Caregivers and families
Information for caregivers and families
Learning that a child has an autism spectrum disorder or a developmental disability can be confusing and challenging. Caregivers often want to better understand underlying causes, what to expect, and the best way to support the child.
You want answers (so do we)
What should you do if you have concerns about a child's development?
Watch this short video (right).
Learn the Signs. Act Early.
Check out the CDC's free developmental milestone tracking app.
Where to get support
As a public health autism research center, we do not offer diagnosis or clinical services. For screening and clinical support, please contact:
Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation (CASSI) at Kennedy Krieger Institute
Below are reputable sources for more information.
For information regarding Autism Spectrum Disorder:
- Association for Autism and Neurodiversity (AANE)
- HealthyChildren.org
- Autism Science Foundation.
- Autism Speaks
- Autism Speaks: 100 Days Kit for Newly Diagnosed Families
- Autism Society of America (ASA)
- Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Autism Index
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Disability and Health Information for Family Caregivers
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advocating for People with Disabilities
- Act Early ambassadors
- Interacting With Autism
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
- Sesame Street and Autism
- Sibling Leadership Network
- Sibling Support Project
- SPARK
- Spectrum
Services based in Maryland and DC:
- By Their Side
- Children's National Medical Center's Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Developmental Disabilities Administration of Maryland
- Maryland State Department of Education
- Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program
- Sheppard Pratt Center for Autism
Support groups and local information:
- Autism Society of Maryland (AUSOM), serving Howard, Montgomery and Anne Arundel counties
- Autism Society Baltimore-Chesapeake Chapter (ASBC)
- Pathfinders for Autism
- DC Autism Parents (DCAP)
- Kennedy Krieger Institute (KKI)
- Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation (CASSI)
- Parents' Place of Maryland
- Maryland Family Network
Sibshop locations in Maryland:
Concerned about your child’s development? Learn the Signs. Act Early.
The CDC recommends that parents track their child’s development, act quickly, and get their child screened if they have a concern.
Get their free checklists and information for parents, physicians, and childcare providers.
Join SPARK to accelerate research
Researchers at Kennedy Krieger Institute's Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation invite you to join SPARK, which combines a web-based registry with DNA analysis to accelerate autism research. Learn more and join.
Pregnant or have a new baby?
We welcome all new or expecting parents in Baltimore City, MD and the surrounding counties to participate in our B'more HBCD Study to help uncover experiences of early childhood that affect brain development.
Learn more here or contact the study directly using our email hbcdstudy@jh.edu.