Autism resources in
Hartford County.

Free CDC milestone checklists and a Milestone Tracker app help you follow your child's development from 2 months to 5 years, so you know what to watch for and when to act. A gentle first step when you're unsure whether to seek an evaluation.

Connecticut's statewide early intervention program for babies and toddlers under age 3 who have developmental delays or a diagnosed condition. Services are provided at no cost to families and can start with one phone call to arrange a free evaluation.

The autism and developmental team at Connecticut Children's provides full diagnostic evaluations for children who may have autism, ADHD, developmental delay, or related concerns. They walk families through what the results mean and next steps for support.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health's autism hub, with the state's clinical diagnosis guidelines and a directory of autism services and family supports across Connecticut. A trustworthy starting point when you're not sure where to turn first.

A university-based clinic offering comprehensive, multidisciplinary autism evaluations for infants, children, and adolescents. Their team combines psychological, speech-language, adaptive, and psychiatric assessments to reach a clear diagnosis and practical recommendations.

A public early-intervention program serving the north-central Connecticut region, including Hartford County, for infants and toddlers with developmental delays. They evaluate your child at no cost and coach families on strategies at home.

A long-established Hartford-area nonprofit offering free early-intervention evaluations and family-centered services for young children across 16 Greater Hartford towns. Support is delivered right in your home or child care setting.

Part of Hartford HealthCare in Hartford, this center offers diagnostic evaluations and multidisciplinary care for autistic individuals across the lifespan. It is a trusted local option for assessment and ongoing treatment.

Every state has a federally funded Parent Training & Information Center offering free help with IEPs, special-education rights, and early intervention. This hub's directory locates the center that serves your state.

A national nonprofit protecting the rights of students with disabilities. Use their member directory to find a special-education attorney or trained advocate near you when you need help with an IEP or a dispute with a school.

Every state has a federally mandated Protection & Advocacy agency that offers free legal help when a school isn't following your child's IEP or evaluating them as required. This directory connects you to the office serving your area.

CPAC is Connecticut's federally-designated Parent Training and Information Center, staffed by parents who have navigated the system themselves. Their trained consultants offer free, one-on-one help understanding your child's IEP, evaluations, and rights under IDEA.

The state Department of Education's Bureau of Special Education is the official source for how special education works in Connecticut, from IEPs and eligibility to due process and dyslexia guidance. It's a helpful starting point when you want to understand the rules behind your child's services.

Run by the state Department of Education with CPAC, this free call center helps families understand special education laws, procedural safeguards, and their rights. Staff answer questions in English and Spanish and can help resolve issues with your child's school.

DRCT is Connecticut's official Protection and Advocacy organization, defending the civil rights of people with disabilities statewide. Their Education Rights Clinic gives families short-term advice and self-advocacy support on special education and school accommodation issues.

A Hartford parent-led nonprofit that trains and supports families of children with disabilities so they can advocate confidently at PPT and IEP meetings. They offer one-on-one support, workshops, and an annual Special Education Summit, with special focus on families of color.

A Connecticut nonprofit law firm, with an office right in Bridgeport, whose education attorneys fight to make sure kids with disabilities get the school supports and services the law entitles them to. Help is free for eligible families.

The state agency that oversees special education in Connecticut and handles parent complaints, mediation, and due process hearings when you disagree with your school district. Their call center can walk you through your rights and next steps.

You matter too. Psychology Today's therapist finder filters for 'caregiver stress' and 'autism family,' and Open Path Collective offers reduced-cost therapy sessions nationwide. You cannot support your child well without also supporting yourself.

A statewide autism nonprofit for over 20 years, ASRC pairs a family resource line and searchable resource directory with clinical care for individuals with autism across the lifespan. Call their resource line for help finding recreation, support, and services.

For Connecticut residents age 3 and older who have an autism diagnosis without an intellectual disability, the state's ASD Waiver funds home- and community-based supports like clinical behavioral services, social skills groups, job coaching, and respite. Call to ask about eligibility and how to apply.

Yale's Child Study Center runs multidisciplinary autism and developmental-disability clinics, including a special clinic for toddlers, with comprehensive evaluations by psychologists, speech-language pathologists, and psychiatrists. A referral is welcome but not required.

