Autism resources in Vermont.

If you have concerns about your baby or toddler's development, Vermont's free early intervention program serves children birth to age three, and you can request an evaluation yourself with no doctor referral or diagnosis needed. Services like speech, physical, and developmental support happen right in your home at little or no cost.

This is Vermont's central program for evaluating children who may have autism, developmental delay, intellectual disability, or other differences, with all evaluations done through UVM Medical Center in Burlington. One call to the intake team helps you figure out if an evaluation is right for your child.

When a new diagnosis or the maze of evaluations feels overwhelming, this parent-to-parent helpline connects you with people who have been through it and can walk you through your options. They can even help fill out forms, prepare for meetings, and match you with another parent who understands.

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.

Disability Rights Vermont is the state's federally designated protection and advocacy agency, defending the legal rights of Vermonters with disabilities, including students. They provide free, confidential information, referrals, and advocacy on issues like special education access, discipline, restraint, and seclusion.

The Disability Law Project offers free civil legal help to eligible Vermont families on disability-related issues, including special education eligibility, school suspensions, and improper restraint or seclusion. Their attorneys can range from giving brief advice to full representation for you and your child.

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 University of Vermont's autism clinic gives young children a thorough, team-based evaluation to find out if they're on the autism spectrum. It serves children across Vermont whose primary insurance is VT Medicaid, with psychologists, psychiatrists, and speech-language pathologists all involved.

This state division helps Vermonters with autism and developmental disabilities, and their families, get connected to services and support. Their staff can explain eligibility and point you toward local providers and programs.

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 state program gives income-eligible families of a person with a developmental disability flexible dollars they can spend on what they choose — respite, assistive technology, home modifications, or everyday needs. You apply through your local Designated Agency, and the state Developmental Disabilities Services Division can point you to the right one.

Vermont's tax-advantaged savings program lets a person with a disability that began before age 46 save and invest for disability-related costs — housing, therapy, transportation, and more — without losing SSI or Medicaid. The account is run through the Vermont State Treasurer's office and takes just $25 to open.

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.

A statewide network run by and for people with developmental disabilities, with peer self-advocacy groups you can join across Vermont plus the annual Voices and Choices gathering. It's a welcoming community where your child can make friends and learn to speak up for themselves.

Year-round sports, recreation, and social connection for children (as young as age 2 through the Young Athletes program) and adults with intellectual disabilities. It's a joyful way to build confidence, friendships, and belonging across the whole state.

Vermont's free, publicly funded vocational rehabilitation program helps teens and adults with disabilities figure out a career path, find and keep a job, and get supports like benefits counseling and assistive technology. Their counselors specialize in transition services for youth and young adults moving from school into work.

DDSD oversees Vermont's Medicaid-funded, long-term services and supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including supported employment and day services as your child moves into adulthood. Their site walks you through eligibility and how to apply for adult developmental disability services.

Part of DDSD, this office explains adult guardianship in Vermont and, just as importantly, gentler alternatives like supported decision-making, advance directives, and representative payees so you can choose the least-restrictive option. It's a clear, trustworthy starting point when your child is nearing age 18.