Local & National Nonprofit Resources

Autism Society
The Autism Society is an outstanding organization that is one of the leading foundations of trusted and dependable information. This organization is well known for advocating for Autism and supporting thousands of families throughout their life long journey. Through increasing awareness, providing the latest information, and advocating for proper services, the Autism Society is improving lives throughout America. Also, it is one of only a few organizations that has active board members with Autism! Make sure to get involved in an Autism Society chapter near you!
http://www.autism-society.org/

Autism Society Affiliates in MD

Autism Source
Welcome to the Autism Society’s on-line Resource Database.
Search nationwide Autism-related services and supports by location or service type. The Autism SourceTM Resource Database, created in 2004, is the most comprehensive database of its kind. The Autism Society strives to offer only credible and reliable resources to our constituents, therefore we have employed our nationwide network of chapters and collaborated with other autism organizations and professionals throughout the U.S. It is because of these collaborative relationships that the Resource Database continues to grow and is kept current with comprehensive resource listings.
http://www.autismsource.org/

Abilities Network is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that assists people with disabilities to achieve their personal goals and reach their maximum potential. Services are customized to offer individuals and families choices. We provide extensive training opportunities for families, child care providers, teachers, and community members with the goal of fostering inclusion. The children, adults and families we serve are affected by a variety of at-risk factors, including a diagnosed disability, lack of environmental supports, low-socioeconomic levels, and limited knowledge about resources and/or the capacity to access them.
410-828-7700 
http://www.abilitiesnetwork.org

ARC Baltimore
Dedicated to helping people with developmental disabilities make the most of their potential since 1949, The Arc Baltimore is one of the nation’s largest and most respected organizations of its kind. Our innovative services support more than 4,000 adults and children with developmental disabilities and their families in Baltimore City and Baltimore County. Our programs help families provide needed care and opportunity for their children, and individuals are able to live and work in the community. The Arc Baltimore is an indispensable resource, not just for people with developmental disabilities and their families, but for the entire community.
410-296-2272 http://www.baltimorearc.org 

The Autism Waiver in MD
The Autism waiver, through Medical Assistance, will allow eligible children with Autism Spectrum Disorders to receive specific waiver services to support them in their homes and communities.  Children who apply to the waiver are referred from the registry to MSDE in chronological order.
Autism Waiver Registry – 866-417-3480

Baltimore Area Special Hockey, Inc. offers an ice hockey program for both children and adults with a traumatic brain injury or intellectual disability such as Autism and Down Syndrome. The program provides participants the opportunity to play ice hockey in an environment adapted to each of their ability. Special Hockey is not only recreational but therapeutic. It emphasizes social interaction, self reliance, concentration and willingness to adapt to new experiences with a sense of accomplishment and pride.
www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=baltimoresaintshockey

Baltimore City Office of Equity & Civil Rights: Mayor’s  Commission on Disabilities
The mission of the Mayor’s Commission on Disabilities is to:
Work to remove barriers and promote equal rights and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
https://mcd.baltimorecity.gov/

Baltimore County Commission on Disabilities
Baltimore County believes that a Commission on Disabilities is necessary to advise on the coordination and development of the County’s policies for citizens with disabilities. The mission of the Baltimore County Commission on Disabilities is to foster attitudes and promote behaviors which respect and value people with disabilities among County government, its citizens and others.  http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/neighborhoodimprovement/disabilities/

By Their Side

By Their Side guides families and provides advocacy for Marylanders with an intellectual/developmental disability. By Their Side believes everyone deserves respect, choices, and quality of life. They support their mission by:

  • Providing lifelong personal advocacy for those they serve;
  • Protecting individuals’ legal rights;
  • Guiding individuals and families through the maze of the service delivery system;
  • Assisting families with transition planning.

443-279-1234 http://www.bytheirside.org/ 

The Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) at Kennedy Krieger Institute
The Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) at Kennedy Krieger Institute is a multi-faceted, multidisciplinary program for children with Autism spectrum disorders and their family members. CARD combines research, clinical (assessment and intervention) services, as well as community outreach and training to help improve the lives of individuals with Autism spectrum disorders, their families, and the community who cares for them. CARD endorses a flexible approach to treatment, adjusting the core set of methods used and goals of intervention to meet the needs of each child and his or her family.
443-923-7680 http://www.card.kennedykrieger.org

Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
The Developmental Disabilities Administration provides a coordinated service delivery system so that individuals with developmental disabilities receive appropriate services oriented toward the goal of integration into the community. These services are provided through a combination of state residential centers (providing services to individuals with intellectual disability) and a wide array of community based services delivered primarily through a network of non-profit providers.
(410)767-5600 http://www.ddamaryland.org/aboutdda.htm

Disability Rights Maryland
DRM is Maryland’s designated Protection & Advocacy (P&A) agency and a member of the National Disability Rights Network. As such, DRM is part of a nationwide network of organizations working to advance the rights of people with disabilities.
https://disabilityrightsmd.org/

First Signs
The First Signs website provides a wealth of vital resources, covering a range of issues: from monitoring development, to concerns about a child; from the screening and referral process, to sharing concerns.  http://firstsigns.org

