County resource guide
Newton County, Missouri
Local providers, school contacts, and support services for autism families in Newton County. Missouri statewide resources also apply.
Local providers
10 listedDiagnostic clinics
Formal autism evaluations by developmental pediatricians, psychologists, or neuropsychologists.
Joplin · multi-county
Freeman Health System — Developmental Pediatrics
Developmental pediatrics and autism evaluation services at Freeman Health System in Joplin, the primary regional medical center for Jasper County and the four-state corner area (Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas). Offers diagnostic workups and ongoing developmental care for families across a large rural catchment area.
Serves Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas families in the four-state region.
Neosho
Freeman Health System — Newton County Referral Pathway
Newton County families access comprehensive autism diagnostics via Freeman Health in Joplin (~15 miles from Neosho). Freeman Health serves the four-state corner (MO, KS, OK, AR) and is the dominant regional medical system for Newton County.
Main campus in Joplin (~15 miles north). Serves the four-state corner.
Joplin · multi-county
Mercy Hospital Joplin — Pediatric Services
Mercy's pediatric program in Joplin offers developmental screenings and referrals to specialized autism evaluation services. Works alongside Freeman as part of Joplin's two-hospital system serving Jasper County and surrounding rural communities in the four-state region.
Early Intervention (0–3)
Free services for children under 3 under IDEA Part C.
Neosho
Missouri First Steps — Newton County Early Intervention
Free early intervention for Newton County children under 3 under IDEA Part C. Contact Newton County Health Department to begin the referral process.
Free under IDEA Part C.
ABA therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis therapy — typically requires insurance authorization.
Neosho
Behavioral Innovations — Newton County / Neosho
ABA services for Newton County families in Neosho and Granby, adjacent to the Joplin metro. Accepts Missouri Medicaid and commercial insurance.
Joplin · multi-county
Rethink Autism — Joplin
ABA therapy services in Joplin serving Jasper County families. Offers center-based and in-home options with BCBA supervision. Accepts most commercial insurance under Missouri's ABA insurance mandate.
Missouri requires commercial insurance to cover ABA. Check with your carrier.
Parent & family support
Parent groups, sibling programs, and family peer support.
Neosho
Autism Society Missouri — Newton County / Four-State Area
Statewide autism organization. Newton County families can connect with the Joplin-area autism community through both Autism Society Missouri and the Autism Society of the Heartland.
Joplin · multi-county
Autism Society of Missouri — Joplin/Four-State Chapter
Support group and resource hub for Jasper County and the four-state corner area. Monthly meetings, family social events, and resource navigation for autism families in the Joplin metro and surrounding rural communities.
Advocacy & legal
Legal advocates, special education advocates, and disability rights organizations.
Joplin · multi-county
MPACT — Missouri Parents Act (Joplin Area)
Free IEP advocacy for Jasper County and four-state corner families. MPACT helps parents understand their rights under IDEA, review evaluations, and prepare for IEP meetings with Joplin, Carl Junction, or Carthage school districts.
FREE. Federally funded PTI. Serves families in both Missouri and coordinates with KS, OK, AR resources.
Neosho
MPACT — Missouri Parents Act (Newton County)
Missouri's federally funded Parent Training and Information Center serving Newton County. Free IEP advocacy — call before any meeting with Neosho, Granby, or Seneca school districts.
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 →