For Families

There are thousands of support organizations and service providers for individuals with autism and their families. Many of the support organizations offer searchable, online services and supports databases. It is not our objective to duplicate these or maintain a comprehensive list of service providers and supports. Rather, the purpose of this page is to provide links to a few key resources within the State of Maryland and to resources related to transition age issues. 

Comprehensive Resources for Maryland Families

  • Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT) - The mission of ASAT is to share accurate, scientifically sound information about autism and treatments for autism.
  • Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education (MCIE) - MCIE is a nonprofit organization that works with schools, districts, and states to improve instruction  and the inclusion of students with disabilities in their neighborhood schools.
  • Maryland State Department of Education Specialized Services Branch - Staff in the Specialized Services Branch administer the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Waiver for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Maryland. They provide training, technical assistance, and monitoring for Autism Waiver service coordinators and providers.
  • Pathfinders for Autism - Established in February of 2000, Pathfinders for Autism has grown into the State of Maryland's largest autism organization dedicated to helping individuals, parents, and professionals find resources, supports, and training. Personnel from their resource center respond personally to phone and email inquiries with accurate, autism specific information and resources. More than 1,200 autism service providers throughout Maryland are included in their searchable, online database.

Recreational Services and Resources in Maryland

  • Camp Greentop - This camp, located near Thurmont, Maryland, is run by The League for People with Disabilities, a Baltimore nonprofit agency. Since 1927, The League has offered vocational, rehabilitative, educational, medical, wellness, and social services to individuals with disabilities. A variety of camp experiences for youth and adults with ASD are available at Camp Greentop.
  • Easter Seals Camp Fairlee Manor - Located near Chestertown, Maryland, Camp Fairlee Manor offers special summer camping weeks for children and teens (ages 6-21) with ASD. A wide range of activities, including arts and crafts, sports, games, swimming, and fishing are offered to individuals, depending on age and ability.

Transition Age Youth and Young Adult Resources

  • Autism Speaks: Adults with Autism - This page on the Autism Speaks website provides links to many resources with information about transition, employment, education, and other adult autism issues.
  • Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) - This nonprofit organization is run by and for individuals with autism. ASAN is involved in public policy advocacy, community engagement to encourage inclusion and respect, quality of life oriented research, and the development of cultural activities for individuals with autism.
  • Going to College - This interactive website is designed for high school students with disabilities, their parents, and secondary school professionals. Through video clips and interactive activities, it helps students learn more about themselves, how to prepare for college, and what to expect once there.
  • Hussman Center for Adults with Autism - The center is a collaboration with Towson University's faculty and students to develop programs that facilitate a reciprocal learning experience between young adults on the autism spectrum and student mentors. Through the center, adults with autism participate in social activities such as art classes, as well as specialized training in areas such as language skills and personal fitness. Student mentors learn best practices for working with adults with autism and many continue on to careers working with individuals with autism.
  • Job Accommodation Network (JAN) - JAN is a service of the Office of Disability Employment Policy, U.S. Department of Labor. Consultants from JAN provide free and confidential advice on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. JAN does not help individuals find employment but does provide information for job seekers.
  • Life Journey Through Autism: A Guide for Transition to Adulthood (PDF) - This guide, published by the Organization for Autism Research, Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center, and Danya International, is designed as a starting point for parents and educators as they look toward the transition of young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).