Autism resources in
New Castle 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.

Located in Newark, this University of Delaware center runs the Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism and has helped make autism evaluations standard for the state's youngest children. It's a trustworthy place to learn what quality screening and diagnosis should look like and where to turn next.

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.

The state office responsible for special education under IDEA, with plain-language guidance on the IEP process, your family's rights, and how to use mediation or file a complaint if you disagree with your child's school. A good starting point when you want to understand the official process.

Delaware's federally mandated protection and advocacy agency, with a New Castle County office in Wilmington, offering free legal help with special education, IEPs, accommodations, and school discipline or expulsion. Any Delaware parent of a child with a disability can request assistance, and there are no income requirements.

Delaware's state advisory panel under IDEA, which reviews special education policies and helps families understand and navigate the system, including its DelDHub education toolkit. Staff can point parents toward the right supports and rights resources.

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.

A long-trusted nonprofit whose New Castle office offers ABA therapy, speech-language therapy, and occupational therapy for children right here in the county. They provide center-based, in-home, and telehealth options to fit your family's schedule.

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.

DEPENDABLE is Delaware's state-sponsored ABLE account, letting you save money for your child's disability-related expenses tax-free without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Balances up to $100,000 don't count against SSI resource limits.

DMMA runs Delaware Medicaid, which covers doctor visits, therapies, prescriptions, and mental health care for children and adults who qualify by income or disability. You can start an application online through the ASSIST portal or by calling.

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.

Delaware's Division of Developmental Disabilities Services gives primary caregivers a much-needed break through state-funded and Medicaid respite care, including private providers and respite camps. Call the New Castle County line to see if your child qualifies and how to get started.

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.

Based in Newark, Special Olympics Delaware offers year-round sports training and friendly competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. It's a joyful way for your child to build confidence, stay active, and make friends.

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.

When a young adult cannot fully manage medical or financial decisions on their own, the Court of Chancery is where families petition for guardianship, and its pages offer plain-language handbooks, forms, and step-by-step packets. The New Castle County contact can answer questions as you work through the process.

The Center's Roadmap for families gathers clear guidance on special needs trusts, financial planning, and protecting benefits as your child moves into adulthood. Based in Newark, this university program is a trusted, non-commercial place to start planning for the long term.