Autism Support for Teens and Adults in Summit County, Ohio
Transition services from age 14, vocational rehabilitation, Summit DD adult day and employment programs, SSI, alternatives to guardianship, adult assessment and self-advocacy in Summit County.
Last reviewed Oct 2026
Informational only. It is not medical, legal, or financial advice. Programs, eligibility and contact details change. Facts were checked against each source on Oct 29, 2026, so please confirm with the agency or provider before you act.
Turning 14, 18 and 22 can each bring new questions. This guide gathers the programs we could confirm from official and organization pages. Coverage is still growing, especially for independent living, adult respite and autistic-led groups.
Transition services starting at age 14
- Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce run the Ohio Transition Support Partnership, which offers transition services for students with disabilities starting at age 14. (OOD)
- Services include Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), work-based learning, counseling on postsecondary options, workplace readiness, and job search and job coaching. (OOD)
- A student is potentially eligible for Pre-ETS if they are enrolled in an educational program, are at least 14 but not yet 22, and have a documented disability. School staff can submit the request form. (OOD)
- Ask your child's IEP team about transition planning. See our IEP rights guide.
Work: vocational rehabilitation
- OOD vocational rehabilitation helps people with disabilities gain, keep, prepare for, or return to work, in all 88 Ohio counties. Services include assessment, career planning, training, job placement, workplace accommodations and on-the-job support. (OOD)
- OOD says eligibility is usually decided within 30 days. You apply at OODWorks.com. (OOD)
Summit DD adult services
- For eligible adults, Summit DD connects people to certified day programs (day support, vocational habilitation, or both), coordinated by a Service and Support Administrator (SSA). (Summit DD)
- Summit DD's community employment support works through your SSA or RSS and the Summit County Employment Collaborative. (Summit DD)
- Call Summit DD at 330-634-8000 to ask about eligibility. See Adult Services & Employment for day programs we list, such as Excel at Hattie Larlham in Stow, Twinsburg and Barberton. (Hattie Larlham)
Benefits and decision-making
- SSI provides monthly payments to people with disabilities who have little or no income or resources. Children and adults may be eligible. (Social Security)
- For Medicaid waivers, see the Ohio waiver waiting list and ask Summit DD.
- Supported decision-making lets a person make their own choices with help from supporters they pick. Ohio DODD says it can be used within guardianship or as an alternative. Other alternatives DODD lists include powers of attorney and payees or trustees. (Ohio DODD)
- DODD notes that Ohio law treats guardianship as a last resort. (Ohio DODD)
Adult autism assessment
Calibrations Counseling & Consultation offers adult autism assessments for Ohio residents 18 and older, by telehealth or on a limited basis in person in Barberton. It lists the cost as $950 private pay and says insurance is not accepted for these assessments. (Calibrations) See also Diagnosis & Evaluation.
Social groups, self-advocacy and respite
- The Autism Society of Greater Akron lists a Teen Social Club for ages 13–17 and an Adult Social Club for 18+.
- People First of Ohio is a statewide self-advocacy organization with members from teens through adults. (People First of Ohio) Summit DD has hosted a Summit County People First group in Cuyahoga Falls. Ask Summit DD for current dates.
- Shelter Care's Respite Care Program offers planned respite of up to four days for Summit County youth ages 11–17 who live with a parent or guardian. It is not autism-specific. Call 330-630-5600. (Shelter Care)
Sources
- Transition Support Partnership – Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities
- Vocational Rehabilitation – Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities
- Center-Based Programs – Summit DD
- Community Employment – Summit DD
- Excel at Hattie Larlham
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – Social Security Administration
- Ohio's Waiver Waiting List – Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities
- SDM Toolkit: All About Supported Decision-Making – Ohio DODD
- Adult Autism Assessments – Calibrations Counseling & Consultation
- People First of Ohio
- Respite Care – Shelter Care
Last reviewed Oct 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us or email info@autismhub.me.
Frequently asked questions
At what age can OOD transition services start?
OOD says students with disabilities may begin receiving transition services at age 14 if they meet eligibility criteria.
Is guardianship the only option at 18?
No. Ohio DODD describes supported decision-making, powers of attorney, and payees or trustees as alternatives, and notes Ohio law treats guardianship as a last resort.