Finding the right sources can be overwhelming when you are searching for the best options for a child or adult with special needs. Below is a comprehensive list of resources for parents of children with special needs. I have two kids with special needs and know it can be difficult to know where to start getting assistance for your child.
For evaluations, please check with your insurance company to ensure coverage.
An asterix (*) indicates a contributor approved service.
One of our contributors, Wrae Sanders, has both personal and professional experience advocating for children with special needs. She worked as a Mental Health Associate at Peace Hospital, working with children with developmental disabilities, primarily with autism:
“I worked [at Peace Hospital] for four years and it was my favorite job! I loved working with the kids. I had my son evaluated at Edelson and Associates in 2011. He was five at the time and is now 14. He has ADHD (combined, severe) and has Level 2 Autism. They did a wonderful job over a two-day evaluation. My son also went to a social skills group at Groupworks and enjoyed it”
“I highly recommend Katelyn’s Place. Katelyn is my close friend Josh’s daughter. She has autism and is non-verbal. Dr. Josh Smith is a licensed psychologist in Indiana, specializing in children with autism.”
Screening and Service for Children
Bluegrass Center for Autism
Edelson & Associates: Psychologist, Therapist, Forensic Services | Louisville, KY
First Steps
Groupworks Psychological Services
Home of the Innocents
Kaplan Barron Pediatrics: Autism Spectrum Screenings
Kids Center for Pediatric Therapies
Norton Children’s Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics and Genetics Services
Square One MD – Specialists in Child and Adolescent Development
University of Louisville: Developmental – Behavioral Pediatrics and Genetics
University of Louisville – Peace Hospital
University of Louisville Pediatrics
Caregiver Support Groups
Families for Effective Autism Treatment
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services – Children with Special Health Care Needs
Maximum Potential Kids
Parents of Adult Autistic Children of Louisville
University of Louisville – Kentucky Autism Training Center
Sibling Support Group
Long-Term Therapy
Bluegrass Center for Autism
Center for Autism
Groupworks Psychological Services
Kentuckiana Children’s Center – Services
*Kids Center for Pediatric Therapies
Norton Children’s – Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics and Genetics
TheraPLACE Kids – Therapy and Learning Center
University of Louisville – Pediatrics
University of Louisville – Peace Hospital (long term inpatient is available if needed)
Daycares and Preschools
Carriage House Educational Services
Friends School – Inclusion Program
The Kidz Club
Orchid House | Therapeutic Day Center for Kids
Sproutlings – Pediatric Day Care & Preschool
Education/Training
The Council on Developmental Disabilities
Kentuckiana Children’s Center – Services
Kentucky Autism Training Center — Kentucky Autism Training Center
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Service – Office for Children with Special Health Care Needs
LDA of Kentucky
*Visually Impaired Preschool Services
Jefferson County Public Schools ECE Information
JCPS ECE – Assessment, Programs, Section 504
JCPS ECE Parent Resources
JCPS ECE Quick Call List
Kentucky Department of Education – Special Education Services
Sports and Other Activities
FEAT Louisville – Families for Effective Autism Treatment in Louisville
YMCA Adaptive Youth Sports
Special Olympics Kentucky – Young Athletes Program
Social and Other Skills Groups
United Way – Resources for Developmental Disabilities Activity Centers
Groupworks Psychological Services
Funding for Wheelchairs
Office for Children with Special Health Care Needs – Cabinet for Health and Family Services
Kentucky Funding Resources
A Guide To Assistive Technology Funding In Kentucky
Kentucky Disability Grants
Adaptive Equipment Funding Sources
Funding Resources
KATS Network – Disability Solutions Through Technology
Respite Care
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services – Office for Children with Special Health Care Needs
Home of the Innocents
Michelle P. Waiver
Family Caregiver Alliance – Michelle P. Waiver
Other Waivers & Funding for Care
Angel Sense – Medicaid Waiver for Kids with Special Needs
Kentucky Medicaid Waiver
Kentucky Kids Waivers
Home and Community Based Services
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services – Hart-Supported Living Program
Guardianship (older kids, 18 and up) Information
The Council on Developmental Disabilities
Advocacy
LDA of Kentucky
The Council on Developmental Disabilities
The Arc of Kentucky – Resource Library
Thank you for putting this guide together. We are moving to the area and I’m looking for autism schools. My 10 year old son attends a charter non-public school now in Ohio and I would love to continue to provide that same type of education. Do you have any resources for that?