Autism resources in Shaker Heights, OH

Lifeworks Autism Services (formerly Milestones resources)

Help desk, trainings, resource directory; services across the lifespan

Ages: All ages

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

Coverage: Mostly Medicaid; some commercial

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