University of Iowa Health Care Center for Disabilities and Development

04/18/2026

Waiting for an autism assessment can feel overwhelming - but there are meaningful steps you can take in the meantime.

Start exploring supports early – Services like speech, occupational, or behavioral therapy may benefit your child even before a diagnosis.

Connect with resources – Programs like Iowa’s Regional Autism Assistance Program (RAP) and the ASK Resource Center can help guide you to services and supports.

Learn more about autism – Understanding developmental differences can help you feel more prepared and confident moving forward.

Talk with your child’s doctor – They can help connect you with local providers and answer questions along the way.

Look into financial supports – Programs like Medicaid, SSI, and HCBS Waivers may help cover services.

You don’t have to wait to take action—support, information, and community are available now.

Learn more: https://cdd.center.uiowa.edu/what-do-while-you-wait-autism-assessment

04/11/2026

Wondering about autism? Here’s where to start.

Autism is a developmental disability that can affect how a child communicates, interacts, and behaves. Autism looks different for every child.
If you think your child may have autism, you’re not alone, and there are steps you can take:

- Talk with your child’s primary care provider
- Request a referral for an autism evaluation
- Complete any required intake paperwork to get scheduled

At the Center for Disabilities and Development, a team of specialists works together to provide comprehensive autism evaluations for children. Learn more here: https://cdd.center.uiowa.edu/what-autism-how-do-i-get-my-patientchild-evaluated

Have questions or need help getting started? Reach out. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

04/07/2026

Share Your Transportation Experience in Johnson County

Do you rely on transportation options other than driving - either temporarily or long-term? Your input is needed!

The Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County is gathering feedback to help improve transportation across our communities.

As you go about your daily routine - getting to work or school, attending appointments, or running errands - consider what works well and what could be better.

They’re especially looking for feedback on:
• Safety and accessibility features
• Barriers that make travel difficult or unsafe
• Conditions like sidewalks, intersections, bus stops, lighting, parking, and more

Check out the flyer for details or visit this link to upload your photos and/or share comments take for this the survey: https://bit.ly/Connect2055.I

Questions? Contact MPOJC at mstoen@iowa-city.org or 319-356-5254.

04/06/2026

Learn more about IAble accounts in the post below.

04/03/2026

📅 Join us this May!

The Iowa Regional Autism Assistance Program (RAP) is offering a free, 4-part Autism Basics Webinar Series in Spanish for parents and caregivers of children with a new autism diagnosis.

Join us for the full series—or attend the sessions that work best for your schedule.

✔️ Free
✔️ Virtual
✔️ Sessions recorded
✔️ Open to anyone who would like to learn (Spanish-language sessions)

🔗 Register: https://bit.ly/autismoseminarios

04/02/2026

April 2nd is Autism Acceptance Day. Every day, CDD staff work to provide high-quality, specialized care to children with autism and their families. Today we recognize the partnership between our staff and patients so that our patients can live healthy, independent lives in their communities.

03/26/2026

𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐨!

We cannot wait to explore how popular culture has changed the conversation around Autism, and its effect on the hurdles and barriers faced by those with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

More info and registration 👉 autismia.com/events

03/24/2026

Youth Leadership Academy is a great way for young people with disabilities to connect with peers and learn leadership skills! Application deadline is May 29th.

Apply for Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) 2026! ✨

Do you want to learn about being a leader? If so, YLA is for you!

YLA is a way to connect with peers with disabilities and learn leadership skills. Spend two hours per day for five days this summer and gain skills for a lifetime. All sessions are virtual and FREE!

Learn more and apply: https://vist.ly/4uqcc

03/24/2026

Learn how IAble accounts help eligible people with a disability save above asset caps:

IAble accounts help eligible people with a disability save above asset caps while maintaining eligibility for public benefits. Learn more at IAble.gov.

03/23/2026

Looking for families to participate in research on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)!

Researchers in the LEND Program are conducting a survey to better understand what influences AAC device use—and why some devices may be abandoned—among children.

Who can participate?
Families of children who have used alternative communication methods, such as iPads or speech-generating devices.

Research Purpose:
• Identify factors associated with AAC device use and abandonment among children
• Inform clinical practices and service delivery models that support consistent AAC use in home and community settings

Survey Details:
• Format: Confidential online survey
• Time to complete: 5–10 minutes
• No compensation provided
• IRB-approved study

Survey Link: https://redcap.icts.uiowa.edu/redcap/surveys/?s=WEKYDY38CK398JKT

Your input can help improve supports and outcomes for children who rely on AAC.

Questions or interested in participating?
Contact Megan Fear at megan-fear@uiowa.edu

03/16/2026

Another success story from CDD and University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital!

Raegan was born at just 26 weeks and diagnosed with right spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy at 6 months old. When her family moved to Iowa for specialized care, they connected with the team at the Center for Disabilities and Development (CDD) and University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

With support from pediatric physiatrist Kathleen Vonderhaar, MD, physical therapists Sarah Iverson and Katie Laubscher, and a multidisciplinary team including pediatric neurosurgeon Rebecca Reynolds, MD, Raegan received coordinated care that included therapies and selective dorsal rhizotomy surgery.

Today, Raegan is thriving! She can run, jump, climb stairs safely, and keep up with her six siblings.

“She’s so much more independent now,” her mom says. “She can do things we never thought possible.”

Coordinated, family-centered care helps children like Raegan build strength, independence, and confidence.

Please join us in celebrating Raegan's accomplishments!