Springfield, MO: Neurodevelopmental Center expands to address "ever-growing waitlist"
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Feb 21, 2026, Ozarks First: Arc of the Ozarks expanding Autism Center to meet demand
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. —
In 2024, Arc of the Ozarks opened its Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center to address an ever-growing waitlist for families wanting evolutions and potential therapy.
Just over two years later, they have plans to expand the center as the waitlist remains long.
“As we’re beginning our third year, the waiting list has grown to over 1,000 people,” Michael Powers with the Arc of the Ozarks said. “We knew that we were already outgrowing this building.”
Powers says “We all know that early intervention is key. As you’re in the developmental milestones and you’re falling short of those, you’d like to have speech therapy, occupational therapy, those types of things. Insurance companies won’t pay those until you get an official diagnosis that your son or daughter, your child, brother or sister is on the spectrum,” Powers said. “Families had come to us years ago saying there were limited places locally, and they would have had to drive to Columbia, to Kansas City.” . .
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