Autism resources in Akron, OH

Akron Children's Autism Diagnostic Clinic

ADOS, speech-language, developmental testing; feedback with psychologist

Ages: Children

Akron Children's Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics

Evaluation and care for autism, developmental and behavioral concerns

Ages: Children

REACH Behavioral Health - Autism Evaluations (Akron/Springfield office)

Autism evaluations using the ADOS for children and adults; no referral needed. REACH's page says it currently has no waitlist (checked Oct 29, 2026). Offers ABA, counseling and psychiatry after diagnosis

Ages: Children 2+ and adults

Payment accepted: Private insurance, Private pay

Coverage: Most major insurance plans (per REACH); cash payment option

University of Akron Counseling & Testing Center - ASD Assessment

Disability-determination assessment (including ASD) for currently enrolled University of Akron students only; intake and referral required; expect a wait

Ages: Currently enrolled UA students

Coverage: Fees $150-$250 for disability assessment

Akron Children's Pediatric Speech and Language Therapy

Pediatric speech-language therapy at Akron and satellite sites

Ages: 0-18

Age groups: 0–3, 4–12, 13–17

University of Akron Audiology and Speech Center

University speech-language and audiology clinic; free community screenings

Ages: All ages

Age groups: 0–3, 4–12, 13–17, 18–21, 22+

Akron Children's Pediatric Occupational Therapy

Pediatric OT incl. sensory and fine motor

Ages: 0-18

Age groups: 0–3, 4–12, 13–17

Akron Children's PEERS Social Skills Group for Adolescents

Evidence-based PEERS social skills group at the Autism Center: teens and parents attend weekly 90-minute sessions for 14 weeks. For motivated middle and high school students with conversational speech. Enrollment is ongoing.

Ages: Middle and high school students

Akron Children's PEERS for Preschoolers

UCLA PEERS social skills program for ages 4-6: 16 weekly 90-minute group sessions; parents learn to coach

Ages: 4-6

Age groups: 4–12

Akron Children's Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)

Play-based, relationship-focused therapy for toddlers and preschoolers at the Zidian Family Autism Center

Ages: Toddlers and preschoolers

Age groups: 0–3, 4–12

Akron Children's Connections Parent Training

Parent training for families of toddlers and preschoolers newly diagnosed with autism

Ages: Toddlers and preschoolers

Age groups: 0–3, 4–12

Domus Mundi

Individual counseling for adults and adolescents; adapts therapy for autistic, ADHD and other neurodivergent clients; gaming and play-based therapy

Ages: Adolescents and adults

Age groups: 13–17, 18–21, 22+

Payment accepted: Private insurance, Private pay

Coverage: Self-pay with sliding scale; Aetna, Medical Mutual of Ohio, Cigna/Evernorth

Halasa Wellness

Individual and group psychotherapy for neurodivergent adults (ADHD, autism); in person and telehealth

Ages: Adults

Age groups: 18–21, 22+

Autism Society of Greater Akron (ASGA)

Help line, caregiver support, parent cafes, social clubs, adapted events, water safety

Ages: All ages

Age groups: 0–3, 4–12, 13–17, 18–21, 22+

Coverage: Free/low cost

ASGA Friendship Club

Social club, 2nd and 4th Saturdays, Sept-May

Ages: 7-12

Age groups: 4–12

Payment accepted: Free

Coverage: Registration required

ASGA Teen Social Club

Social club, 2nd and 4th Tuesdays

Ages: 13-17

Age groups: 13–17

Coverage: Registration required

ASGA Adult Social Club

Social club, 2nd and 4th Wednesdays 7-8 pm, Sept-May

Ages: 18+

Age groups: 18–21, 22+

Coverage: Registration required

ASPIES Greater Akron

Monthly parent meetings

Ages: Parents

Akron Zoo Sensory Accessibility / Zoothing Hours

Sensory bags, lap pads, AAC board, quiet early-entry Zoothing hours, Zoothing Wild Lights

