Ontario County, New York

Rochester · multi-county

Golisano Children's Hospital — Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities

The Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities at Golisano Children's Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center, is one of New York State's leading autism evaluation and treatment centers. The interdisciplinary team conducts comprehensive ADOS-2 assessments, cognitive testing, and co-occurring condition evaluation. The Center also houses research programs and connects families to URMC specialists across neurology, psychiatry, and genetics.

Rochester's premier academic pediatric center for autism evaluation. Expect a waitlist.

Canandaigua · multi-county

Thompson Health — Pediatric Developmental Services

Thompson Health in Canandaigua (part of UR Medicine) provides pediatric services for Ontario County, including developmental screenings and referrals. For comprehensive autism evaluation, families access the University of Rochester Medical Center's Golisano Children's Hospital Strong Center (~45 min west) — the regional academic center for autism in the Finger Lakes.

URMC Golisano Strong Center (~45 min west in Rochester) is the primary autism evaluation resource for Ontario County families.

Canandaigua

Ontario County Early Intervention Program

Ontario County's Early Intervention program provides free evaluations and services for children birth to age 3 with developmental delays or early autism signs. Service coordinators develop an IFSP and support transition to CPSE at age 3. Ontario County's EI program benefits from the proximity to Rochester's strong provider network.

FREE for eligible children. Ontario County EI has access to Rochester-area specialists.

Canandaigua · multi-county

Autism Behavioral Services — Finger Lakes (Ontario County)

BCBA-supervised ABA therapy serving Ontario County with center-based and in-home options through the Finger Lakes region network. Ontario County's proximity to Rochester gives families access to a broader ABA provider market. Accepts commercial insurance under New York's ABA mandate and NY Medicaid.

NY ABA insurance mandate applies. Rochester (~45 min west) has expanded center-based ABA options.

Rochester · multi-county

Autism Society of Rochester

Rochester's Autism Society chapter provides parent support groups, family social events, and community resource connections across Monroe County and surrounding areas. Regular meetings in Rochester and suburban locations, plus an active parent-to-parent network for newly diagnosed families.

Canandaigua · multi-county

Advocacy Center — Finger Lakes Region (Ontario County)

The Advocacy Center provides free IEP support, IDEA rights training, and parent advocacy for Ontario County families. As part of the Finger Lakes regional PTI network connected to URMC, the center maintains strong ties to the Rochester disability services ecosystem.

FREE parent advocacy and IEP support. Connected to Rochester's disability services network.

Rochester · multi-county

Advocacy Center of Tompkins County — Finger Lakes Outreach

The Advocacy Center serves families across the Finger Lakes and Rochester region, providing free support and training for parents navigating special education and disability services. Helps families understand IDEA rights, prepare for IEP meetings, and access community resources. Part of the New York State PTI network.

FREE parent advocacy and IEP support.

Canandaigua · multi-county

OPWDD — Finger Lakes DDSO (Ontario County)

Ontario County families access OPWDD-funded autism and developmental disability services through the Finger Lakes Developmental Disabilities Services Office. OPWDD eligibility is required for day habilitation, community habilitation, respite, and Medicaid waiver supports. The DDSO office serves the Finger Lakes region including Ontario County.

Apply for OPWDD eligibility early — waiver waitlists exist in the Finger Lakes region.