Harc is a long-established Greater Hartford nonprofit whose Birth to Three team brings speech, occupational, and physical therapists right into your home to help babies and toddlers with developmental delays. Services are provided at no cost to families through Connecticut's early intervention system.

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities (onset before age 26) save money tax-free without losing Medicaid or SSI eligibility. This center compares every state's ABLE program so you can pick the best one for your family.

ABLE CT lets people with disabilities save and invest money in a tax-advantaged account without losing SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. Connecticut's Treasurer administers the program, and as of 2026 anyone whose disability began before age 46 can open an account.

This Connecticut Medicaid waiver helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities pay for in-home supports, respite, day and employment services, and more so your child can live and grow at home. You can reach your region's DDS helpline to ask about eligibility and applying.

Connecticut's Department of Developmental Services helps families get a break through respite care, including an Individual and Family Grant that gives a subsidy to buy your own respite even if you're not on a waiver. Contact your regional DDS office to learn what's available near you.

A Medicaid pathway that lets children 18 and under with significant disabilities qualify for coverage based on their own income, not the whole family's, so they can be cared for at home. Call the DSS Community Options Unit to ask about eligibility and the waiting list.

Free legal advice for lower-income Connecticut families, including help with public benefits, denied or reduced Medicaid, and disability-benefit appeals. Their hotline can point you to the right advocate or a self-help guide.

The nation's oldest grassroots autism organization. Their National Helpline connects families to information and referrals, and their affiliate finder points you to a local chapter in your area for in-person support and events.

The largest national community-based organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Local chapters offer advocacy, family support, and lifelong services. Use the chapter finder to locate the office nearest you.

Dial 2-1-1 (or visit 211.org) to reach a free, confidential referral line for local health and human services in almost every US community — including disability services, respite, food, housing, and financial assistance.

Founded by Connecticut parents and family members, this nonprofit hosts recreational and social activities so kids, teens, and young adults on the spectrum (ages 3 to 35) can connect and have fun. It is a welcoming way to meet other families who understand your journey.

The state agency offers respite care, in-home support, and family grants so caregivers can take a needed break knowing their loved one is safe. Their respite centers around Connecticut provide short overnight and weekend stays for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

For over 40 years, PATH has matched parents of children with disabilities or special healthcare needs with trained veteran parents who have walked a similar path. It is free, one-to-one emotional support plus help finding resources, from the early years through the transition to adulthood.

Special Olympics Connecticut offers free, year-round sports training and friendly competition in dozens of sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. With local programs across the state, it is a joyful way for your child to build skills, confidence, and friendships.

The state Department of Developmental Services office that serves the Hartford area, connecting families to respite care, recreation programs, family grants, and other individual and family supports. Staff can walk you through what your family qualifies for.

Connecticut's Department of Developmental Services helps adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities find real jobs with real wages, get job coaching, and take part in day programs that build skills and community connection. This is the state's main hub for supported employment and adult day supports as your child moves into adulthood.

This state guide walks families through applying for guardianship through Probate Court when a young adult with an intellectual disability turns 18, including the plenary, limited, and standby options and the exact forms you'll need. You can begin the process up to 180 days before your child's 18th birthday.

The Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center offers plain-language guidance for families on what changes at 18, from guardianship and conservatorship to SSI, Title 19 medical insurance, and voter registration. It's a parent-friendly starting point for understanding the legal and benefits side of aging out.

PLAN of Connecticut is a nonprofit that sets up and manages special needs trusts so your loved one can have financial security without losing Medicaid or other public benefits. Authorized by the state legislature, it runs Connecticut's only pooled trust and offers person-centered long-term planning and advocacy for families.

When an adult child cannot fully manage their own health and safety decisions, Connecticut's Probate Courts explain how guardianship works and how to file. The site walks you through plenary versus limited guardianship, forms, and what a guardian can decide.

Easterseals runs an adult day program, in-home support, and employment services out of its East Hartford site for adults with autism and developmental disabilities. It is a warm, local option for daily activities, life skills, and job coaching close to home.