Early intervention helps kids with autism achieve their full potential. When they receive care from trained experts, they learn life skills that boost their confidence. If you want to connect your child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) professionals or get parental support, finding the best autism center in Cedar Rapids and other cities could help. Compare each program’s services to find the best option for your child’s growth needs.
Leading U.S. Autism Centers
Start your search by comparing the most popular centers for kids with autism. You’ll find programs designed to help children of all ages with customized developmental plans that give them the tools to succeed.
1. Stride Autism Centers
Stride Autism Centers is a popular choice among parents and caregivers of children with autism. The company’s compassionate teams work closely with each student to help them thrive. You’re not alone if you worry about your child’s future. Stride Autism Centers’ team members are on your side. They create early intervention strategies that work for your family.
Options like one-on-one therapy and naturalistic group activities fill each child’s schedule with structured interactions that develop essential life skills. Reach out to speak with an intake specialist, connect with families like yours, and give your kiddo personalized growth opportunities.
| Stride Autism Centers | ||
| Notable Features | Locations | Enrollment Process |
| One-on-one therapy
Naturalistic group activities Group instruction circle time Playgrounds Stride360 in some locations And more |
349 Edgewood Rd NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405
9620 S Roberts Rd Hickory Hills, IL 60457 13808 W Maple Rd SUITE 124, Omaha, NE 68164 And more |
Parents fill out eligibility forms or speak with an intake specialist
Families complete an assessment and Stride center tour Team members assist with insurance questions and financial arrangements |
2. Atlanta Autism Center
You can contact the Atlanta Autism Center for help with children aged six and under. The expert team members provide essential diagnostic and therapy services, plus family support resources. Cognitive abilities and social communication skills grow through personalized treatment plans. The high-quality care services make the Atlanta Autism center one of the best in the nation.
| Atlanta Autism Center | ||
| Notable Features | Locations | Enrollment Process |
| Diagnostic and therapy services
Medication management Feeding therapy Speech therapy Physical, occupational and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy And more |
1356 Bluegrass Lakes Pkwy Alpharetta, GA 30004
7138 Highway 212, Covington, GA 30016 4170 Tanners Creek Drive, Flowery Branch, GA 30542 And more |
Parents schedule an autism evaluation
Team members assist with intake procedures based on evaluation results |
3. Autism Treatment Center of America
Families visit the Autism Treatment Center of America when they need support and alternative therapy options. Enrollees in the Son-Rise Program start structured at-home lessons based on over 45 years of team experience. They enjoy comprehensive treatments based on the individual growth paths created during consultation appointments.
The online version of the program even instructs parents on how to connect with their child better. Parents can reach out to a Son-Rise program advisor to start the next chapter of their family’s life.
| Autism Treatment Center of America | ||
| Notable Features | Locations | Enrollment Process |
| Online parent training resources with The Son-
Rise Program Online Comprehensive social development Behavioral symptom treatment And more |
2080 S Undermountain Rd, Sheffield, MA | Parents make a free call with a Son-Rise program advisor
Families get a 60-minute private consultation Program advisors continue program enrollment based on consultation needs |
4. Autism Treatment Center
Kids attending classes at the Autism Treatment Center can develop numerous skills. They get year-round instruction in grade school lessons tailored to their learning styles, and they can also participate in multiple forms of therapy to develop fine motor skills or use language more confidently. Parents have residential lesson opportunities if they need support for outings to stores or household activities.
| Autism Treatment Center | ||
| Notable Features | Locations | Enrollment Process |
| Year-round educational program for students aged 3-22
ABA therapy Speech therapy Occupational therapy Residential services in single-family and duplex homes And more |
10503 Metric Drive Dallas, TX 75243
1100 Circle Dr., Suite 101 Fort Worth, TX 76119 15911 Nacogdoches, Building 2 San Antonio, TX 78247 |
Contact via phone for program enrollment information |
5. Hopebridge Autism Therapy Center
Team members at Hopebridge Autism Therapy Center understand that autism evaluation wait times prevent families from getting much-needed support. They specialize in early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) to support kids between 15 months and 10 years old. Physical, sensory, social and behavioral communication improves with expert care plans tailored to each child’s needs.
| Hopebridge Autism Therapy Center | ||
| Notable Features | Locations | Enrollment Process |
| Autism testing and diagnosis
ABA therapy Occupational therapy Family training Feeding and swallowing therapy And more |
18301 N 79th Ave, Suite C146, Glendale, AZ
220 Grand Regency Blvd, Brandon, FL 33510 16538 N May Ave, Edmond, OK 73012 And more |
Fill out the contact form to speak with a Care and Benefits team member within 72 hours |
6. Cornerstone Autism Center
Cornerstone Autism Center helps kids with autism develop skills, build on strengths and make the future brighter. Cornerstone staff create client-centered therapy schedules for each participant to make everyday life more enjoyable. Families also gain support with parent training opportunities. They give parents tools to guide their child’s progress and reinforce new skills for lasting positive change.
| Cornerstone Autism Center | ||
| Notable Features | Locations | Enrollment Process |
| ABA therapy
Behavior consultation Parent training Insurance consultation Daily communication notebooks And more |
7517 Beechwood Centre Road, Suite 200 Avon, IN 46123
380 Polk Street Greenwood Polk St, IN 46143 3482 McClure Avenue West Lafayette, IN 47906 |
Parents schedule a comprehensive assessment
A Board Centered Behavior Analyst (BCBA) creates a personalized development plan |
7. Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders
Multidisciplinary experts are ready to help kids with autism at the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Children younger than 48 months can undergo evaluations to assess their individual needs. Afterward, teams of neuropsychologists, developmental pediatricians, social workers and other experts help kids achieve their full potential. The evidence-based care plans and treatment options are some of the best in the D.C. area. Inquire about support and education resources to start the most effective programs for your child.
| Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders | ||
| Notable Features | Locations | Enrollment Process |
| Telementoring for parents
Diagnostic program for kids younger than 48 months Executive function and social skills groups |
6833 4th St. NW, Washington, DC 20012
15245 Shady Grove Road, Rockville, Maryland 20850 2900 North Campus Way, Lanham, Maryland 20706 |
Call the center to schedule an appointment |
8. Hospital for Special Care Autism Center
Outpatient and inpatient care are available at the Hospital for Special Care Autism Center. Center staff created an interdisciplinary program for young kids and adolescents needing support with ASD symptoms. They address medical, behavioral and communication challenges through the center’s family-based program. Families gain tools to reach personalized goals that support each child’s lifestyle.
| Hospital for Special Care Autism Center | ||
| Notable Features | Locations | Enrollment Process |
| Psychiatric care
Family support Physical therapy Occupational therapy Speech therapy And more |
2150 Corbin Ave, New Britain, CT 06053 | Fill out the contact form or call to schedule an appointment |
9. Center for Autism and Related Disorders
The Center for Autism and Related Disorders has numerous national locations with some of the top ABA treatment providers. Each participant’s custom program shows them how to become more independent and confident, even during early childhood. Early intervention steps identify each child’s needs before creating ABA session plans for their personal growth. Learning within the center environment can maximize participants’ progress by keeping them focused on the engaging curriculum.
| Center for Autism and Related Disorders | ||
| Notable Features | Locations | Enrollment Process |
| Early intervention
ABA therapy Life skills lessons Focused skill programs Skill practice in natural settings And more |
5305 Spine Road, Suite A Boulder, CO, 80301
1771 3rd Street Suite 101 Norco, CA, 92860 410 South Padre Island, Suite 103, Corpus Christi, TX, 78405 And more |
Create an admissions account to start the process |
10. Marcus Autism Center
The Marcus Autism Center is another well-regarded autism center in the U.S. The team can help little ones learn to eat and provide expert support within the center’s Complex Behavior Support program. The Marcus Autism Center staff also connects parents with Care Coordination team members if they need an advocate. Families gain valuable tools and resources after connecting with the center’s expert team.
| Marcus Autism Center | ||
| Notable Features | Locations | Enrollment Process |
| ABA therapy program
Medical services School consultation program Therapeutic services Language and learning program And more |
1920 Briarcliff Rd, Atlanta, GA 30329 | Visit or call the center to inquire about enrollment |
Benefits of Outstanding Autism Centers
Signing your child up for a specialized learning program might seem like a big step, but families can enjoy numerous benefits from autism center support.
Experts Teach Life Skills
Everyday activities like cooking or doing chores aren’t easy for some people with ASD. Experts at autism centers demonstrate how to do those activities with hands-on lessons. They can even tailor educational moments to your home environment, so it’s easier for your child to replicate outside the center. Your experience depends on which needs you address during your consultation appointments.
Kids Learn Social Tools
Even though research found that one in 31 kids has autism, socializing is still challenging. Your child might feel different or nervous about practicing interpersonal skills among judgmental peers. Autism centers show young kids how to form lifelong friendships with behavioral interventions. Participants develop tools to foster healthy relationships that boost their sense of belonging.
Everyone Gains a Community
Whether you enroll your child in the best autism center in Cedar Rapids or elsewhere, your family will connect with a supportive community. Your little one will spend time with compassionate professionals and other kids with autism while you befriend parents walking a similar life path. The sense of belonging is sometimes the most prominent thing families need in neurotypical communities.
Parents Establish a Support System
If you’re the only person in your friend group raising a child with autism, you might feel alone. Parents often gain emotional support through friendships if both friends raise kids with ASD, but you might not know people walking a similar life path as your family. Autism centers provide those essential parental connections. You’ll find social and emotional support among other people facing similar personal struggles, making overcoming challenges easier.
Key Features to Look For
There are numerous centers for kids with autism in the U.S. Remember some important features while comparing your options. You’ll select the best team for your child if the center has things like:
- Certifications or accreditations: Centers or their staff members should have accreditations from relevant industry authorities. They’ll provide the guidance, safety and quality your child needs if they’re well-trained.
- Positive parent testimonials: See if each center has glowing parental reviews. If other parents seeking similar services have had great experiences, you’ll know you’ve found some good options for your family.
- Recommendations from health care experts: Some doctors refer families to autism centers, but referrals aren’t always necessary for enrollment. Talk with your pediatrician for their recommendations and advice tailored to your child’s health history.
- Wide developmental stage and age ranges: Changing autism centers as your little one grows could feel destabilizing. If you start with an expert team that works with numerous age ranges, your child can participate in developmental programs at the same center as they grow up.
- Programs to help with specific challenges: Consider what your kid needs most from their educational experience. Once you know whether you should prioritize things like OT, speech or ABA therapy, you’ll easily pinpoint your best options.
Take your time looking into the best autism centers in the U.S. Compare their programs, staff certifications and enrollment processes. You can also call to meet with each team to gauge whether they fit your family’s growth goals.
Compare the Best Autism Centers in Cedar Rapids and Elsewhere
Well-trained professionals are ready to assist your family. Connect your child with people who specialize in autism programs so they learn skills they’ll need later in life. You’ll create a new community, forge relationships and foster your little one’s confidence once you find the right place for their needs.