County resource guide
Autism Resources in Union, South Dakota
Local providers, school contacts, and support services for autism families in Union. South Dakota statewide resources also apply.
Local providers
9 listedDiagnostic clinics
Formal autism evaluations by developmental pediatricians, psychologists, or neuropsychologists.
Elk Point · multi-county
Sanford Children's Hospital — Developmental Pediatrics (Union County Referral)
Union County families in Elk Point are within 30 miles of Sanford Children's Hospital in Sioux Falls — one of the shortest drives for any SD county to the state's premier autism evaluation center. Union County is SD's smallest county by area.
Elk Point is ~30 min from Sioux Falls — excellent access to full Sanford autism evaluation network.
Vermillion · multi-county
University of South Dakota — ASD Clinic (Psychology Dept.)
The University of South Dakota in Vermillion offers autism-related evaluation and research services through its psychology department's ASD clinic. USD is a unique resource in rural SD — families in Clay County have rare on-site access to university-based autism expertise.
Call the USD Psychology Dept. to inquire about current ASD evaluation availability and waitlists.
Early Intervention (0–3)
Free services for children under 3 under IDEA Part C.
Vermillion · multi-county
South Dakota Birth to 3 — Clay County
South Dakota's Part C early intervention program for children birth–3 in Clay County. Provides in-home therapy, service coordination, and family support at no cost to eligible families.
FREE under IDEA Part C for eligible children birth to age 3.
Elk Point · multi-county
South Dakota Birth to 3 — Union County
South Dakota's Part C early intervention program for children birth–3 in Union County. Elk Point families benefit from proximity to Sioux Falls contractor network — one of SD's strongest early intervention regions.
FREE under IDEA Part C for eligible children birth to age 3.
ABA therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis therapy — typically requires insurance authorization.
Elk Point · multi-county
Behavior Analysis and Therapy Partners — Sioux Falls (Union County Access)
Union County families have strong access to Sioux Falls ABA center programs just 30 miles away. In-home ABA also available in Elk Point. SD Medicaid and most commercial plans accepted under SD's ABA mandate.
Vermillion · multi-county
Centria Autism — Telehealth ABA (Clay County)
Telehealth ABA therapy for Clay County families. BCBA-supervised parent training and behavior support. SD Medicaid accepted. Vermillion is a college town with limited local in-person ABA options.
SD Medicaid covers ABA therapy for eligible children.
Parent & family support
Parent groups, sibling programs, and family peer support.
Elk Point
Autism Society of South Dakota
South Dakota's statewide autism chapter connects Union County families to support groups, resource navigation, and events. Sioux Falls chapter programs are easily accessible from Elk Point at ~30 miles.
Advocacy & legal
Legal advocates, special education advocates, and disability rights organizations.
Vermillion · multi-county
South Dakota Parent Connection
Free IEP advocacy and one-on-one support from SD's federally funded PTI for Clay County families. USD faculty may also be a community resource for navigating services in this college community.
FREE. Federally funded PTI.
Elk Point · multi-county
South Dakota Parent Connection
Free IEP advocacy and one-on-one support from SD's federally funded PTI for Union County families. Union County's proximity to Sioux Falls also gives access to additional advocacy organizations in that metro area.
FREE. Federally funded PTI.
For providers
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See all South Dakota resources
Waivers, PTI centers, and state programs apply to all families in South Dakota.
South Dakota state guide →