Jewish Social Service Agency: Autism Spectrum Disorders Across the Lifespan: JSSA’s Autism Disorders Across the Lifespan services and programs provide support for the whole family (parents, siblings, and other family members) empowering them to make informed decisions and access needed services that maximize the quality of life, development potential, and functioning of their loved ones and the entire family as a unit. JSSA’s services offer ongoing monitoring, support and education for the entire family through:

  • Identification and assessment of child and family needs
  • Development of an integrated plan of care
  • Specialized counseling, groups and behavioral support
  • Service coordination with multiple providers
  • Information and referral services
    http://www.jssa.org

The League
The League’s year round Camping & Therapeutic Recreation program provides joyful, life-changing experiences in a safe environment and builds meaningful relationships in the lives of youth and adults. Camping & Therapeutic Recreation is proud to offer summer camp programs, year round camping, assisted travel and community recreation.
410-323-0500 http://www.leagueforpeople.org

Lighthouse
Lighthouse, Inc. is a private non-profit youth and family services center located in Catonsville, Maryland. As a member of the Maryland Association of Youth Services Bureaus, Lighthouse provides counseling for children, youth, and their families.  They also have social skills groups for children and their parents.
410-788-5483 http://lighthouse-md.org

Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene: Developmental Disabilities Administration
Although this website is not strictly used for individuals on the Autism spectrum, it is still a great resource for families. The DDA provides a service delivery system, so that people with developmental disabilities can receive the appropriate service that they are entitled to, centered around the goal of getting the individuals involved in their surrounding community. Along with information about the actual program itself, there is news regarding how to get involved, as well as a place to have questions answered about the program itself.
http://dhmh.maryland.gov/dda_md/index.html

Maryland Technology Assistance Program:
The specialists at MD TAP furnish information and consultation on assistive technology (AT) to aid individuals with disabilities, their family, friends and advocates, state agencies and employers. Information is available on devices and services including: aids for daily living, mobility and transportation aids, augmentative communication and speech aids, assistive listening devices. As well as alerting devices, magnifiers, adaptive computer access devices, home modifications, work place accommodations, and recreational equipment. Information and referral services are handled through each region.
http://www.mdod.maryland.gov/

Mt Washington Pediatric Hospital’s Autism Spectrum Center:
Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital Main Campus
1708 West Rogers Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21209
https://www.mwph.org/health-services/behavioral-health/autism-spectrum-center

The Parents’ Place of Maryland:
A Center for Families of Children w/ Special Needs:
Founded in 1991, The Parents’ Place was created by parents of children and youth with disabilities to help other parents and families facing similar challenges. Today, The Parents’ Place serves families of children and young adults from birth to age 22 with all disabilities.
http://www.ppmd.org/

Pathfinders for Autism
“Our mission is to find a path for our children.”
In 2000, Pathfinders for Autism was founded by a group of parents of children with Autism to support and develop lifespan services and provide information and resources for families of children with Autism. Pathfinders for Autism is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, charitable organization.
www.pathfindersforautism.org

Pediatric Developmental Disorders (PDD) Clinic at Kennedy Krieger Institute
The PDD Clinic is an outpatient clinic treating behavioral challenges for individuals with developmental delay.  The mission of the PDD clinic is to provide consultation and intervention to caregivers of children with a wide variety of developmental disorders (e.g., pervasive development disorders spectrum, intellectual disabilities).  Our intervention focuses on empirically based approaches to behavior management and addresses both behavioral excesses (e.g. aggression, self-injury, tantrums) and behavioral deficits (e.g. compliance, self-help skills, toileting).  An integral aspect of our clinic is also to provide education to caregivers, including provision of information pertaining to community resources, child development, and special education. Additional information can be found on the web at http://www.kennedykrieger.org/patient-care/patient-care-programs/outpatient-programs/pediatric-developmental-disorders-clinic or by calling intake at 443-923-9400.

Social Security Disability: Applying for Disability Benefits on the Basis of Autism:
This website provides information regarding applying for disability benefits for individuals who fall under the Autism spectrum. There are steps to follow and specific information regarding the explanations that are given under the law. There are comments regarding the information as well as links to other important questions that some people may have regarding the issue of funding agencies and benefits for Autism individuals.
https://www.disabilitysecrets.com/ssdi-ssi-and-autism.html

Taking the Lead, Inc.
Taking the Lead, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, offers 80 acres of opportunities to experience how trained animals can develop skills in individuals of all abilities to cultivate success, community and vocational involvement, and a neighborhood of togetherness. TTL offers the following:
Occupational Therapy Services: Improve life sills, transitions, and community inclusion by meeting goals during animal-assisted therapy sessions!
Hippotherapy: Feel how the rhythmical movement of a horse improves posture, tone, strength, and social participation during a private therapy session tailored to address individualized goals to live life to the fullest.
Vocational Skills Training: Explore animal-related vocations and entrepreneurial opportunities leading to successful employment.
Community OT in mOTion: Achieve your destination and learn independent living skills using animal-assisted therapy.
Community Integration Programs:
Therapeutic Riding: Connect with your horse and friends while learning to ride as independently as possible with this adapted sport.
Service Dog Training: Gain independence and a loyal companion by training your service dog to assist with your life goals. Service dogs can assist individuals with Autism and anyone with mobility deficits to increase safety, balance and/or object retrieval for improved inclusion and success in the community, work, or school environment.
443-690-1176   http://www.takingthelead.org
[email protected]