Autism resources in
Chatham 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.

Babies Can't Wait is Georgia's free statewide early intervention program for infants and toddlers from birth to age three who have a developmental delay or a diagnosed condition like autism or Down syndrome. Evaluations and service coordination are provided at no cost to families, regardless of income.

Part of Emory University School of Medicine, the Emory Autism Center provides in-depth diagnostic assessments for children from toddler age and up, delivered by clinicians who specialize in autism and related conditions. Evaluations are tailored to your family's specific concerns and questions.

This Georgia Department of Public Health program helps families recognize the early signs of autism and get connected to screening, diagnostic referrals, therapies, and community resources for children birth through age 21. It's a helpful starting point when you're not sure where to turn first.

Marcus Autism Center is one of the largest autism centers in the country, offering comprehensive diagnostic evaluations for young children using the highest standard of care. Their multidisciplinary team helps identify a child's strengths and needs to guide treatment and next steps.

Parent to Parent of Georgia is a statewide nonprofit that helps families of children with disabilities navigate early intervention, connect with the Babies Can't Wait program, and find local resources. Their trained parent staff and support network can walk you through what comes after a diagnosis.

Georgia's free early intervention program for children birth to age three who have developmental delays or a diagnosed condition. The Coastal Health District team serves Chatham County and provides no-cost evaluations, service coordination, and therapies right where your family lives.

A Chatham County practice offering comprehensive diagnostic assessments for autism, ADHD, and other developmental and learning differences in children, teens, and adults. They also provide developmental evaluations in Spanish for families who need them.

A Savannah hospital clinic that cares for children with developmental delays and other conditions, closely monitoring your child's development and connecting you to additional care when needed. A good starting point if your pediatrician suggests a specialist look.

A Savannah practice where PhD-level psychologists conduct comprehensive autism spectrum and developmental evaluations for children and adolescents. They offer both targeted and full diagnostic assessments to help you understand your child's needs.

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 Georgia Advocacy Office is the state's federally mandated disability rights and protection & advocacy agency, providing legal and advocacy support to people with disabilities, including children in school. If your child's rights are being denied, they can help you understand your options and stand up for your family.

The state's official special education office explains your rights under IDEA and the free ways to resolve disagreements with your school, including mediation, formal complaints, and due process hearings. This is where you'll find the actual forms and procedures to protect your child's right to a free appropriate public education.

Parent Mentors are parents of children with disabilities, hired by school districts and the state, who help other families navigate special education and build strong partnerships with their child's school. You can find a mentor in your district to walk alongside you as you learn the IEP process.

Parent to Parent is Georgia's federally funded Parent Training and Information Center, offering free help so you can understand your child's rights, prepare for IEP meetings, and work as an equal partner with your school. A coordinator will listen to your situation and walk you through your next steps at no cost.

The special education office for Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, covering autism services, evaluations, IEPs, and transition planning for local students. Reach out with questions about your child's services right here in Chatham County.

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.

The state agency that helps people with autism and other developmental disabilities access community-based supports like respite, community living, and behavior services through Medicaid waivers. A good first stop to apply for ongoing state services.

A long-standing Savannah nonprofit dedicated to children, teens, and adults with autism, offering an ABA-based year-round day school with speech, occupational, physical, and music therapies provided in-house. They also help families navigate school and community supports.

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.

This nonprofit law firm offers free civil legal help to lower-income Georgians outside metro Atlanta, including issues around benefits, special education, and guardianship. Trained staff can help you understand your rights and next steps at no cost.

These state Medicaid waivers help pay for home and community supports like respite, behavior services, and community living for people with autism or other developmental disabilities. You can apply online, by mail, or in person, though there is often a waiting list, so it helps to apply early.

A STABLE account lets your loved one save and invest money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. The program is run by the State of Georgia, and you can learn about eligibility and open an account through this state page.

This program lets Georgia disregard your family income so a child with significant needs can qualify for Medicaid based on their level of care, not your paycheck. It is a lifeline for middle-income families whose child would not otherwise be eligible.

Free civil legal help for lower-income families, including problems with disability benefits, Medicaid, and access to services. Their Savannah office directly serves Chatham County and the surrounding region.

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.

ESP creates joyful year-round recreation, day and overnight camps, adaptive sports, and family events for children and adults with disabilities and their families, with locations in Athens, Metro Atlanta, Rome, and Savannah. Families come for the programs and stay for the community.

Founded by Georgia parents in 1983, FOCUS wraps around families of children with significant disabilities through parent support groups, adapted day and overnight camps, Saturday respite childcare, family activities, and a medical-equipment loan program. It serves thousands of families across metro Atlanta and Georgia.

GCDD is the state agency that advocates for Georgians with developmental disabilities and connects families to services, community programs, and information about supports. It's a trusted starting point for understanding what your family is entitled to across Georgia.

Based in Duluth and serving families across metro Atlanta, Spectrum offers monthly parent and caregiver support groups, respite programs, family camps, and social skills groups for children through adults. Everything is designed to support the whole family, not just the individual on the spectrum.

Founded by a Savannah behavior consultant, this nonprofit builds friendship and confidence through social skills groups, peer mentoring, and a specialized summer camp for kids and young adults on the spectrum. A welcoming spot for recreation and connection in the coastal Georgia community.

A Savannah center serving children and adults with developmental and physical disabilities for over 60 years, including a free monthly respite program (2nd Saturday) so parents can catch their breath. It also hosts the Lowcountry Autism Resource and Support Group for local families.

A nonprofit-run pooled special needs trust open to any Georgia resident with a disability. It lets families set aside money for extras and quality of life without jeopardizing your loved one's Medicaid or SSI eligibility.

GVRA helps people with disabilities, including autism, prepare for and find real jobs through career counseling, job coaching, training, and supported employment. It's a key resource as your young adult moves toward work and independence.

A Georgia parent-run nonprofit with a step-by-step roadmap for the teen-to-adult years, covering transition planning, employment, and financial and legal planning. Warm, practical fact sheets written by families who've walked this path.

When your child turns 18, this local court is where families petition for guardianship or conservatorship if their adult child needs help making health, safety, or financial decisions. Petitions can be filed once your child reaches 17½, and the court offers handbooks and a conservator class to guide you.

A longtime Savannah nonprofit that supports teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through pre-employment training, supported employment, and community programs. They serve families right here in Chatham, Bryan, and Effingham counties.

Gateway is the local community service board offering adult day programs and residential community-living supports for adults with developmental disabilities, including a Chatham County day clubhouse and group homes. It is your entry point to state DD services in the coastal region.

This nonprofit administers affordable pooled special-needs trusts that let families set aside money for a loved one with a disability without jeopardizing their Medicaid or SSI benefits. It is a practical option for long-term financial planning when a private trustee isn't available.

This state agency helps adults with disabilities, including autism, find and keep meaningful jobs through counseling, skills training, and job placement. The Savannah office serves Chatham, Bryan, and Liberty counties.