Local & State Resources
for children with Autism & their families
State Resources
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If your child has an autism diagnosis, they may be eligible for a number of services and benefits. Once their disability has been confirmed through the SMRT process, they may be eligible for MN state insurance (MA), which fully covers ABA services through the EIDBI benefit.
There are also a number of federal and state grants and waivers which can cover additional costs and services (e.g., safety equipment, sensory equipment, PCA, respite care, etc.).
The Minnesota Autism Portal is a great place to start.
Minnesota Help provides a directory of services in Minnesota.
The Disability Hub can also help you navigate state resources.
The Department of Human Services provides a handbook on navigating supports and services.
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A Case Manager can help connect your family with local resources, assist with application for state insurance (i.e., TEFRA & SMRT), and can help identify waiver funding your family may be eligible for. To initiate case management services for your child with autism, call your county’s Department of Human services and tell them you are interested Children’s Mental Health Targeted Case Management Services.
St. Louis County: (800) 450-9777
Carlton County: (218) 879-4511
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Children with a disability may be eligible for state insurance through the MA-TEFRA program. ARC Northland provides a guide here.
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In addition to Medicaid waivers, consider exploring:
Autism Care Today Grants
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Autism Speaks
Kids' WaiversA case manager can help to figure out which options your family may be eligible for.
Additional Supports
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Respite is a service that provides a temporary break from caregiving for the family caregiver. It is important for caregivers to plan in advance, if possible, when they begin their caregiving activities to access intermittent breaks from caregiving. Providers recommend considering respite services much earlier than you think you will need them.
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Personal care assistance (PCA) services provide help and support for people with disabilities who are living independently in the community. This includes the elderly and others with special health care needs. PCA services are provided in the Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) member’s home or in the community when normal life activities take him or her outside the home.
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Locally, the Masonic Children’s Clinic hosts a monthly parent support group on Wednesday evenings.
The Autism Society of Minnesota hosts a variety of support groups virtually.
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Groups who provide services, resources, and advocacy for individuals with disabilities include:
Minnesota Autism Portal - The state of Minnesota has worked to develop a set of resources to help increase awareness and access to the range of services and supports available to people with autism across the lifespan.
Minnesota Help - This is an online directory of services in Minnesota, developed by the Minnesota Board on Aging and the Department of Human Services, designed to help people find resources like human services, information and referral, financial assistance, and other aid.
The Arc Northland - promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. People with disabilities and their families trust The Arc for information, assistance, education, and public policy leadership.
PACER Center - Through more than 30 projects, PACER provides individual assistance, workshops, publications, and other resources to help families make decisions about education and other services for their child or young adult with disabilities. PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center provides resources designed to benefit all students, including those with disabilities.
Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSm) - AuSM seeks to enhance the lives of all who are part of the Minnesota autism community, with a fundamental commitment to advocacy, education, support, collaboration, and community building.
Help Me Connect - A navigator connecting expectant families, families with young children (birth – 8 years old) and those working with families to services in their local communities that support healthy child development and family well-being.
Related Services
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To receive ABA services, children covered by Minnesota Medicaid must be found eligible for services through a Comprehensive Multi-Disciplinary Evaluation (CMDE). Depending on your provider, this may also qualify as a diagnostic evaluation.
For a full list of CMDE providers, the Department of Human Services provides a provider directory. Under Category, select “Early Intensive Developmental Behavioral Intervention.” Under subtype, select “CMDE assessments.”
Essentia also providers ASD diagnostic testing, although you may require a referral.
You do not require a referral to request a CMDE through Little River Autism Services.
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ABA therapy is covered under Minnesota’s EIDBI benefit, which also includes additional modalities (e.g., Floortime, PLAY project, ESDM, etc). For a complete list of EIDBI providers, the Department of Human Services provides a provider directory. Under Category, select “Early Intensive Developmental Behavioral Intervention.” Under subtype, select “EIDBI agencies” for service providers, or “CMDE assessments” for diagnostic and eligibility assessment providers.
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Local providers of speech therapy include:
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Local providers of occupational therapy include:
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If you are interested in feeding therapy for your child, some speech language pathologists (SLP) and occupational therapists may offer feeding therapy. Typically, a swallow assessment by an SLP, and an allergy test are completed before addressing feeding concerns in ABA.
Neighboring feeding programs include:
Children's Minnesota Feeding Program (metro)
Fairview Pediatric Feeding (metro)
Gillette Children’s Nutrition and Feeding (metro)
Sanford Pediatric Feeding Disorder Program (North Dakota)
Children’s Wisconsin (inpatient)
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Mentor North works closely with families to create mentor pairings. Their goal is to create a vibrant and inclusive mentorship community.
Health Care
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In Duluth, there are a number eye clinics that can meet the visual needs of your child or adults with autism and other disabilities.
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The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) operates community dental clinics in key regions of the state for patients with special needs whose conditions make it difficult for them to obtain dental care. Patients with intellectual or development disabilities, severe and persistent mental illnesses, or traumatic brain injuries are eligible to receive treatment at DHS-operated community dental clinics.
DHS Special Care Dental Clinics
For dental care in Duluth for individuals with autism, the following providers are known for accommodating patients with special needs, including those with autism and sensory processing issues:
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In the greater Minnesota area, for autism-friendly haircuts, consider Kids' Hair Inc, which is a proud partner of Fraser and dedicated to making the haircut experience safe and comfortable for children with autism or sensory issues. Kids Hair are stylists who are trained by OTs at Fraser and have various sensory supports in place.
