Autism & child therapy in Minnesota: the blog

Practical, Minnesota-specific answers for parents — what things cost, which programs pay for what, and how to get through county assessments, waitlists and evaluations. Looking for the basics? Start with our parent guides or the FAQ.

Funding & waivers

7 min read · September 28, 2026

The CADI Waiver in Minnesota: A Family Guide for Children with Disabilities

The CADI waiver in Minnesota can fund in-home supports, respite and home modifications for children with disabilities. Who qualifies and how to apply.

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7 min read · September 28, 2026

PCA and CFSS in Minnesota: A Parent's Guide to In-Home Care for Children

PCA services in Minnesota are becoming CFSS. How PCA and CFSS work for children, agency vs. budget models, who can be a worker, and how to pick an agency.

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7 min read · September 28, 2026

MA-TEFRA in Minnesota: Medical Assistance for Children with Disabilities

MA-TEFRA lets Minnesota children with disabilities get Medical Assistance without counting parents' income. How it works, parental fees and EIDBI access.

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Minnesota programs

7 min read · September 28, 2026

The MnCHOICES Assessment: What Minnesota Parents Should Expect and How to Prepare

The MnCHOICES assessment decides which Minnesota disability services your child can get. What happens, what they ask, and how parents can best prepare.

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6 min read · September 28, 2026

Hennepin County Front Door: How to Request Disability Services for Your Child

Hennepin County Front Door is the intake line for human services. What to say to request a MnCHOICES assessment for your child, and what happens next.

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Early intervention

6 min read · September 28, 2026

Help Me Grow Minnesota: How to Get Early Intervention for Your Child

Help Me Grow Minnesota connects children birth to 5 with free early intervention and preschool special education. How referral, evaluation and plans work.

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Costs & insurance

7 min read · September 28, 2026

How Much Does ABA Therapy Cost in Minnesota? A Parent's Guide

How much does ABA therapy cost? Typical private-pay rates, yearly totals, and how Minnesota families pay far less with EIDBI, MA-TEFRA and insurance.

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Evaluations & diagnosis

7 min read · September 28, 2026

ADHD Testing for Kids in Minneapolis and Across Minnesota: What to Expect

ADHD testing in Minneapolis and across Minnesota: who can evaluate your child, what the testing includes, the ADHD–autism overlap, and free school options.

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8 min read · September 28, 2026

Autism Evaluation in Minnesota: How to Get a Diagnosis for Your Child

How to get an autism evaluation in Minnesota: clinical diagnosis vs. school evaluation, what testing involves, typical waits and costs, and where the CMDE fits.

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Family support

7 min read · September 28, 2026

Respite Care in Minnesota: How Families of Autistic Children Find and Pay for a Break

Respite care in Minnesota explained: in-home vs. out-of-home options, how waivers, CDCS and county grants pay, and how to find respite for an autistic child.

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Choosing care

7 min read · September 28, 2026

In-Home ABA Therapy vs. Center-Based ABA: Which Fits Your Child?

In-home ABA therapy or a center? Pros and cons of each setting, hybrid options, EIDBI coverage and staffing realities for Minnesota families choosing ABA.

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7 min read · September 28, 2026

Speech Therapy for Autistic Children: A Guide for Minnesota Parents

Speech therapy for autism: what an SLP works on, AAC options, signs your child could benefit, and how to start pediatric speech therapy in Minneapolis and MN.

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