Outside Resources

Learn the Signs. Act Early

Learn the Signs. Act Early is a program from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and aims to improve early identification of children with autism and other developmental disabilities so children and families can get the services and supports they need.  Families can learn about developmental milestones, understand how to address concerns with their provider, and use free resources to support their child such as a milestone tracking app or easy to use developmental checklists.  Resources are also available for healthcare providers and early childhood educators through “Learn the Signs. Act Early”. You can contact Sarah Mallory at smallory@udel.edu to learn more. 

Parent Information Center (PIC) of Delaware

Parent Information Center (PIC) of Delaware is committed to improving outcomes for children by providing information and support around educational and related services to parents of children with disabilities, from birth to 26-years. PIC offers trainings and workshops, one-on-one assistance, and other resources to empower families to become advocates for their child and family.

The Arc of Delaware

The Arc of Delaware is a chapter of national organization that promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  The Arc celebrates diversity and self-determination and actively supports full inclusion and participation in the community.  The Arc provides housing, employment, outreach, and social and recreational programs to individuals with disabilities and their families in addition to advocating for public policy change in Delaware.

The Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS)

The Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS) provides community-based services including residential supports such as support living and respite, family services, day habilitation, and pre-vocational, vocational and supported employment. DDDS also offers case management, therapy, nursing and other professional supports to ensure individuals with ASD and their families are able to lead full and productive lives.

Autism Delawareis an organization founded by Delaware families with a common goal to provide needed service and support to Delaware’s autism community. Autism Delaware provides a variety of services for individuals with ASD of all ages and their families, including Family Navigation, parent support, recreational and work opportunities, advocacy and awareness campaigns, regular informational newsletters, and clinical services. Learn more about Autism Delaware here.

Family SHADE, the Family Support and Healthcare Alliance Delaware, is a collaborative community of family partners and organizations dedicated to enable, empower, and enrich families’ lives by connecting families to supports and services in their areas. Learn more about Family SHADE here.

Parent Information Center of Delaware, Inc. (PIC) is committed to improving outcomes for children by providing information and support around educational and related services to parents of children with disabilities, from birth to 26-years. Learn more about PIC of Delaware here.

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. Learn more about ASAN here.

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. Learn more about DEFV here.

The Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS) provides community-based services including residential supports such as support living and respite, family services, day habilitation, and pre-vocational, vocational and supported employment. DDDS also offers case management, therapy, nursing and other professional supports to ensure individuals with ASD and their families are able to lead full and productive lives. Learn more about DDDS here.

Learn the Signs. Act Early is a program from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and aims to improve early identification of children with autism and other developmental disabilities so children and families can get the services and supports they need.  Families can learn about developmental milestones, understand how to address concerns with their provider, and use free resources to support their child such as a milestone tracking app or easy to use developmental checklists.  Resources are also available for healthcare providers and early childhood educators through “Learn the Signs. Act Early”. Learn more about “Learn the Signs. Act Early” here, or contact Delaware’s Act Early Ambassador, Brittany Powers, at bblument@udel.edu.