When you’re raising a child with disabilities — whether it’s autism, ADHD, sensory challenges, or a medical condition — you quickly realize something that nobody tells you ahead of time: New Hampshire doesn’t exactly make it easy to find support.
And if you’re like me, you’re juggling a special needs child, a service dog, and a spouse with disabilities, too. The lack of clear, accessible resources can feel overwhelming. Some days it feels like you’re reinventing the wheel just trying to figure out where to go, who to call, or what your child is even eligible for.
That’s why I wanted to write this guide.
Not the sugar-coated version that tells you to “just reach out to services” (as if they’re easy to find).
But the real-world guide for real families — based on lived experience, trial-and-error, and the knowledge many of us had to piece together the hard way.
If you’ve ever thought:
- “I feel completely alone.”
- “Why isn’t there more help for families like mine?”
- “Where do I even start?”
Then welcome, friend.
Take a breath.
You’re in the right place.
🌟 1. Understanding the Landscape in New Hampshire
Before we start listing resources, it’s helpful to understand something important about New Hampshire: Support exists, but it is spread out, underfunded, and not well-advertised.
That means YOU — the parent — end up being the advocate, researcher, case manager, and coordinator. It’s not because you’re doing anything wrong. It’s because the system requires families to push through barriers just to get basic care.
So here’s the good news:
Once you know where to look, you can piece together a much stronger support system than you might think.
🌟 2. NH’s Developmental Services System: Your Starting Point
This is the foundation that most parents don’t even know exists.
New Hampshire uses a regional Area Agency system to provide support for individuals with disabilities. These agencies help with:
- Service coordination
- Evaluations
- Family support services
- Access to respite care
- Funding for therapies or supplies
- Transition planning
- Community support programs
Each part of the state is assigned to a specific Area Agency.
A few examples include:
- Gateways Community Services (Nashua region)
- One Sky Community Services (Seacoast)
- Pathways of the River Valley (Upper Valley)
- Community Partners (Rochester/Dover area)
Pro Tip: Even if your child doesn’t qualify for complete developmental services, most agencies still offer family support, which can include resources, training, and parent networks.
🌟 3. Early Supports & Services (Birth to Age 3)
If your child is younger than three, this is where you begin.
NH’s ESS program offers:
- Speech therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Behavioral supports
- Feeding therapy
- Parent coaching
- Developmental specialists
Everything starts with a free evaluation.
And the earlier you get connected, the easier your next steps become, inspiring confidence that early action makes a difference.
🌟 4. Special Education Services (Ages 3–22)
Once your child turns three, the school district becomes responsible for providing services through:
- IEPs (Individualized Education Programs)
- 504 Plans
- School-based therapy
- Behavioral supports
- Transportation accommodations
- Inclusion planning
Here’s the part they don’t tell you:
You don’t have to wait for the school to bring up concerns. You can proactively request an evaluation at any time. In writing, prepare specific questions or examples to advocate effectively during IEP meetings.
YOU can request an evaluation at any time — in writing — and the school is required to respond. Many people feel lost or dismissed—that’s when advocacy organizations can empower you to feel more confident and supported in your efforts.
🌟 5. Advocacy Organizations That Can Help You Navigate the System
New Hampshire has several organizations dedicated to empowering families:
🔹 NH Family Voices
One of the BEST parent-to-parent supports in the state.
They offer:
- Help navigating insurance
- Educational advocacy
- Mental health resources
- Workshops
- Parent support groups
🔹 Disability Rights Center – NH
These are the people who know the laws better than anyone.
They help when a school or agency isn’t following the law, and they’re incredibly supportive.
🔹 PIC (Parent Information Center)
They help parents understand IEPs, 504s, and school rights.
If you’re overwhelmed before an IEP meeting, call them.
🌟 6. Funding, Waivers, and Financial Help (The Part No One Explains Clearly)
Services cost money… and most families feel like they’re drowning in bills.
New Hampshire has programs that can help, but the information is scattered. Let’s break it down clearly:
🟡 Medicaid for Children with Disabilities (Katie Beckett Program)
For kids with significant needs, even if your income is too high.
🟡 In-Home Supports (IHS) Waiver
For children up to age 21 with developmental disabilities who need help at home — includes respite, community supports, and home-based therapies.
🟡 Children’s Medicaid Waiver (CMW)
Supports children with substantial medical needs.
🟡 Family Support Funding
This is small but incredibly helpful — often used for:
- Sensory equipment
- Therapy supplies
- Respite care
- Camp fees
- Safety items
Sometimes, even things like weighted blankets or communication devices.
🌟 7. Mental Health Supports for Parents and Caregivers
This part is close to my heart — because when you’re caring for a child AND a spouse with disabilities, the emotional load is heavy.
NH offers:
- NAMI NH (peer support, crisis training, family-to-family classes)
- Community Mental Health Centers
- Peer-to-Peer support programs
- Telehealth therapy through multiple agencies
But the best support often comes from knowing you’re not alone — which is why community options matter too.
🌟 8. Community, Recreation & Sensory-Friendly Programs
These gems are often overlooked, but they make life feel more “normal.”
Some options include:
- YMCA adaptive programs
- Sensory-friendly movie showings
- Local libraries with sensory bags
- Autism-friendly holiday events
- Therapeutic horseback riding
- Service animal meetups or training groups
- Inclusive sports programs like TOPSoccer
Many parents only hear about these from other parents, so sharing them helps more families get access.
🌟 9. What to Do When You’re On a Waitlist (Because You Will Be)
This is the frustrating truth:
New Hampshire has long waitlists for nearly every service.
But here’s what you can do in the meantime:
- Join parent support groups (online or local)
- Request school-based services immediately
- Start building a sensory-friendly home environment..
- Use lower-cost therapy apps and tools.
- Ask for temporary funding through Family Support.
- Request a case manager for help navigating options.s
- Contact NH Family Voices for guidance.
- Document everything — it helps you advocate more effectively later.r
🌟 10. You Are Not Alone — Even If It Feels Like It
I know what it’s like to feel isolated.
I know what it’s like to feel like the entire weight of your family’s needs falls on your shoulders.
And I know how overwhelming it is to try to be the researcher, the advocate, the caregiver, the parent, the spouse, and the one who always holds everything together.
But here’s the truth I wish someone had told me years ago:
You are doing an incredible job.
Even on the days it feels like you’re barely holding on.
Even when the system makes you feel invisible.
Even when resources feel far away.
This guide is your starting point — not your ending point.
And if you stick with me, we’re going to walk through the following steps together, week by week, topic by topic.
Because your family deserves support.
And so do you.
