Autism Support Organizations in Maryland
Maryland’s got some top-notch groups dedicated to helping folks with autism and their families. These organizations offer crucial resources, advocacy, and community support. Here’s a rundown of some of the big players in the state.
Community Services for Autistic Adults (CSAAC)
Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children (CSAAC) is all about boosting the quality of life for people with autism. They offer a mix of services like community integration, job support, and housing. CSAAC’s programs are designed to fit each person’s needs, making sure they get the right help and resources.
Autism Society of America (ASA)
Based in Bethesda, the Autism Society of America (ASA) is a big deal nationwide. Founded in 1965 by Dr. Bernard Rimland and Dr. Ruth Sullivan, ASA has been leading the charge in autism advocacy and support. They provide tons of info on education, and community support, and have local chapters with various programs and events.
Madison House Autism Foundation
Madison House Autism Foundation is all about improving lives through education, jobs, and community involvement. They offer resources for families and push for policies that support people with autism. Their goal? Creating inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive.
Pathfinders for Autism
Pathfinders for Autism offers a bunch of services to support individuals with autism and their families. They provide info, resources, and training to boost understanding and acceptance of autism. Their programs include workshops, community outreach, and a resource directory to connect families with essential services.
Partnership for Extraordinary Minds (xMinds)
The Partnership for Extraordinary Minds, or xMinds, helps families tackle the challenges of autism. They offer advocacy, educational resources, and community support. xMinds aims to raise awareness and promote inclusive practices in schools and communities, ensuring folks with autism get the support they need.
These organizations are lifelines for families and individuals dealing with autism in Maryland. For more info on specific services, check out autism services in Maryland and explore local autism support groups in Maryland.
Autism Support Groups in Maryland
Maryland’s got some fantastic groups dedicated to helping folks with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. These groups offer resources, advocacy, and community activities to make life better for everyone involved.
Autism Society of Baltimore-Chesapeake
The Autism Society of Baltimore-Chesapeake is all about supporting and educating people with autism and their families. They run support groups, educational workshops, and community events. Their mission? To spread awareness and acceptance of autism in the community.
Advocate for Autism Incorporated
Advocate for Autism Incorporated offers a bunch of services to help individuals with autism and their families. They focus on advocacy, outreach, and education to make sure everyone’s needs are met. They work closely with families to navigate resources like educational services and community support.
Boomers, Shan Kamran Foundation for Autism
The Boomers, Shan Kamran Foundation for Autism empowers individuals with autism through education, community involvement, and support. They organize events and programs to raise awareness and provide resources for families. Their activities include workshops, social events, and informational sessions.
Aarons Hope
Aarons Hope is all about improving the lives of kids with autism through educational and recreational programs. They offer social skills training, family support, and advocacy. Their goal is to create a supportive community for families and individuals dealing with autism.
Hands for Autistic Children of Ethiopia
Hands for Autistic Children of Ethiopia supports autistic children and their families in Maryland and Ethiopia. They aim to raise awareness about autism and provide resources to improve the quality of life for those affected. They focus on education, support services, and community outreach to create a more inclusive environment for individuals with autism.
These groups are making a big difference in the lives of individuals with autism and their families in Maryland. For more info on autism resources, check out our article on autism in Maryland.
Support Programs in Maryland
Maryland’s got your back if you’re dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The state offers a bunch of programs to help individuals and their families with education, jobs, and life skills.
Pathways Program
The Pathways program is a team effort between the Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) and local community colleges. It’s all about giving educational support to folks with Autism. You can find Pathways at:
| Community College | Location |
| Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) | Anne Arundel County |
| Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) | Baltimore County |
| Howard Community College (HCC) | Howard County |
| Montgomery College | Montgomery County |
Students in Pathways take credit or certificate classes and sign up with Disability Support Services (DSS) at their colleges.
Virtual College Autism Mentoring Program (VCAMP)
VCAMP is here to help college students on the autism spectrum. This virtual mentoring program helps students get used to college life, focusing on self-advocacy and social skills. Whether you’re at a two-year or four-year college, in-state or out-of-state, VCAMP’s got you covered.
Pre-Employment Autism Support (PEAS) Program
PEAS is all about getting Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) students ready for the job market. It offers training in self-advocacy and social skills, helping students pick up the soft skills they need to land and keep jobs. Through fun classroom activities, participants get prepped for the workforce.
Counseling on Post-Secondary Education Opportunities (CPSEO)
CPSEO guides Pre-ETS students with Autism through their post-secondary education options. This includes apprenticeships, job training, direct job placement, and college pathways. Participants also get to go on college tours to check out potential schools.
DORS Workforce & Technology Center
The DORS Workforce & Technology Center in Maryland offers specialized services, like customized driver education for individuals with Autism. This program helps participants become more independent and mobile, making it easier for them to get around their communities.
These programs are crucial for helping individuals with autism succeed in school and work. For more info, check out our page on autism schools in Maryland.
Maryland Autism Waiver Program
The Maryland Autism Waiver Program is a lifeline for families with kids on the Autism Spectrum. It’s designed to keep children in their communities, not in institutions.
How to Get Started
First things first, call the AW Registry at 866-417-3480 to check if you qualify. Your child needs to meet certain criteria, and you can only apply when there’s an opening. Openings depend on demand and resources.
