Autism Resources
Resources for Adults
The Maryland state government is divided into different offices, and each one has a special job to help people. Here are a few groups that can help you.
MARYLAND STATE GOVERNMENT
MD Developmental Disabilities Council -This group supports people with disabilities by changing policies, sharing information, and funding new projects.
- Current Projects - This is a list of the projects the Council is currently working on.
- DD Day at the Legislature - Each year, the Council holds a day in Annapolis where families and people with disabilities meet with state leaders to share their stories.
- Publications - Easy-to-read guides on saving money (ABLE accounts), building inclusive playgrounds, and planning for your family's future (guardianship and estate planning).
Maryland Waiver Programs - These programs provide special care so people can live at home instead of in a facility.
- Autism Waiver - The Autism Waiver pays for healthcare of autistic children and youth. For eligible children, it funds healthcare costs.
- Maryland Autism Waiver - This fact sheet provides information on the Waiver program, which is housed in the Maryland Department of Special Education.
- Model Waiver - This program helps kids with high medical needs live at home. It is for people 21 or younger whose home care costs less than a nursing home or hospital.
Developmental Disabilities Administration Medicaid Waivers - The DDA offers three programs for people with disabilities. To join and stay in them, you must meet certain health and financial rules.
NON-GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
Pathfinders for Autism
Pathfinders for Autism provides free resources, training, and support services to individuals with autism and their families across their lifespan.
People on the Go
People On the Go Maryland (People On the Go) has support groups across Maryland and resources about independence for people with disabilities. They are a statewide self-advocacy group that is run for and by those with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
Autism on the Go
Autism on the Go has virtual events for autistic people to connect with and learn from each other. They are connected with People on the Go.
Autism Housing Network
AHN is a resource hub to find, create, and learn about accessible housing for autistic people. This is a project of the Madison House Autism Foundation.
Maryland Autism Coalition
The Maryland Autism Coalition has resources for the safety of autistic people.
Iteneris
Itineris offers behavioral services, day programs, employment support, and training and consulting on autism, neurodiversity, and related topics.
Disability Rights Maryland
DRM provides free legal support for matters in their area of work. They focus on disability-related matters. They also review the law and help advocate for people with disabilities.
Autism Society of Maryland
The Autism Society of Maryland supports individuals on the autism spectrum, their families, and communities through programs, support groups, training resources, and advocacy.
Madison House Autism Foundation
Madison House Autism Foundation works to improve the health and wellbeing of adults on the spectrum throughout the lifespan and across the country. They focus on identifying housing resources.
Kennedy Krieger Center for Autism Services
Provides many different kinds of therapeutic and medical supports for autistic children and adults. This includes inpatient and day hospital programs, outpatient clinics, home and community services, education, and research.
Education Resources
- MDOD Education: Information about community-based, long-term, person-centered therapeutic services and support to eligible children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with the Autism Waiver program
- MD Transition - Resources, information, and tools to help teens, families, schools, and communities to prepare teens with disabilities for future possibilities.
- Parent's Place Maryland (PPMD) - Parent’s Place Maryland is a Family to Family resource center. Their resources include many documents to support educational advocacy in English and Spanish.
- Inclusive Playground Framework - PDF - This framework provides an overview of what inclusive playgrounds are and what the benefits are. It was created in partnership with the Developmental Disabilities Council and the Maryland Department of Disabilities.
Employment Resources
Neurodiversity in the Workplace - This guide is for employers who want to benefit from neurodiversity at work. This will help employers recruit, hire, retain, and advance neurodivergent workers.
Autism Hiring Program - The Autism Hiring Program advances workplace neurodiversity and acceptance, connecting businesses to an untapped workforce of skilled autistic adults and targeting jobseekers not supported by existing systems.
Family & Caregiver Support Resources
Supported decision making (SDM) is an alternative to guardianship. It allows people to retain their rights to make decisions for themselves, with the support of a team of trusted individuals.
Pathfinders for Autism provides free resources, training, and support services to individuals with autism and their families across their lifespan.