County resource guide
Autism Resources in Howard, Missouri
Local providers, school contacts, and support services for autism families in Howard. Missouri statewide resources also apply.
Local providers
17 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.
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 — 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.
Keytesville · multi-county
University of Missouri Health Care — Developmental Referrals (Chariton)
MU Health Care in Columbia is the primary referral hub for Chariton County families. Keytesville is approximately 65 miles northwest of Columbia. The Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment at MU provides comprehensive evaluation services accessible for families who can make the drive.
Columbia's Thompson Center (~65 miles south) is the nearest comprehensive autism evaluation center.
Early Intervention (0–3)
Free services for children under 3 under IDEA Part C.
Keytesville · multi-county
Missouri First Steps — Chariton County
Missouri's Part C Early Intervention program for infants and toddlers with developmental delays in Chariton County. Home-based services reach Keytesville, Salisbury, and rural communities throughout north-central Missouri.
FREE 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.
Fayette
Missouri First Steps — Howard County Early Intervention
Missouri First Steps provides Part C early intervention services to eligible children birth to age 3 in Howard County through home-based and community-based delivery. Fayette families are connected to speech, OT, and developmental therapy with coordination toward the Columbia hub.
FREE for eligible children. Columbia proximity makes follow-up specialty care accessible.
ABA therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis therapy — typically requires insurance authorization.
Keytesville · multi-county
Behavioral Health Works — North-Central Missouri Telehealth (Chariton)
Telehealth ABA therapy for Chariton County families in rural north-central Missouri. Virtual BCBA-supervised parent training and behavior support reduce the burden of commuting to Columbia or Kansas City for services. Accepts Medicaid.
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.
Parent & family support
Parent groups, sibling programs, and family peer support.
Keytesville · multi-county
Autism Society of Missouri — Heart of Missouri (Chariton County)
The Autism Society of Missouri connects Chariton County families to the Heart of Missouri chapter in Columbia. Keytesville-area families access virtual programming and periodic regional events through this statewide organization.
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.
Fayette
Central Methodist University — Community Education & Family Resources
Central Methodist University in Fayette provides community programming and continuing education relevant to families of children with developmental differences. Howard County families can connect through CMU's outreach programs for local resource referrals and community support networks.
University community resource. Ask about disability support and family programming.
Advocacy & legal
Legal advocates, special education advocates, and disability rights organizations.
Keytesville · multi-county
MPACT — Missouri Parents Act (Chariton County)
Missouri's federally funded PTI provides free IEP advocacy, training, and one-on-one support for Chariton County families navigating special education rights in small north-central Missouri school districts.
FREE. Federally funded PTI.
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.
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 →