Hearing the words "your child has a disability" for the first time can have a profound effect on parents, caregivers and other family members.
The first few years of life is the optimal time to take action, access resources and therapeutic strategies to help your child develop to his or her fullest potential. Much progress has been made in developing and implementing effective early intervention programs that can greatly enhance the quality of your child's life and reduce stress on the family. There are agencies, school systems, practitioners, and other parents who can help you and your child.
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 Maryland Resources
Maryland's Early Childhood Intervention and Education System of Services for Children with Disabilities
Kennedy Krieger Institute
KKI is internationally recognized and dedicated to improving the lives of children and adolescents with pediatric developmental disabilities.
Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities (MCDD)
MCDD is part of a national network of University Centers for Excellence and is committed to helping people with developmental disabilities maximize their potential and enjoy success in community life.
Office for Genetics and Children with Special Health Care Needs
Provides specialty services and care coordination for children with complex medical conditions. Services are provided to children with diverse medical needs throughout the State.
MSDE – Family Support Services
A list of helpful directories and publications
Parents Place of Maryland/Parent Training and Information Center (PTI)
A statewide, parent-directed resource center whose sole purpose is to enhance the ability of all individuals with disabilities to participate as fully as possible in the home, school and community. There are regional offices to serve the needs of parents in different locations throughout the state of Maryland.
Pathfinders for Autism
Pathfinders is a parent sponsored, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism and their families.
 National Resources
The Beach Center on Families and Disability
This federally funded center was established to conduct research, to offer training and technical assistance and to disseminate information on issues relating to families who include children of any ages with a disability.
Developmental Delay Resources
Promotes nutritional and sensory interventions for children with developmental disabilities.
Do2learn
This website offers printable flash cards, calendars, schedules and more as well as activity ideas and "fun stuff" to promote independence and learning for children with special needs.
Exceptional Parent Magazine
A print and online magazine providing information, support, ideas, encouragement and outreach for parents and families of children with disabilities and the professionals who serve them.
Family Village
A global community offering disability related resources.
Fathers Network
Funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this website was designed specifically to provide support to fathers of children with disabilities.
First Signs
First Signs is dedicated to educating parents and professionals about autism and related disorders.
Parents Helping Parents
A nonprofit organization that is dedicated to strengthening the skills and resolve of parents and caregivers so that they are empowered to access the services their child with special needs requires.
The National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities
NICHCY is a national information and referral center providing information on disabilities and disability-related issues for families, educators and other professionals.
Unlocking Autism - Parent to Parent Network
A national and international network of parents and professionals to assist parents of newly diagnosed children with autism in finding available resources and support in their immediate area.
Zero to Three
A national nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening and supporting families, practitioners and communities to promote the healthy development of babies and toddlers.
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