Birth to 5 Years

Summary Checklist

The following is a brief checklist of things to help you get started. This checklist is meant to serve as a guide only and is not exhaustive of all services and supports you should explore for your child or family member.

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Early Intervention

  • Contact your local Infants and Toddlers Program (ages birth – 3)
  • Contact your local Family Support Network (ages birth – 3)
  • Contact your local Child Find office (ages 3-21)
  • Contact your local Preschool Partners (ages 3-5)
  • Refer to Maryland’s Early Childhood Gateway
  • Prepare to transition from Early Intervention Services to the local school system

Health and Medical Care, and Related Therapeutic Interventions

  • Understand the definitions for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and why a person should be diagnosed.
  • Learn about treatment options and therapies
  • Sign up for the Autism Waiver
  • Apply to the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
  • Investigate Behavior Supports if you need them
  • Develop a system to organize your paperwork
  • Develop a good group of providers and supports that will continue to work with your family on a long term basis

Communication Tools

  • Learn all you can about Assistive Technology services available

Education

  • Learn about the special education process and IEPs
  • Learn about 504 Plans (Kindergarten and older)
  • Contact your local Family Support Network
  • Prepare to transition from Early Intervention Services to the local school system
  • Contact your local Preschool Partners
  • Explore daycare and preschool options
  • Understand your student’s placement options
  • Get involved with your local Special Education Citizen’s Advisory Committee (SECAC) or the Maryland Special Education State Advisory Committee (SESAC)
  • Develop a system to organize education records

Social and Relationships

  • Help your child learn about appropriate social skills
  • Develop the recreational and leisure activities that your child enjoys

Safety

  • Teach your child about stranger danger
  • Discuss what is appropriate talk and touch
  • Address wandering and elopement

Funding for Services and Legal Issues

  • Review the “Financial Things Every Parent of a Child with Autism Needs to Know”
  • Sign up for the Autism Waiver
  • Determine if your child is eligible for Social Security Benefits
  • Apply to the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
  • Investigate Low Intensity Support Services (LISS)
  • Learn about life planning tools and options
  • Develop a system to organize financial and legal records

Support: Support Groups and Respite

  • Network with others at a support group
  • Identify your support system
  • Explore daycare options
  • Take care of yourself, your spouse, your other children
  • Investigate respite care options

Advocacy

  • Learn how to be an advocate for your child

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