Tulsa Autism Resources: Where to Start

Tulsa Autism Guide is a local resource site for families in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, and nearby communities. It is not a clinic. Use it to understand first steps around diagnosis, early signs, school supports, and how to compare local providers.

Frequently asked questions

How is autism diagnosed?

A qualified clinician — often a developmental pediatrician, psychologist, or similar specialist — diagnoses autism using developmental history and a standardized evaluation. A medical diagnosis and school eligibility are related but not the same process.

In Oklahoma, families of children under 3 can start with SoonerStart for evaluation and early intervention even before a medical diagnosis. School-age children can also be evaluated through their public school for special education eligibility. This guide is not a diagnosis and not medical advice.

What are early signs of autism?

Early signs can include differences in social communication, limited back-and-forth interaction, delayed speech, repetitive movements, or intense interests. Signs vary widely, and many children who need support do not look the same.

If you are concerned, talk with your child’s pediatrician and ask about a developmental screening. For infants and toddlers, Oklahoma SoonerStart is a common first step.

How do schools and IEPs work in Oklahoma?

If a child is eligible for special education, the school district develops an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Parents are part of the IEP team. Start with your local district — Tulsa Public Schools, Broken Arrow Public Schools, or whichever district serves your address.

The Oklahoma State Department of Education Special Education page has state guidance, family resources, and the Autism Handbook.

Where should we start for therapy in the Tulsa area?

Start with your child’s needs and a clear evaluation, then compare local providers. Interview more than one clinic. Ask about who actually works with your child, how families are included, and how progress is shared.

A parent-written provider-choice guide is at tulsaabatherapy.com. Public programs such as SoonerStart (ages 0–3) and school-based services can run alongside private therapy. This site is a resource guide, not a clinic.

Local and Oklahoma resources

Links below were checked as public program or clinic sites. This list is a starting point, not an endorsement of every provider, and it does not include phone numbers we could not verify here.

Public programs

• SoonerStart — Oklahoma’s early intervention program for infants and toddlers (birth to age 3) with developmental delays.

• OSDE Special Education — Oklahoma State Department of Education guidance for special education, IEPs, and family resources.

• Oklahoma Human Services Developmental Disabilities Services — state developmental disabilities supports for eligible children and adults.

Local clinics and a provider-choice guide

• Sunshine Center — locally owned pediatric clinic in the Tulsa/Broken Arrow area offering speech and occupational therapy.

• Sunshine Academy — local ABA therapy clinic for children with autism.

• Tulsa ABA Therapy Guide — a parent-written guide to comparing ABA providers, including questions about training, ownership, and transparency.

How to use this site

Use the FAQ and resource list to decide a first call: your pediatrician, SoonerStart, your school district, or a clinic you want to interview. Compare more than one option. If you have a question about this guide, email hello@tulsaautism.com. There is no phone number published for this resource site.