ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½

Information for caregivers and families

Learning that a child has an autism spectrum disorder or a developmental disability can be confusing and challenging. Caregivers often want to better understand underlying causes, what to expect, and the best way to support the child.

Where to get support

As a public health autism research center, we do not offer diagnosis or clinical services. For screening and clinical support, please contact:

Below are reputable sources for more information.

For information regarding Autism Spectrum Disorder:

• . 
•  
• Autism Speaks:
•  
•  
•  
•  
•  
•  
•  

Services based in Maryland and DC:

Support groups and local information:

• , serving Howard, Montgomery and Anne Arundel counties
• (CASSI)
•   

Sibshop locations in Maryland:

Concerned about your child’s development? Learn the Signs. Act Early. 

The CDC recommends that parents track their child’s development, act quickly, and get their child screened if they have a concern. 

Get their for parents, physicians, and childcare providers. 

Join SPARK to accelerate research 

Researchers at Kennedy Krieger Institute's Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation invite you to join , which combines a web-based registry with DNA analysis to accelerate autism research. .

Pregnant or have a new baby? 

We welcome all new or expecting parents in Baltimore City, MD and the surrounding counties to participate in our B'more HBCD Study to help uncover experiences of early childhood that affect brain development. 

or contact the study directly using our email hbcdstudy@jh.edu.

Are you an autistic adult with an eating disorder OR a parent of an autistic individual with an eating disorder?

 If so, you may be eligible for our study, in which you'd be asked to complete an online survey and one-on-one interview. To be eligible you must be 18 years or older and able to speak or write English. 

Both autistic adults and parents of autistic children/adults with eating disorders/disordered eating can join the study. Potential participants must be either diagnosed with autism or identify as having autism AND either has been diagnosed with an eating disorder or identify as having disordered eating. 

Those chosen to participate will be asked to complete an online survey and a one-on-one interview remotely (about 60 minutes). They will receive a $30 gift card.

If you are interested please complete the brief screener here so the study team can get touch with you: