Colorado mom launches free autism support app for families

By AI, Created 10:39 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Autism Pathways will launch June 1 on iOS and Android with free step-by-step guidance for families navigating Medicaid, IEPs and disability waivers after an autism diagnosis. The app is built by Jessie Fielding, a Colorado mother who says she created the tool after struggling to find clear, state-by-state help for her own family.

Why it matters: - Families often face Medicaid, school and waiver systems at the same time after an autism diagnosis. - Autism Pathways is meant to reduce delays, confusion and missed deadlines that can affect access to services for years. - The app is free at launch, which lowers the barrier for families that may already be facing new medical and educational costs.

What happened: - Jessie Fielding is launching Autism Pathways publicly on June 1 on iOS and Android. - Autism Pathways is free for all families. - Fielding built the app after her daughter Ellie was diagnosed with autism and she struggled to find clear guidance online. - Families can learn more at More information.

The details: - The app guides parents through Medicaid applications and appeals, IEP preparation, Home and Community-Based Services waivers, and child development tracking. - Autism Pathways includes a Potty Pathway for toilet training autistic children using occupational therapy-based strategies. - The waiver directory is searchable at the county level and covers developmental disability agencies in all 50 states. - The directory includes agency contact information, waiver program names, eligibility requirements and application links. - Families who qualify for Home and Community-Based Services waivers may access respite care, behavioral therapy, assistive technology and day programs. - Premium features available through in-app purchase include an Appeal Tracker, Waiver Checklist, Provider Prep reports, talking point scripts for school and medical appointments, and re-evaluation reminders. - The core guidance, including all five pathways and the full waiver directory, is free. - Autism Pathways is founded by Jessie Fielding of Highlands Ranch, Colorado.

Between the lines: - Fielding built Autism Pathways without a co-founder, a development team or institutional funding. - The app reflects two years of nights and weekends, state-by-state policy research and conversations with families across the country. - Fielding said waiver waitlists can stretch five, seven or even 10 years in some states, and the date a family applies starts the clock. - Her pitch is aimed at a timing problem: families can lose years of access if they miss early enrollment in waiver programs. - Approximately one in 31 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism, giving the app a broad potential audience.

What’s next: - Autism Pathways opens to families on June 1, 2026. - The app will be available free on iOS and Android. - Fielding says the goal is for families to have a clear path forward the same day they receive a diagnosis. - Optional premium tools will remain available through in-app purchase.

The bottom line: - Autism Pathways tries to turn a confusing post-diagnosis scramble into a single free guide families can use right away.