In Maryland, autism services for young children start with the Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program, Maryland's Part C early intervention program for children under three, run through the State Department of Education. For school-age children, special education and IEPs are handled by your local school district. Longer-term supports come through the Developmental Disabilities Administration, including a dedicated Autism Waiver, both with long waits, so apply early. The resources below cover statewide programs plus local providers in each county.
Free webinars & trainings for Maryland autism families, happening all year.
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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 nationally respected Baltimore center provides interdisciplinary autism diagnostic evaluations for children and connects families to therapies and support after a diagnosis. Their team helps you understand your child's strengths and needs and plan next steps.
The state agency that determines eligibility for developmental disability services and coordinates ongoing supports for children and adults across Maryland. Getting a DDA eligibility determination early can open the door to services as your child grows.
Maryland's statewide early intervention program offers free, family-centered evaluations and services for babies and young children with developmental delays or disabilities. Anyone can make a referral, and there is no cost to your family.
Maryland's largest autism nonprofit maintains a free, searchable directory of thousands of providers, including diagnostic and evaluation services, organized by county and insurance. Their friendly Help Line can point you toward the right next step when you're just starting out.
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.
Disability Rights Maryland is the state's protection and advocacy nonprofit, with attorneys and advocates who help families navigate special education disputes, discipline issues, and restraint or seclusion concerns. Their free handbooks and Know-Your-Rights guides walk you through the IEP process step by step.
Parents' Place of Maryland is the state's federally designated Parent Training and Information Center, with trained parent educators who help you understand IEPs, your rights, and how to advocate for your child from birth through age 26. You can request a one-on-one consultation, attend free workshops, or just call with a question.
Pathfinders for Autism is Maryland's largest autism organization, and their free Help Line connects you with autism-specific guidance on school issues, IEP development, and the special education process. Their education resource pages point you to the right state programs and explain each step in plain language.
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.
A nationally recognized Baltimore hospital program offering autism evaluations, diagnosis, and therapy including occupational therapy, speech, and behavioral services. Their team also provides parent coaching and can guide you to the right next steps after a diagnosis.
The state Division of Rehabilitation Services offers autism-specific programs to build employment, college, and independent-living skills for teens and adults, including job readiness, campus support, and driver education. Staff can help you find the right program.
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.
As Maryland's federally designated protection and advocacy agency, this nonprofit offers free legal help on issues like special education, Social Security benefits, and access to services for people with disabilities. Advice and representation are provided at no cost to eligible Maryland residents.
Maryland ABLE lets you save and invest for your child's disability-related expenses without risking their SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits, and earnings grow tax-free. You can open an account with as little as $25.
Maryland's DDA runs the Community Pathways Medicaid waiver, which funds home- and community-based services like respite, day programs, and support staff so your child can live and grow at home instead of an institution. Call to learn how to apply and get on the path to services.
This state program gives family caregivers short-term breaks by arranging temporary care for children and adults with developmental or functional disabilities, whether you need planned relief or help during a crisis. You start by contacting your local Department of Social Services.
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.
An all-volunteer nonprofit serving Maryland families, ASBC runs free monthly Zoom support groups including a Parent/Caregiver Discussion Group and welcoming groups for autistic adults. It's a warm place to meet other parents and share what you're going through.
Maryland's official Parent Training and Information Center, offering free one-on-one support, workshops, and support groups for families of children with disabilities from birth through age 26. Trained parent educators (many parents themselves) help you navigate special education and health services.
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.
A Maryland nonprofit that manages pooled special needs trusts, giving families an affordable way to set aside funds for a loved one with a disability while protecting their eligibility for government benefits. Their staff offer a personal touch and can walk you through getting started.
Maryland's vocational rehabilitation agency helps teens and adults with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep jobs through career counseling, job training, assistive technology, and supported employment. They partner with schools on transition planning as students move toward work and independence.
A plain-language legal library run by the Maryland Judiciary's Thurgood Marshall State Law Library that explains adult guardianship, supported decision-making, and less-restrictive alternatives. It's a trustworthy free starting point for understanding your options as your child approaches adulthood.
Common questions about autism services in Maryland
How do I get an autism evaluation for my child in Maryland?
Start with your pediatrician for a referral. For children under three, contact the Maryland Infants and Toddlers 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 Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program?
The Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program is Maryland'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 Maryland?
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 Maryland?
Contact your school district to request a special education evaluation and an IEP. Maryland'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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