Autism resources in
Anne Arundel 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 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.

This free county program evaluates babies and toddlers from birth to age 3 and provides early intervention services like developmental assessments, speech, physical, and occupational therapy right in your home or community. If you have any worry about how your little one is growing or communicating, you can call them directly to start a referral.

Based in Annapolis, this center provides comprehensive developmental and behavioral evaluations for children showing signs of autism, from infants through adolescents. It is a local option for families who want an autism assessment close to home in Anne Arundel 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.

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.

This is Anne Arundel County Public Schools' own family support team for special education. They help parents understand the IEP process, know their rights, and work as equal partners with the school on decisions about their child.

Maryland's state education office overseeing special education and early intervention. Their site explains parental rights, the procedural safeguards you're owed, and connects families to local family support coordinators for children birth to 21.

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.

If you have any worry about how your baby or toddler (birth to age 3) is developing, this free county program gives evaluations plus speech, physical, and occupational therapy right here in Anne Arundel County. You do not need a diagnosis or a doctor's referral to reach out.

This is the state office that determines eligibility for and coordinates long-term developmental disability services for families in Anne Arundel County. Reaching out here is the first step toward community services, support coordination, and funding as your child grows.

A nationally accredited autism therapy center located right in Annapolis, offering ABA, speech therapy, and occupational therapy for young children. They focus on early intervention and social skills, and work with most major insurance plans.

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.

Your local county office for enrolling in Maryland Medical Assistance (Medicaid) and the Temporary Disability Assistance Program, which provides short-term cash help while a disability claim is pending. Staff can sit down with you and sort out what your family qualifies for.

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.

The county runs specially designed, non-competitive recreation programs for children and teens with disabilities and special needs, with siblings and friends welcome to join. Staff can arrange individual accommodations if you request them ahead of a program.

A long-established Anne Arundel-based nonprofit supporting people with autism and developmental disabilities through group homes, day programs, and employment help. Their community day programs build in recreational, educational, and social activities tailored to each person's interests.

A free, informal in-person support group where Anne Arundel parents and caregivers of autistic children of any age talk through whatever is on their minds in a supportive setting. It is run by the Autism Society of Maryland's local resource coordinators, with bilingual (Spanish/English) support available.

Based in Gambrills, this center serves families on Maryland's Autism Waiver with respite, one-on-one support, and therapeutic integration for children and teens. It is open after school, evenings, weekends, holidays, and summers to give families flexible care.

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.

The county's own department connects residents to long-term planning help, day programs, assistive technology, and case management for adults with disabilities. Their Information and Assistance line is a good first call to find what's available locally.

The state's Division of Rehabilitation Services helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep a job through counseling, job training, and placement. This Annapolis office serves Anne Arundel County directly.

Project HEAL offers free legal help on the planning decisions that come with adulthood, including guardianship, less restrictive alternatives, and SSI/SSDI benefits. Their attorneys and myth-busting resources can ease some of the hardest paperwork of the transition years.