The Arc of the Ozarks Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center

09/08/2026

Happy World Physical Therapy Day! 💙

Today, we’re recognizing our amazing physical therapy team and the difference they make in the lives of children and families every day. Thank you for your expertise, encouragement, and dedication to helping children build strength, confidence, and new skills.

We appreciate all that you do!

09/04/2026

Small tools, big skills! ✨ Using tongs and tweezers, RJ is building fine motor skills, coordination, and communication during his OT session with Ashley.

08/31/2026

Now accepting new speech therapy clients in Kansas City!
Rhett is working with Maggie, SLP, to develop functional communication skills using an AAC device. Through play-based therapy, language is modeled on his device while he practices making requests, answering questions, and engaging with others.

Our speech-language pathologists provide individualized support for speech, language, AAC, social communication, feeding/swallowing, and more. Medicaid and most major insurance plans accepted.

Learn more and complete a referral form at autismcenteroftheozarks.org or call (417) 605-7100.

08/29/2026

🎧 Meet Ryker!
Ryker is using the Integrated Listening System (ILS), a listening therapy that combines music and movement to support skills like attention, coordination, and sensory processing.

Through ILS, Ryker has improved his hand-eye coordination and body awareness, engages in challenging activities with greater confidence, and becomes more regulated and willing to communicate. His progress is a great example of how listening therapies can support growth beyond the therapy session.

Check out our latest blog to learn more about ILS and other listening therapies: https://ow.ly/PBNb50ZFINT

08/28/2026

✨Fieldwork Friday✨

Maci just finished her first level II rotation with The Arc of the Ozarks Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center in Springfield, MO. She worked with pediatric clients on building skills such as emotional regulation, sensory processing and more. Maci's fieldwork educator was Morgan, who graduated from our program in 2024!

Maci enjoyed the collaborative environment at The Arc and finding creative ways to help children reach their goals!

Thank you to Morgan and The Arc for welcoming our students!

08/27/2026

🎧 Meet Everett!
When Everett first started the Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP), loud environments and unfamiliar places could feel overwhelming. Now in his second round of SSP, he approaches busy spaces like the pool and Silver Dollar City with greater confidence and comfort.

His journey is a great example of how listening therapies can support progress beyond the therapy session and help children participate more fully in everyday life.

Want to learn more about SSP and other listening therapies? Check out our latest blog:https://ow.ly/JKzq50ZFIrr

08/19/2026

We are proud to host Missouri Parents Act for this informative training on understanding the IEP process for children with autism. If this topic affects your family, we encourage you to attend and learn more about the resources available to support your child!

Springfield Families!
Understanding the IEP Process for Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

If your child has autism or is being evaluated for autism, understanding the IEP process can help you prepare for school meetings and make informed decisions.

Join Missouri Parents Act for this in-person training covering:
• How children are evaluated for autism
• Types of evaluations that may be used
• Medical diagnosis vs. educational eligibility
• The educational category of autism and eligibility criteria
• Understanding the IEP process

📅 This event has moved to Thursday September 3rd, 2026
🕚 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

📍 The Arc of the Ozarks Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center
2864 S. Nettleton Avenue
Springfield, MO 65807

Register today:
🔗 missouriparentsact.org/training

We look forward to seeing you there!

08/18/2026

👂New blog alert!
Did you know listening therapies can help support progress outside of therapy sessions? In our newest blog, we break down three listening therapy programs offered at The Arc of the Ozarks Autism & Neurodevelopmental Center and explain how they may help children reinforce skills learned in therapy and carry them over into everyday life. 🎧✨

Read more on our blog: 👇
https://ow.ly/vSu150ZAWJa

08/13/2026

Sometimes a toy giraffe is the perfect therapy partner! 🦒✨
Kaden and SLP Harshy are using play and an AAC device to support communication skills. Meeting children where they are and incorporating their interests helps make learning both meaningful and motivating.