Autism resources in
Kent 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.

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.

A hospital-based team of a psychiatrist, psychologist, and social worker who evaluate children, teens, and adults for autism over one or two visits and can continue care through treatment. They serve families in Kent County as well as New Castle County.

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.

Based at the University of Delaware, this center supports families through education, advocacy, and autism initiatives, and can point you toward the right resources for school and transition planning. It's a trusted, long-standing hub for disability information across the state.

This is the state's official special education office, where you can learn your rights under IDEA, request an IEP meeting, or file a formal complaint if you disagree with your child's school. Their family pages walk you through mediation, IEP facilitation, and due process step by step.

SPARC offers free, voluntary, and confidential mediation and IEP meeting facilitation to help Delaware families and schools work out disagreements without a courtroom fight. A neutral facilitator sits with your IEP team so everyone can focus on what your child actually needs.

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.

Based right at Nemours Children's Hospital in Wilmington, this specialized center brings diagnosis, ABA, speech, and occupational therapy together under one roof. Their team works closely with your family to build care around your child's individual needs.

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.

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.

The Down Syndrome Association of Delaware supports families from a new diagnosis through adulthood with social events, educational programs, scholarships, and connections to other families across the state. It is a welcoming community for parents and siblings alike.

Family SHADE is a Delaware alliance that connects parents of children with autism and other special needs to support groups, respite, workshops, and local services all in one place. When you're not sure where to turn, this is a good first call.

Special Olympics Delaware offers year-round sports training and friendly competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, and the Kent Wild Kats team welcomes athletes and families across all of Kent County. It is a warm community of coaches, volunteers, and families cheering each other on.

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.

A free, statewide one-stop line that connects families to long-term support, in-home care, housing, and disability services across Kent County and beyond. Staff help you find and navigate the right programs.