults.
Boonville · multi-county
Pathways Behavioral Health Services — Cooper County
Pathways Behavioral Health Services (formerly Mid-Missouri Mental Health Center) provides developmental disability services and autism supports for Cooper County families in Boonville. This historic Missouri River county is served by regional CMH programs connecting to Columbia and Kansas City resources.
California · multi-county
Pathways Behavioral Health Services — Moniteau County
Pathways Behavioral Health provides developmental disability services and autism supports for Moniteau County families in California, Missouri. This small central Missouri county between Jefferson City and Sedalia relies on regional CMH services and telehealth for autism-related supports.
Advocacy & legal
Legal advocates, special education advocates, and disability rights organizations.
Boonville
Boonville R-I School District — Special Education
Boonville R-I School District provides autism evaluations and IEP services for Cooper County school-age students. Families may access Thompson Center for Autism resources in Columbia (Boone County) for comprehensive autism evaluations and consultation.
Boonville · multi-county
MPACT — Missouri Parents Act (Cooper County)
MPACT provides free IEP advocacy by phone and virtually for Cooper County families in Boonville. Remote services are essential for families in this rural Missouri River county navigating Missouri special education rules.
Fayette · multi-county
MPACT — Missouri Parents Act (Howard County)
Missouri's federally funded PTI provides free IEP advocacy and support for Howard County families in Fayette. MPACT's staff understand Missouri special education regulations and can support families in navigating the Howard County school district's special education processes.
FREE. Federally funded PTI. Columbia is ~30 miles away for in-person meetings.
California · multi-county
MPACT — Missouri Parents Act (Moniteau County)
MPACT delivers free IEP advocacy by phone and virtually for Moniteau County families in California, Missouri. A critical remote resource for families in this small rural central Missouri county who lack local IEP advocacy support.
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See all Missouri resources
Waivers, PTI centers, and state programs apply to all families in Missouri.
Missouri state guide →