Special Needs Barber is also committed to connecting Minnesota families with barbers and barber shops skilled in providing a nurturing, understanding environment. They believe in facilitating barber services that are stress-free and accommodating for children with sensory sensitivities. -
These toolkits include a variety of forms and worksheets to support you and your child in setting up, going to, and following up after a healthcare appointment. It also includes informational pieces about healthcare, healthy habits, your rights, and more. The resources on these site are meant to improve the healthcare of autistic adults and children.
Community Services
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Housing resources for St. Louis county can be found here.
The One Roof program provides resource for purchasing, renting, or renovating homes, as well as education resources.
Access North provides additional resources on housing assisstance.
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Help Me Connect has a list of local food resources, in addition to more information on housing, transportation, and other supports.
In addition to meals, the Damiano Center also provides clothing for children in adults.
Additionally, Minnesota's food programs help people with low incomes get the food they need for nutritious and well-balanced meals. These programs include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Minnesota Food Assistance Program (MFAP), and various other food programs and services, such as employment and training. With proper nutrition, children learn more easily, adults work more productively, and seniors are healthier. Apply for benefits easily online on MNBenefits to determine eligibility for food, emergency or childcare assistance, cash programs and more.
School Services
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The public school system’s Early Childhood Family Education program consists of a team of parent educators and early childhood teachers who offer support and education for your child and your family.
Services include play groups, parenting groups, and home visits.
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Early Childhood Screening offers free developmental screenings. It is recommended children are screened during the year they turn three and it is required for kindergarten entrance.
Some children may qualify for special education services, which the school district can provide even before your child enters Kindergarten.
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If you child has autism, they will likely qualify for an individualized education plan (IEP) when they start school. An IEP can provide additional supports, accommodations, and protections for your child, so they can better succeed in the school setting.
An IEP advocate can attend school meetings with you, to help advocate for your family, and ensure you have a clear understand of the services your child may be eligible for. The following organizations offer free advocacy services:
Crisis Supports
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National Youth Crisis Hotline
(800) 442-HOPE (4673)Mobile Crisis in-person Response. Phone Arrowhead Regional Crisis line to access the mobile the mobile crisis response (30-mile radius of Duluth) 844-772-4724
National US Child Abuse Hotline
(800)- 422-4453Mental Health Crisis Residential: Birch Tree Center (short term 2-10 day crisis residential) - (218) 623-1800
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Essentia Health, Miller-Dwan (Building D): In-patient and partial-hospitalization mental health support- 218-727-8762
Amberwing Center For Youth & Family Well-Being: Amberwing is an outpatient center providing children, adolescents, and young adults with intensive, therapeutic mental health and chemical dependency care; and families with education and support to help their children heal. Amberwing aims to break the paradigm of the traditional hospital, reduce stigma, and provide effective care that integrates innovative, family-focused services for young people from birth to age 25.
Northwoods Children Services: Northwood Children’s Services is a private, not-for-profit, multi-service agency that provides professional care, education, and treatment for boys and girls with emotional, behavioral, and learning disabilities.
Regional Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Directories (Northland Foundation): Guidelines to local organizations providing services within the mental health continuum of care for young children and families in northeastern Minnesota communities (cities of Duluth, Proctor, and Hermantown; and counties of Aitkin, Carlton, Itasca, north St Louis, Lake, and Cook).
Minnesota Association For Children’s Mental Health (MACMH):MACMH’s mission is to promote positive mental health for all infants, children, adolescents, and their families. MACMH provides parent education and training, Information & Referral and Parent Coaching services, and trains parents in advocacy and leadership skills. In addition, MACMH provides publications and classroom curricula, professional trainings, and an annual conference that provides parents and professionals the opportunity to share the latest research and practices in the field.
Recreation
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Northland Adaptive offers adaptive recreation programs for people with disabilities- swimming, climb, bike, and more.
The YMCA also offers 1-on-1 swim lessons upon request.
Shooting Stars Dance, which is based in Cloquet, offers group and individual lessons, inclusive of all children.
Just for Kix is a dance studio that has also offered adaptive/inclusive classes.
Northland County Ride is a nonprofit therapeutic riding center.
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Great Lakes Aquarium - Also offers inclusive classes and camps for kids.
North Shore Scenic Railroad- Annual sensory-friendly day with Thomas
Duluth Children’s Museum- Storytime, play, art, sensory-friendly activities- check class schedule in advance.
Superior Funland - indoor playground
YMCA (Hermantown, Duluth & Superior)- summer camps, adaptive swim lessons, sports, art, dance classes
Marshal W Alworth Planetarium- sensory friendly shows
Duluth Playhouse- Open to all patrons, a relaxed performance is intentionally modified to accommodate patrons with sensory and vestibular sensitivities, anxiety, dementia, autism spectrum disorders, learning differences, or challenges attending the theater.
Duluth Public Library - The public library has free passes available to checkout for a number of these locations.
For events around the area, check out Perfect Day Duluth.
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Hartley Nature Center’s Playscape - open to the public on weekends
For a complete list of the parks in Duluth, click here.
This non-exhaustive list of local and state resources is not a recommendation of a specific service or provider by Little River Autism Services.
Have a question?
Want to suggest an additional resource?
Contact us.
info@littleriverautism.com