What You Get
The Autism Waiver offers a bunch of services to help kids with autism and their families. Here’s the lowdown:
| Service Type | What It Does |
| Service Coordination | Helps families find and use resources. |
| Behavioral Support | Custom therapy for your child. |
| Respite Care | Gives families a break by taking care of the child temporarily. |
| Family Training | Teaches families how to manage autism better. |
These services aim to make life easier for both the kids and their families.
Who Provides the Services?
Maryland has over 60 agencies that offer these services. Each child gets a Service Coordinator through their local school system. This ensures families get the help they need.
Medical Assistance Perks
Kids in the Autism Waiver Program get full Medical Assistance benefits, including:
| Benefit Type | What It Covers |
| Health Insurance | All necessary medical care. |
| Prescription Coverage | Medications prescribed by doctors. |
| Dental Care | Regular dental check-ups and treatments. |
| Home Health Services | Help with daily activities at home. |
These benefits make sure kids get the medical and therapeutic support they need.
Training for Provider Agencies
The program also offers workshops for agencies that want to become providers. These workshops cover everything agencies need to know to meet the program’s standards. This helps increase the number of providers, giving families more options for support.
Autism Services in Maryland
Maryland’s got your back when it comes to supporting folks with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. Let’s break down what’s available in Montgomery County, Howard County, and Prince George’s County, and give you the lowdown on diagnosis and the growing need for these crucial resources.
Montgomery County Services
Montgomery County is a rockstar in autism support, thanks to organizations like Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children (CSAAC). They offer a buffet of programs to meet the diverse needs of individuals with autism, ensuring they get the help they need to thrive.
| Service Type | Description |
| Educational Support | Programs to boost learning for kids with autism |
| Vocational Training | Preps individuals for the job market |
| Family Support | Resources and counseling for families dealing with autism |
Howard and Prince George’s Counties Support
Howard and Prince George’s counties are also stepping up with valuable resources for people with autism. Howard County, in particular, is a gem for autism support, thanks to its proactive Autism Society that champions understanding, acceptance, and support for autism families.
| County | Notable Features |
| Howard County | Strong community backing and autism advocacy |
| Prince George’s County | Access to a variety of service providers and educational programs |
Top Spots for Autism Support
Howard and Montgomery counties are the go-to places for autism support, offering a range of programs and services tailored to those on the spectrum. Their commitment to creating inclusive communities makes them top picks for families seeking autism-related help.
Diagnosis and Health Pros
In Maryland, autism diagnosis is handled by a variety of licensed health pros, including clinical psychologists, pediatric neurologists, and developmental pediatricians. It’s key for families to find experienced professionals who can spot the nuances of autism for accurate diagnoses and proper interventions.
| Professional Type | Role in Diagnosis |
| Clinical Psychologist | Does assessments and therapy |
| Pediatric Neurologist | Looks at neurological aspects related to autism |
| Developmental Pediatrician | Focuses on developmental disorders |
Growing Need for Autism Services
Autism is on the rise, with the CDC saying 1 in 44 kids in the U.S. is diagnosed with ASD. This stat shows the increasing demand for autism services in Maryland, pushing the need for more support networks and resources to help individuals and their families.
Families looking for autism resources in Maryland will find plenty of organizations and services dedicated to fostering understanding and providing essential support.
Maryland Autism Legislation and History
Digging into Maryland’s autism laws and history shows a strong dedication to helping folks with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families.
Autism Society of America Headquarters
The Autism Society of America, based in Bethesda, Maryland, is the top autism organization in the country. Founded in 1965 by Dr. Bernard Rimland and Dr. Ruth Sullivan, it has been a powerhouse in pushing for better autism resources and policies. A big moment came in 1988 when they elected the first person with autism to their Board of Directors, setting a new standard for inclusion and representation.
Autism Waiver Approval and Initiation
Maryland’s Autism Waiver got the green light in September 2000. This program lets kids with autism get community-based therapy instead of being stuck in institutional care. It all started with House Bill 99, proposed by Delegate John Hurson in 1998.
The waiver offers long-term, personalized therapeutic services and support to eligible kids and teens with ASD, helping them live at home and in their communities. Over 60 provider agencies across the state offer a range of services to meet the needs of individuals and families.
| Year | Event |
| 1965 | Autism Society of America founded |
| 1988 | First person with autism elected to Board of Directors |
| 2000 | Autism Waiver approved in Maryland |
Maryland State Department of Education Programs
The Maryland State Department of Education has several programs to support people with autism. These initiatives provide educational resources and promote best practices in special education. They work with local schools to make sure students with ASD get the services they need to succeed academically.
Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) is key in offering resources and services to people with developmental disabilities, including autism. The DDA’s mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities by promoting community integration and providing necessary support. Their programs help individuals live independently and fully participate in their communities.
Disability Rights Maryland Services
Disability Rights Maryland (DRM) is a nonprofit that fights for the rights of people with disabilities, including those with autism. DRM offers legal representation and support to ensure individuals with disabilities get the services and resources they need. They also push for policy changes and raise awareness about the rights of people with autism and their families.
SOURCES:
https://dors.maryland.gov/consumers/specialized/Pages/autism.aspx
https://elevates.marylandpublicschools.org/autism-waiver/
