In Delaware, autism services for young children start with the Birth to Three Early Intervention Program, Delaware's Part C early intervention program for children under three, run through the Division of Public Health. For school-age children, special education and IEPs are handled by your local school district. Longer-term supports run through the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services and its Lifespan Waiver. The resources below cover statewide programs plus local providers in each county.
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Local providers and support groups, county by county.
Diagnosis & Early Intervention
Getting an evaluation and accessing early services.
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.
This hospital-based program in Wilmington offers autism diagnostic evaluations along with ongoing treatment for children, teens, and adults. Their team includes psychiatrists, psychologists, and clinical social workers who walk families through the whole process.
This is Delaware's free statewide early intervention program for children birth to age three with developmental delays or concerns, including autism. You can refer your own child directly, and a team will help arrange a free evaluation and services.
Part of Nemours Children's Health, this center's psychologists, psychiatrists, and developmental pediatricians provide complete autism evaluations for children of all ages. They can also arrange genetic testing and specialist appointments when needed.
This University of Delaware program helps families of children under three get earlier autism screening, evaluation, and connection to services. Family navigators can guide you through screening tools and help you reach the right supports.
School & IEP Rights
IEPs, 504 plans, special education, and school advocacy.
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.
The state education agency's family hub walks you through evaluations, qualifying for an IEP, and your rights under IDEA. It also explains free dispute resolution options like IEP facilitation, mediation, and due process if you and your school disagree.
As Delaware's federally mandated Protection and Advocacy agency, this program offers free legal help with special education, school discipline, and accommodations when your child's rights are on the line. They can guide you from simple advice all the way to representation in hearings.
PIC is Delaware's federally designated Parent Training and Information Center, run largely by parents who have walked this path themselves. They offer free one-on-one help, workshops, and a lending library so you can understand your child's special education rights and become a confident partner in the IEP process.
The University of Delaware's Center for Disabilities Studies offers a plain-language roadmap that explains special education eligibility, the IEP process, and 504 plans step by step. It's a warm, reliable starting point when the paperwork and acronyms feel overwhelming.
Therapy & Treatment
ABA, speech, OT, and finding the right providers.
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.
Autism Delaware keeps a statewide, searchable directory of ABA and behavioral therapy providers so you can find services that fit your child's age and county. Their Family Navigators can also talk through your options and help you get started.
This state agency helps children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities access Medicaid-funded services, family support, respite, and day and residential programs. Their Office of Applicant Services can walk you through eligibility and applying.
This long-established nonprofit provides occupational, physical, speech, and ABA therapy for children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities across all three Delaware counties. They also run day and employment programs for adults.
Financial Assistance & Benefits
Medicaid waivers, SSI, ABLE accounts, and legal aid.
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.
Delaware's Division of Developmental Disabilities Services runs the Lifespan Waiver, the state's main Medicaid program for people with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities of all ages. It can fund residential supports, day services, employment help, behavioral consultation, assistive technology, and respite once your child is found eligible.
DEPENDABLE is Delaware's tax-advantaged savings account that lets your child build savings for disability-related expenses without losing SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. You can open an account with as little as $25 through the State Treasurer's office.
Support Groups & Community
Find your people, in person and online.
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.
Delaware's largest autism nonprofit runs parent support groups, coffee hours, a grandparent group, and a five-week Parent-to-Parent workshop, plus recreation like summer beach camp, bowling nights, and sensory-friendly events. Family navigators can help you find your footing and connect with other parents statewide.
Adult Transition & Long-Term Planning
Aging out of school, adult services, and long-term planning.
A neurodivergent employment agency offering job support nationwide over Zoom: resume building, mock interviews, and career guidance, plus direct outreach to employers to help secure placements. Supports neurodivergent individuals roughly ages 16 to 50, and has been in business over 15 years.
CLASI provides free legal help to Delawareans with disabilities and is home to Disability Rights Delaware, the state's designated protection and advocacy program. They can help families navigate guardianship, adult decision-making, and disability rights as your child becomes an adult.
Delaware CarePlan administers pooled special needs trusts, letting families set money aside for a loved one with a disability without jeopardizing Medicaid or SSI. It's a practical, affordable way to plan for your child's long-term financial future.
DVR offers free, individualized help for people with disabilities to prepare for, find, and keep a job, including supported employment, job coaching, and benefits counseling. They also provide pre-employment transition services for students getting ready to leave high school.
Common questions about autism services in Delaware
How do I get an autism evaluation for my child in Delaware?
Start with your pediatrician for a referral. For children under three, contact the Birth to Three Early Intervention Program for a free developmental evaluation. For school-age children, submit a written request to your school district for a special education evaluation.
What is the Birth to Three Early Intervention Program?
The Birth to Three Early Intervention Program is Delaware's early intervention program for children under three with developmental delays or disabilities, including autism. It provides evaluations and services, with many at no cost to families.
Are autism services free in Delaware?
Special education through your school district is free, and early intervention evaluations are free, with many services at no cost, though some states use a sliding-scale fee. Medicaid and private insurance cover many therapies.
My child is over three. Where do I start in Delaware?
Contact your school district to request a special education evaluation and an IEP. Delaware's developmental disabilities agency can also connect you to longer-term supports and any Medicaid waivers.
A note on these listings. This directory is informational and not an
endorsement. Programs, phone numbers, and eligibility change, so always confirm details
directly with the provider before relying on them. Nothing here is medical or legal advice.
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