Ages: All ages

Age groups: 0–3, 4–12, 13–17, 18–21, 22+

Akron-Summit County Public Library - Sensory Inclusive

Sensory bags, lap pads, quiet zones at all branches; Sensory Sensitive Playtime

Ages: 0-5 (playtime); all

Age groups: 0–3, 4–12, 13–17, 18–21, 22+

Payment accepted: Free

Coverage: Free

Akron Art Museum - KultureCity Certified

Sensory bags, quiet areas, trained staff

Ages: All ages

Age groups: 0–3, 4–12, 13–17, 18–21, 22+

Downtown Akron autism-friendly places guide

Guide to autism-friendly venues downtown

Ages: All ages

Age groups: 0–3, 4–12, 13–17, 18–21, 22+

Akron RubberDucks Autism Awareness Day

Annual game with sensory spaces (July)

Ages: All ages

Age groups: 0–3, 4–12, 13–17, 18–21, 22+

Urban Air Akron - Sensory Hours

Trampoline and indoor adventure park. The venue lists Sensory Hours on the last Sunday of every month, 10 am-12 pm; confirm with the park before you go

Shelter Care Respite Care Program

Planned short-term residential respite (up to four days) for Summit County youth living with a parent or guardian; not autism-specific

Ages: 11-17

Age groups: 4–12, 13–17

Beech Brook Respite Care

Short-term respite care in the home or community for children enrolled in OhioRISE, with flexible evening and weekend scheduling. Beech Brook lists a Summit County office in Akron. Contact: Respite Coordinator, 440-241-1265.

Ages: Under 21 (enrolled in OhioRISE)

Age groups: 0–3, 4–12, 13–17, 18–21

Coverage: For children enrolled in OhioRISE

Summit ESC KIDS FIRST / TOPS

Public educational and therapeutic program for students with ASD

Ages: K-12

Age groups: 4–12, 13–17

Coverage: District referral

Hopebridge Akron Autism Therapy Center

ABA; autism diagnostic assessments; OT; speech; feeding; parent training

Ages: 15 months-10 years

Age groups: 0–3, 4–12

Coverage: Medicaid; most commercial plans

Building Blocks Therapy - Akron

Play-based ABA; parent training; group and play skills

Ages: Children

Payment accepted: Private insurance

Coverage: Most major insurance

Clever Bee Academy - Arlington

ABA with speech, OT and trauma support; child care

Ages: 6 weeks-12 years

Age groups: 0–3, 4–12

Clever Bee Academy - Frederick

ABA with speech, OT and trauma support; child care

Ages: 6 weeks-12 years

Age groups: 0–3, 4–12

St. Vincent de Paul Elementary School

Private school on the state Autism Scholarship list

Ages: PreK-8

Age groups: 4–12, 13–17

Payment accepted: Ohio Autism Scholarship

Coverage: Ohio Autism Scholarship (per state list)

St. Vincent-St. Mary High School

Private high school on the state Autism Scholarship list

Ages: 9-12

Age groups: 13–17

Payment accepted: Ohio Autism Scholarship

Coverage: Ohio Autism Scholarship (per state list)

LLA Therapy - Akron

State-approved Ohio Autism Scholarship and Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship provider. Provider type on the state list: Therapy. Call for services offered.

Payment accepted: Ohio Autism Scholarship

Coverage: Approved for the Ohio Autism Scholarship and Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship

Akron Smiles Dental Center - Care for Children with Autism

Pediatric dental office with a page describing care adapted for children with autism (provider-provided info).

Ages: Children

ASGA Water Safety Program

One-on-one water safety lessons at the Kohl Family YMCA, developed by ASGA with the Greater Akron YMCA, for people with autism or another developmental disability who can walk unassisted and work one-on-one with an instructor. Session dates are on the program page.

Ages: 6 through adult

Cuyahoga Valley Mindful Health & Wellness - Social Skills Groups

Neurodivergent-affirming social skills individual sessions and group workshops by telehealth. Past group dates listed were for summer 2026 (ages 10-12 and 13-19); check the page for current dates. Lists Akron and Hudson among areas served.

Ages: Groups listed for ages 10-12 and 13-19

Age groups: 4–12, 13–17, 18–21

Payment accepted: Private insurance, Private pay

Coverage: Accepting most insurances; $45 flat rate with sliding fee options (per provider)

Maggie Collins, DIRFloortime Expert

DIRFloortime developmental therapy and caregiver coaching, primarily virtual; early intervention specialist

Calibrations Counseling & Consultation - Counseling

Neurodivergent-affirming individual counseling for adults (anxiety, ADHD, autism); mostly telehealth, limited in-person in Barberton

Ages: Adults

Age groups: 18–21, 22+

Payment accepted: Private insurance

Coverage: Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Medical Mutual of Ohio, Anthem

Connected Roots Counseling

Neurodivergent-affirming telehealth therapy for autistic and ADHD teens and adults; therapist is neurodivergent

Ages: Teens and adults

Age groups: 13–17, 18–21, 22+

NEOhio Neurodiversity Network (NEONN)

Neurodivergent-led nonprofit founded by an autistic woman; searchable directory of neurodiversity-affirming resources, community calendar

Ages: All ages

Payment accepted: Free

Coverage: Free

Northeast Ohio Neurodivergent Social Group (NEONSG)

Free social group by and for neurodivergent adults: virtual and in-person events, Discord server

Ages: Adults

Age groups: 18–21, 22+

Payment accepted: Free

Coverage: Free

ASGA Caregiver Virtual Support Group

Monthly virtual group, 3rd Thursday 6:30 pm

Ages: Caregivers

Coverage: Free; registration required

People First of Ohio

Statewide self-advocacy organization led by people with disabilities; helps set up local chapters

Ages: Teens through adults

Summit Metro Parks - Sensory Inclusive

KultureCity sensory bags, headphones, social stories; program accommodations w/ 72-hr notice

Ages: All ages

Age groups: 0–3, 4–12, 13–17, 18–21, 22+

Coverage: Free

Special Olympics Ohio

Year-round sports training and competition in 16 sports (including basketball, bowling, swimming, softball). Summit DD says Special Olympics sports are available throughout Summit County; contact Special Olympics Ohio to learn more

Ages: Children and adults with intellectual disabilities

Caregivers Alliance Homecare - Summit County

Non-medical home care including scheduled respite for family caregivers, personal care, homemaker services, companionship and transportation support. Columbus-based intake; lists Summit County as part of its service area and works with Summit DD service coordinators.

Payment accepted: Private pay

Coverage: DODD waivers and listed plans (verify authorization); private pay (per provider)

Next Level ABA - Summit County

In-home, school and community ABA; early intervention; social skills; parent training

Ages: Children

Eligius Behavior (telehealth)

Ohio-based telehealth ABA services, parent support, and consultation.

Ages: Children

Payment accepted: Private insurance, Private pay

Coverage: In-network with Aetna plans in Ohio; private pay (per provider)

Summit DD Adult Day Programs (Center-Based)

Connects eligible adults to certified day programs: day support (independent living, vocational, communication and safety skills), vocational habilitation, or a combination; coordinated by a Summit DD SSA

Ages: Adults

OOD Vocational Rehabilitation (Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities)

Vocational rehabilitation: assessment, career planning, skills training, job placement, workplace accommodations, on-the-job support; apply at OODWorks.com

OOD Transition Services for Students (Pre-ETS)

Pre-Employment Transition Services, work-based learning, postsecondary counseling, workplace readiness, job search and job coaching for students with disabilities; requested through school staff or local OOD office

Ages: 14-21 (students in an educational program)

Age groups: 13–17, 18–21

Summit DD Community Employment

Employment support through your SSA or RSS: interest and skills assessment, interview and resume help, on-the-job assistance; Summit County Employment Collaborative

Ages: Adults

Summit County Early Intervention (Help Me Grow)

Free early intervention referral and services

Ages: 0-3

Age groups: 0–3

Payment accepted: Free

Coverage: Free to eligible

Ohio Autism Scholarship Program (ODEW)

Scholarship up to $34,000 (2026-27) for IEP/AEP services

Ages: 3-21

Age groups: 0–3, 4–12, 13–17, 18–21

Ohio Scholarship Provider Interactive Directory

Official searchable list of Autism/Jon Peterson providers

OCALI (Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence)

Statewide autism resources; Multi-System Navigation Center

Ages: All ages

Age groups: 0–3, 4–12, 13–17, 18–21, 22+

Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities - Family Resources

Family resources, Ohio Family Network, complex needs consultation

Ages: All ages

Age groups: 0–3, 4–12, 13–17, 18–21, 22+

Ohio Autism Insurance Coalition - Find Providers

Provider finder and insurance help

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) - Social Security

Monthly payments for people with disabilities who have little or no income or resources; children and adults may be eligible

Ages: Children and adults

Ohio DODD Supported Decision-Making Toolkit

Guide to supported decision-making and other alternatives to guardianship; Ohio SDM Help Desk contacts