Autism Resources in Cayuga County, New York

Auburn · multi-county

SUNY Upstate Medical University — Cayuga County Referrals

Cayuga County families seeking comprehensive autism evaluations access SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse (45–60 min east), the primary academic medical center for Central New York. The Upstate autism and neurodevelopmental program conducts ADOS-2 evaluations and multidisciplinary assessments. Auburn Community Hospital also provides initial screenings and warm referrals.

Syracuse (SUNY Upstate, ~50 min) is the primary autism evaluation hub for Cayuga County. Call early for the waitlist.

Syracuse · multi-county

Upstate University Hospital — Autism and Neurodevelopmental Program

SUNY Upstate Medical University's autism and neurodevelopmental program provides comprehensive evaluations for children across Central New York. The interdisciplinary team conducts gold-standard ADOS-2 and ADI-R assessments and has direct referral pathways to Upstate's speech-language, OT, and psychiatry departments. Upstate is the primary academic medical center for the Syracuse region.

Central New York's academic medical center for autism evaluation. Plan for a waiting period.

Auburn

Cayuga County Early Intervention Program

Cayuga County's Early Intervention program provides free evaluations and services for children birth to age 3 with developmental delays or autism signs. Coordinated through the county Health Department in Auburn, EI service coordinators build an IFSP and support transition to CPSE at age 3.

FREE for eligible children. Early intervention makes a meaningful difference — don't wait.

Auburn · multi-county

Behavioral Intervention Associates — Cayuga County

BCBA-supervised ABA therapy serving Cayuga County with center-based and in-home services. Auburn is the county seat — some families also access Syracuse-area center-based ABA. Accepts commercial insurance under New York's ABA mandate and NY Medicaid.

NY ABA insurance mandate applies. Syracuse providers (45–60 min) offer more center-based options.

Oswego · multi-county

Behavioral Intervention Associates — Oswego County

BCBA-supervised ABA therapy serving Oswego County with in-home and center-based services. Oswego County's proximity to Syracuse gives families access to the broader CNY ABA provider network. Accepts commercial insurance under New York's ABA mandate and NY Medicaid.

NY ABA insurance mandate applies. Syracuse-area providers (45–60 min) offer expanded center-based options.

Syracuse · multi-county

Upstate University Hospital — Speech-Language Pathology (Pediatric)

SUNY Upstate Medical University's pediatric speech-language pathology program serves children with autism-related communication challenges, including minimally verbal children, AAC evaluation, social pragmatic language, and feeding therapy. The academic program provides access to specialized expertise and research-based approaches not available in private practice settings in Central New York.

Academic SLP program — expertise in complex AAC cases. Also explore Syracuse University's Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic for lower-cost services.

Syracuse · multi-county

Upstate University Hospital — Pediatric Occupational Therapy

SUNY Upstate Medical University's occupational therapy program provides sensory integration therapy, fine motor intervention, and daily living skills training for Central New York children with autism. OT services coordinate with Upstate's neurodevelopmental program for integrated care. Accepts Medicaid and most commercial insurance, serving Onondaga County's diverse population.

Coordinated with Upstate's autism and neurodevelopmental program. Medicaid accepted.

Syracuse · multi-county

Autism Society of Central New York

The Central New York chapter of the Autism Society of America serves Onondaga, Madison, and surrounding counties with parent support groups, family events, and connection to local resources. Monthly meetings in Syracuse feature peer support, guest speakers on local topics, and a robust parent mentor program for newly diagnosed families.

Auburn · multi-county

Autism Society of Central New York — Cayuga County

The Central New York Autism Society chapter serves Cayuga County families with parent support groups and resource navigation. Auburn-area families connect to the broader CNY chapter network based in Syracuse.

Oswego · multi-county

Autism Society of Central New York — Oswego County

The Central New York Autism Society chapter serves Oswego County families with parent support groups and resource navigation. Families in Oswego and Fulton connect to the broader CNY chapter network based in Syracuse.

Syracuse · multi-county

OPWDD — Central New York DDSO

New York's Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) operates the Central New York Developmental Disabilities Services Office (DDSO) in Syracuse. OPWDD-funded services include day programs, residential supports, respite, and family support services for eligible individuals with autism across Onondaga and surrounding counties. OPWDD eligibility is required and must be established before services begin.

Apply for OPWDD eligibility early — it opens access to Medicaid waiver services. Contact your local DDSO.

Auburn · multi-county

OPWDD — Central New York DDSO (Cayuga County)

Cayuga County families access OPWDD-funded autism and developmental disability services through the Central New York Developmental Disabilities Services Office in Syracuse. Services include day habilitation, community habilitation, respite, and Medicaid waiver supports. Apply for OPWDD eligibility well before your child's 18th birthday.

Apply for OPWDD eligibility early — services require eligibility first and waiver waitlists exist.

Oswego · multi-county

OPWDD — Central New York DDSO (Oswego County)

Oswego County families access OPWDD-funded autism and developmental disability services through the Central New York Developmental Disabilities Services Office in Syracuse. Services include day habilitation, community habilitation, respite, and Medicaid waiver supports.

Apply for OPWDD eligibility early — services require eligibility first. Start before age 16 to prepare for adult services.