Autism Delaware is an organization founded by Delaware families with a common goal to provide needed services and supports to Delaware’s autism community. Autism Delaware provides a variety of services for individuals with ASD and their families across the lifespan. Autism Delaware offers Family Navigation, parent support, recreational and work opportunities, advocacy and awareness campaigns, regular informational newsletters, and residential services.
Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is a nonprofit organization run by and for autistic people. ASAN is dedicated to empowering individuals with ASD across the world to take ownership of their lives and their futures and provide education to their communities. ASAN’s members and supporters include autistic adults and youth, cross-disability advocates, and non-autistic family members, professionals, educators, and friends.
Child Development Watch (CDW) is a statewide early intervention program for children ages birth to 3. CDW provides services to families to help enhance the development of infants and toddlers with disabilities or developmental delays and support the family in meeting the needs of their children. Services include screening and evaluation services, family training and counseling, nutrition plans, nursing services, service coordination, speech-language therapy, and occupational therapy.
The Delaware Autism Program (DAP) is a statewide, public school program for students with autism. DAP provides educational, vocational, respite, and residential services to students with ASD ages 2-21 years of age. DAP emphasizes direct teaching in the community and natural environments and is guided by the techniques of applied behavior analysis (ABA). Services are provided to students in 6 of the 19 school districts across three counties in Delaware, plus other specialized services and supports provided by DAP’s Office of Statewide Director.
The Delaware Department of Education (DOE) offers specialized services or educational supports to eligible students with disabilities to ensure children with disabilities are successful in the classroom and beyond. DOE ensures eligible students have access to, participate in, and make meaningful progress in their education. On the DOE website for special education, you can find out information regarding requesting an evaluation, understanding and confirming eligibility of services, and developing an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Delaware’s Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) works to ‘improve the quality of life for Delaware’s citizens by prompting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations’. There are 11 divisions within the Department including Medicaid and Medical Assistance, Developmental Disabilities Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health, and Prevention and Behavioral Health. DHSS and its divisions offer a variety of services and supports for people with autism and their families. Services offered and eligibility is different for each department.
Delaware Family Voices (DEFV) is a federally-funded organization led by parents of children and young adults with physical, developmental and mental health challenges. DEFV helps families of children with special needs to become informed, experienced, self-sufficient advocates for their children and families. Their website, the Family to Family Health Information Center, provides information about resources, trainings, and workshops available for families and children with special needs.
The Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) is located under the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS). DSAMH serves adults (age 18 and older) in need of behavioral health services. Services include crisis intervention supports, mental health and substance abuse treatment, prevention support, counseling, peer support, and inpatient treatment, among many others.
The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is located in the Delaware Department of Labor. DVR helps people with disabilities prepare for, obtain and maintain employment by offering individualized and person-centered services. Services include on-the-job training, rehabilitation technology, skill training, job placement assistance, and job coaching. For students in Delaware, DVR offers School to Career Transition Services, to prepare students for future careers.
Family SHADE is a collaborative community of family partners and organizations dedicated to empowering and enriching the lives of families of children with special healthcare needs. Family SHADE helps connect families to supports and services in their area and ensure that parents, siblings, and extended families have the resources, information, and social and emotional support to care for children with special needs.