Top 50 Organizations for Children's Mental Health and Autism

Autism-Focused Organizations

Navigating the world of children's mental health and autism support can feel overwhelming for families seeking help and resources. Whether you're a parent of a newly diagnosed child, a caregiver looking for specialized services, or an educator seeking evidence-based support, finding the right organizations can make all the difference in a child's development and family's well-being.

This comprehensive directory brings together the nation's most trusted and impactful organizations dedicated to supporting children with autism spectrum disorders and mental health challenges. From leading research institutions and advocacy groups to hands-on service providers and community support networks, these 50 organizations represent decades of expertise, innovation, and unwavering commitment to helping children thrive.

Each organization listed has been selected based on their proven track record, quality of services, and dedication to evidence-based approaches. 

Autism Speaks - Leading autism advocacy organization providing support, resources, and research funding

Autism Society - The nation's leading grassroots autism organization with local affiliates nationwide

National Autism Association - Provides tangible resources at no charge to families and caregivers

Autism Research Institute - Focuses on researching causes and developing safe treatments for autism

Autistic Self Advocacy Network - Run by and for autistic people, advancing rights and self-advocacy

Organization for Autism Research - Uses research to address daily challenges of autistic individuals and families

Autism Science Foundation - Supports autism research and provides science-based information

Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) - Helps people with autism build meaningful, connected lives

Autism Network International - Uniquely autistic-run advocacy and self-help organization

Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center - Dedicated to autism research, education, and treatment

Children's Mental Health Organizations

Child Mind Institute - Independent nonprofit transforming lives of children with mental health and learning disorders

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry - Professional organization promoting healthy development of children and adolescents

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - Nation's largest mental health advocacy organization

SAMHSA - Federal agency supporting mental health services for children and families

The Kids Mental Health Foundation - Provides free resources to empower adults helping children's mental health

REACH Institute - Trains healthcare providers to deliver effective child mental health care

Brightline - Pediatric mental health care for kids, teens, and parents

Special Needs and Developmental Disabilities Organizations

The Arc - Largest national organization advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Easter Seals - Provides services for children and adults with disabilities and special needs

United Cerebral Palsy - Advocates for people with disabilities across the spectrum

Special Olympics - Sports training and competition for people with intellectual disabilities

Goodwill Industries International - Helps people with disabilities and other barriers find employment

Federation for Children with Special Needs - Provides information and support to parents of children with disabilities

Family Voices - National nonprofit led by families of children with special health care needs

Parents Helping Parents - Parent-directed support services for families with children with special needs

Research and Government Organizations

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development - Federal research institute studying human development

National Institute of Mental Health - Federal agency conducting mental health research

Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative - Funds autism research to improve understanding and treatment

Brain & Behavior Research Foundation - Funds mental health research including autism studies

National Institute on Deafness & Communication Disorders - Researches communication disorders often associated with autism

Center for Parent Information and Resources - Provides information to parents and communities about disabilities

Faith-Based and Community Organizations

Friendship Circle International - Jewish organization bringing teens and children with special needs together

AutismWish - Provides monthly grants and support for autism families

Color of Autism - Supports African American children with autism and their families

Grupo Salto - Support group for Latino families with children with disabilities

Specialized Support Organizations

Special Needs Alliance - Connects families with attorneys specializing in disability law

Birth Defect Research for Children - Links birth defects with environmental causes and provides family support

OASIS MAAP Services - Support for individuals with Asperger syndrome and related conditions

Make-A-Wish Foundation - Grants wishes to children with critical illnesses

United Way - Community-based organization supporting various social causes including special needs

Professional and Training Organizations

Association for Science in Autism Treatment - Promotes scientifically sound autism treatments

Autism National Committee (AUTCOM) - Advocates for social justice and civil rights for people with autism

National Autism Center at May Institute - Provides evidence-based resources for families and professionals

International Society for Autism Research - Scientific organization advancing autism knowledge

American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities - Professional organization focused on intellectual disabilities

Technology and Innovation Organizations

Center for Autism and Related Disorders - Provides ABA therapy and resources

Autism Navigator - Web-based tools and courses for autism education

MyAutismTeam - Social network for parents of kids with autism

Sesame Street and Autism Initiative - Educational resources for young children with autism

The BRAIN Foundation - Supports research for neurodevelopmental disorders including autism

Additional Resources and Support

These organizations provide comprehensive support including:

• Direct Services: Therapy, counseling, and medical care
• Family Support: Parent training, support groups, and respite care
• Educational Resources: Information, toolkits, and training materials
• Advocacy: Policy work and civil rights protection
• Research Funding: Scientific studies and treatment development
• Financial Assistance: Grants and funding for families in need

Many of these organizations have local chapters or affiliates, so families can find support in their specific geographic areas. The websites provided offer detailed information about services, eligibility requirements, and how to access support.

For families seeking immediate help, organizations like Autism Speaks, Child Mind Institute, and The Arc offer comprehensive resource directories and can help connect families with local services and support networks.