County resource guide
Douglas County, Missouri
Local providers, school contacts, and support services for autism families in Douglas County. Missouri statewide resources also apply.
Local providers
14 listedDiagnostic clinics
Formal autism evaluations by developmental pediatricians, psychologists, or neuropsychologists.
Ava · multi-county
Mercy Hospital Springfield — Developmental Pediatrics (Douglas County)
Mercy's developmental pediatrics and autism evaluation services in Springfield serve as the primary referral destination for Douglas County families. Ava, the county seat, is approximately one hour from Springfield, making Mercy the most accessible comprehensive evaluation center.
Gainesville · multi-county
Mercy Hospital Springfield — Developmental Pediatrics (Ozark County)
Mercy's developmental pediatrics program in Springfield is the primary referral destination for Ozark County families seeking autism evaluations. Ozark County has no local diagnostic center — families in Gainesville typically travel north to Springfield for comprehensive assessment.
Expect travel to Springfield — Gainesville is approximately 1.5 hours south.
Mountain Grove · multi-county
Mercy Hospital Springfield — Developmental Pediatrics (Wright County)
Mercy's developmental pediatrics program in Springfield is the closest comprehensive autism evaluation center for Wright County families. Mountain Grove, the county seat, is about an hour from Springfield, making Mercy the standard referral destination for autism assessments.
West Plains · multi-county
Ozarks Healthcare — Developmental Pediatric Referrals (Howell County)
Ozarks Healthcare in West Plains is the primary medical hub for Howell County, serving as the entry point for developmental screenings and referrals for autism evaluations. Full multi-disciplinary evaluations are typically completed at Mercy Springfield or Children's Hospital in St. Louis.
Early Intervention (0–3)
Free services for children under 3 under IDEA Part C.
Ava
Missouri First Steps — Douglas County
Missouri's Part C Early Intervention program provides home-based developmental services for infants and toddlers in Douglas County. Services reach families in Ava and throughout this rural Ozarks county without requiring travel.
FREE under IDEA Part C.
ABA therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis therapy — typically requires insurance authorization.
Ava · multi-county
Centria Autism — In-Home ABA (Douglas County)
Centria Autism provides in-home and telehealth ABA therapy for children in Douglas County. The in-home model is especially valuable in rural communities like Douglas County where center-based care would require significant travel to Springfield. Accepts Medicaid.
Mountain Grove · multi-county
Centria Autism — In-Home ABA (Wright County)
Centria Autism provides in-home ABA therapy for children with autism in Wright County. The in-home model removes the travel burden for families in Mountain Grove and rural Wright County who would otherwise need to drive to Springfield for center-based services. Accepts Medicaid.
Gainesville · multi-county
Centria Autism — Telehealth ABA (Ozark County)
Centria Autism's telehealth ABA therapy services reach children with autism in rural Ozark County. Telehealth supervision paired with in-home sessions allows families in Gainesville to access evidence-based ABA without traveling to Springfield. Accepts Medicaid.
West Plains · multi-county
Mercy Hospital Springfield — ABA & Behavioral Services (Howell County)
Mercy's behavioral health network in Springfield provides ABA therapy referrals and behavioral services for Howell County children. Families in West Plains typically travel to Springfield for center-based care; telehealth and in-home options supplement for those who cannot make the trip.
Parent & family support
Parent groups, sibling programs, and family peer support.
Ava · multi-county
Autism Society of Missouri — Ozarks Network (Douglas County)
The Autism Society of Missouri connects Douglas County families to support groups and resources across the Ozarks region. Families in Ava access the Springfield-area autism community through this statewide organization's regional programming.
Mountain Grove · multi-county
Autism Society of Missouri — Ozarks Network (Wright County)
The Autism Society of Missouri connects Wright County families to regional support groups and resources. Families in Mountain Grove access the Springfield-area autism community through this statewide organization's Ozarks-region programming.
Gainesville · multi-county
Autism Society of Missouri — Rural Ozarks Network (Ozark County)
The Autism Society of Missouri supports families in Ozark County through virtual groups, resource connections, and links to the broader Ozarks autism community. This statewide network is the primary peer support resource for families in this isolated county.
West Plains · multi-county
Autism Society of Missouri — South-Central Ozarks Network (Howell)
The Autism Society of Missouri connects Howell County families to regional support groups, resource navigation, and family events. West Plains area families benefit from both in-person Ozarks-area programming and virtual support options.
Advocacy & legal
Legal advocates, special education advocates, and disability rights organizations.
Ava
MPACT — Missouri Parents Act (Douglas County)
Missouri's federally funded PTI provides free IEP advocacy and training for Douglas County families. MPACT's phone and virtual services are especially important for families in rural Ozarks districts where school special education resources may be limited.
FREE. Federally funded PTI.
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See all Missouri resources
Waivers, PTI centers, and state programs apply to all families in Missouri.
Missouri state guide →