Autism Resources in Maryland
A statewide guide to autism services across Maryland — for families in Baltimore, the Washington DC suburbs of Montgomery and Prince George's counties, Columbia, Annapolis, Frederick, and communities across the state.
Maryland's autism landscape has some genuinely distinctive features. The state is home to the Kennedy Krieger Institute — a nationally recognized center for developmental disabilities affiliated with Johns Hopkins — and to Maryland's unusual Autism Waiver, administered through the state Department of Education, which offers school-based waiver services but carries a registry wait measured in years. Maryland is also a relatively strong state for autism insurance coverage, with no age cap and floor requirements on ABA hours.
This page walks through how the pieces fit together and where the gaps are — the registry realities, the Infants and Toddlers Program, the DDA waiver changes, and where to find help.
We've written this as a starting point. Maryland readers who know specifics better than we do — tell us what we got wrong or missed.
Find your city
Jump to a local guide with providers, schools, and activities near you.
Maryland at a glance
Early intervention program
Insurance mandate
Medicaid waivers (3)
- DDA Community Pathways Waiver
- Autism Waiver (administered by MSDE)
- Model Waiver
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Support organizations
Maryland's largest autism organization, founded in 2000 by parents. Its Resource Center provides free, autism-specific information and referrals across the lifespan — including clear, current guidance on the Autism Waiver Registry, insurance, and Medicaid. Often the best first call for Maryland families.
Parents' Place of Maryland (PPMD)Maryland's federally designated Parent Training and Information (PTI) Center and Special Education and Health Information Center. Free one-on-one help and training for families navigating special education, IEPs, disability services, and health care.
Disability Rights MarylandMaryland's federally designated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) organization. Free legal advocacy for Marylanders of any age with disabilities, including special education rights.
Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)The Maryland Department of Health division that administers the state's developmental disability waivers (Community Pathways) and adult and lifespan DD services.
MSDE Division of Early Intervention and Special Education ServicesThe Maryland State Department of Education division overseeing the Infants and Toddlers Program, special education, and the Autism Waiver.
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10 Amazing Activities to Do With an Autistic Child This Summer — free PDF, delivered instantly.
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