Autism Resources in Delaware
A statewide guide to autism services across Delaware — for families in Wilmington, Newark, Dover, and communities across New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties.
Delaware is small, which cuts both ways. On one hand, the state has a genuinely distinctive asset: the Delaware Autism Program (DAP), a statewide public-school program for students with autism that is unusual in the country. Delaware also has Nemours Children's Health and its Swank Autism Center as a strong diagnostic and clinical anchor, Child Development Watch for early intervention, and an autism insurance mandate. On the other hand, being a small state means a limited number of providers and, in Sussex County especially, longer travel and thinner options.
This page walks through how the pieces fit together and where the gaps are.
We've written this as a starting point. Delaware readers who know specifics better than we do — tell us what we got wrong or missed.
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Jump to a local guide with providers, schools, and activities near you.
Delaware at a glance
Early intervention program
Insurance mandate
Medicaid waivers (3)
- DDDS Lifespan Waiver
- Medicaid (Diamond State Health Plan) autism services
- Home and Community-Based Services pathways for children
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Support organizations
Delaware's leading autism nonprofit — family support, information and referral, support groups, recreational and social events, and adult services including the POW&R employment and community program.
Delaware Autism Program (DAP)Delaware's distinctive statewide public-school program for students with autism, now under the Delaware Department of Education. Coordinated autism education and specialized programs across the state, including the Sussex Consortium.
Parent Information Center of Delaware (PIC)Delaware's federally designated Parent Training and Information Center. Free support for families navigating special education, IEPs, and disability services.
Disability Rights DelawareDelaware's federally designated protection and advocacy organization. Legal advocacy for Delawareans with disabilities.
Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS)Delaware state agency administering services and the Medicaid Lifespan Waiver for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism.
Get our free summer guide
Sensory-smart, low-pressure, and actually fun. Free PDF, delivered instantly, plus one short practical email each week.
10 Amazing Activities to Do With an Autistic Child This Summer — free PDF, delivered instantly.
No spam. Unsubscribe any time.