Comprehensive Support for Every Stage

Resources for Families, Caregivers & Professionals

Navigating autism services can feel overwhelming. Our goal is to make it easier. Explore trusted local, regional, and statewide resources—therapy, education, Medicaid waivers, and beyond—all in one place.

what to expect

Clear, Reliable, and Locale Information

This resource guide was created to help you understand what services are available, how to access them, and what steps to take depending on where you are in the journey.


Here, you’ll find:

  • How to begin the intake process and what paperwork is needed
  • Where to go for autism testing and diagnosis—including centers that accept Medicaid
  • A list of local and regional ABA therapy providers
  • Early intervention services for children under age 3
  • School-based services and special education contacts for children ages 3 to 21
  • Information about Medicaid Waiver programs and post-high school services
  • Supportive therapy services, residential care, and resources for adults seeking evaluation or services


This page is updated regularly to reflect the most current information available. For additional support or help navigating these resources, please contact our team directly at 228-396-4434 or djoachim@mcardd.org.

What to Do Next

Getting a Diagnosis & Accessing Services

If you suspect your child may have autism, the first step is a comprehensive evaluation. While MCARDD does not provide diagnostic testing, we can help guide you to trusted providers and support you in accessing the services your child may need once a diagnosis is in place. Our team assists families in navigating referrals, therapy options, and available support resources.

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Resources & Procedures

  • Getting Started: Intake & Eligibility

    To begin therapy at MCARDD, you’ll need:


    • Medical diagnosis of Autism from the Doctor
    • Testing paperwork used to obtain a diagnosis.
    • A referral for ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Therapy from your doctor. It is the only behavior therapy insurance will cover for Autism.

    Once we receive these documents, we’ll contact you when a therapy slot becomes available.

  • Where to Go for Diagnosis

    If your child hasn’t been diagnosed yet, here are trusted providers offering autism evaluations. Please note insurance policies vary—some accept Medicaid, others do not:


    • Bridgewater Psychiatry – (228) 331-3310 – No Medicaid
    • Children’s of MS CAY Center (Jackson) – (601) 984-5236
    • Hattiesburg Connections – (601) 261-5159 – MS Medicaid CHIP only
    • Tulane Autism Clinic (New Orleans) – (504) 988-3533
    • Michael R. Boh Center (New Orleans/Slidell) – Fax: (504) 842-0772 – Accepts MS Medicaid
    • Center for Behavior Health – USM (Hattiesburg) – (601) 266-4588 – Private pay
    • Dr. Ethel Hetrick (Bay St. Louis) – (228) 467-2424 – Accepts Medicaid
    • Will’s Way (Hattiesburg) – (601) 731-0772 – No Medicaid
  • ABA Therapy Providers in the Region

    A list of providers currently offering ABA services (check with each for insurance acceptance):


    • Mississippi Center for Autism (MCARDD) – Accepts ALL insurances
    • Will’s Way Behavioral – (228) 731-3500
    • Proud Moments – Biloxi & Ocean Springs
    • Gulf Coast Education Solutions – (228) 357-5671
    • Colorful Minds – (228) 313-3106
    • Growing Tree – (601) 812-8368
    • Brighter ABA – (601) 447-4658
    • All Children Can Learn – (228) 623-5454
    • Victory Behavioral Center – (228) 707-4417
    • Gulfport Premiere ABA – (228) 229-8297
    • Evolve Autism Services – (228) 260-6892
  • Early Intervention (Ages Birth–3)

    Mississippi Early Intervention offers free services while waiting on testing or diagnosis.


    Start here: https://msdh.ms.gov → Search “Early Intervention” and complete the referral form.


    They evaluate and provide services in areas such as speech, physical, and self-help skills.

  • School-Based Services (Ages 3–21)

    Public schools take over services at age 3. Children are evaluated for eligibility (not the same as a medical diagnosis) and, if eligible, receive an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) updated yearly.


    You are a member of the IEP team and have a voice in your child’s educational services.


    Local Special Education Contacts:

    • Harrison County – (228) 832-9344
    • Biloxi – (228) 435-4600
    • Gulfport – (228) 865-4686
    • Ocean Springs – (228) 875-5782
    • Pascagoula/Gautier – (228) 938-6488
    • Long Beach – (228) 864-8085
    • Pass Christian – (228) 255-6205
    • Hancock County – (228) 466-6340
    • Jackson County – (228) 826-0152
  • Medicaid Waiver & Post-High School Services

    The Mississippi Medicaid Waiver Program, administered through South MS Regional Center (SMRC), offers comprehensive evaluations to determine long-term support needs.


    Why it matters: Many post-high school services are only accessible through this evaluation. Children should get on the waitlist by age 3.


    📞 SMRC Intake: (228) 867-1321

    🌐 www.smrc.state.ms.us

  • Supportive Therapy & Counseling Services
    • Premier Professional Counseling – (228) 220-4226
    • Ditalli Bhakta Pals Pediatric Therapy – (600) 775-4228
    • Kids Bright Clinic – (601) 336-9099 – kidsbrightclinic.com
    • Building Behaviors Counseling – (228) 207-3549
    • Wraparound MS Families – ContactMS@ChoicesCCS.org
    • Disability Connection – (228) 870-7775
    • REACH Autism – reachautism.org.uk
  • Residential Support Programs
    • Brandi’s Hope (Petal & Gulfport) – (601) 906-6967
    • Millcreek (Magee) – (601) 849-2304
    • MS Adolescent Center (Brookhaven) – (601) 823-5700
  • Adult Autism Testing & Services

    Adults seeking evaluation can contact:

    • Tulane Autism Clinic – (504) 988-3533
    • Any psychologist/psychiatrist providing ADOS-2 or equivalent evaluations

    Adult Day Programs & Employment Support:


    • REM D’Iberville – (228) 354-9012
    • Millcreek of Long Beach – (228) 868-5112
    • GCE – Global Connections to Employment – www.gce.org
    • autismgrownup.com
Learn More About ASD

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We know there's a lot to take in—and we're here to help.

If you have questions about any of the services listed, or you're not sure where to begin, reach out to our team.

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MCARDD is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing critical services for individuals with autism. Your donation helps fund evaluations, therapy, and family support programs.