Autism Services | Special Needs Reso 2

Finding the Right Support:

A Parent’s Guide to Autism Services

Early Intervention: Getting Started

If your child is under three, early intervention can make a huge difference. These programs are designed to help little ones build important skills during their earliest years — when their brains are growing and learning so quickly.

You might hear about services like:

Speech therapy to help with communication and language understanding.
Occupational therapy (OT), to support motor skills and sensory needs.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which uses positive reinforcement to teach and encourage new skills.
Developmental therapy, focused on play and social connection.

Early intervention services are usually available through your state’s public health system — and they can come to your home, daycare, or community setting.

School-Age Services: Building Support Through Education

Once your child reaches school age, new supports become available through the public education system. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), every child with autism has the right to an education that meets their unique needs.

You’ll work with your child’s school to create an Individualized Education Program (IEP) — a written plan that outlines their goals, supports, and accommodations. This might include:

Specialized instruction or smaller classroom settings
Speech or occupational therapy during the school day
Behavioral support plans
Sensory breaks or assistive technology

You are your child’s best advocate. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, request evaluations, or speak up for what your child needs. You know them better than anyone else.

Community and Private Services: Expanding Your Circle of Support

Beyond school, there are many ways to find help in your community. Some families choose to add private therapies, social skills groups, or recreational programs to their child’s schedule.
You might explore:

Behavioral or play therapy centers
Adaptive sports, art, or music programs
Parent support groups where you can connect with others who truly understand
Respite care, giving you time to rest and recharge

Check with your insurance provider and local agencies — many services can be partially or fully covered.

As Your Child Grows: Transition and Adult Services

Autism doesn’t end at childhood. As your child gets older, their needs may change, but support continues. Transition services can help teens build independence and prepare for life after school, including job training, community involvement, or supported living options.

There are also programs designed specifically for autistic adults — offering opportunities to work, learn, and socialize in inclusive environments.

You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

Navigating autism services can be confusing and exhausting, especially when you’re juggling so much already. It’s okay to ask for help. Case managers, family navigators, and advocacy organizations can walk beside you and point you toward the right resources.

Keep a notebook or folder for all your child’s evaluations, reports, and contacts — it makes a big difference when things get complicated.

A Final Word of Encouragement

The system isn’t perfect, and at times it may feel like you’re climbing uphill. But every call, every appointment, every therapy session is a step forward for your child.

Remember — you are doing an amazing job. Your love, persistence, and advocacy matter more than anything else.

You’re not alone on this journey. Help is out there, and together, we can make the path a little clearer and a lot less lonely.

When your child is diagnosed with autism, it can feel like stepping into a whole new world — one filled with questions, uncertainty, and a deep desire to do everything possible to help them thrive. The good news is that there are many services, programs, and people ready to help. The challenge is often figuring out where to start.

As a parent, I know how overwhelming this process can be. But I also know that with the right information and support, it becomes easier to find your way.

Key Autism Services & Resources in Connecticut, CT

Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
- DDS offers a broad range of supports: case management, community living services, health/clinical services, employment, and more. CT.gov+1
- The DDS website includes a Support & Services Topics A–Z section to explore specific programs (including autism). CT.gov+1
- For provider information, they maintain a DDS Provider List to find local agencies (therapists, service organizations, etc.) that work with DDS-eligible individuals. CT.gov
Connecticut Collaborative to Improve Autism Services
- The CT Collaborative publishes a Resource Directory with local, regional, and state-level services for autism. CT.gov
- This directory includes clinical resources, support groups, and agencies that serve children and families across Connecticut. CT.gov+1
- They also list the Child Development Infoline (CDI) — you can call 1-800-505-7000 for developmental concerns. CT.gov
DSS-Approved Autism Providers (Behavioral / Mentor Services)
- Connecticut’s Department of Social Services (DSS) has a list of approved autism providers. These include community mentors, behavioral management, life skills coaching, and more. CT.gov
- There’s also a PDF specifically for Social Skills Groups and peer support programs for youth/teens. CT.gov
Beacon Services of Connecticut
- This is a private but evidence-based provider that specializes in ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) and early intervention. beaconct.org
- They provide in-home ABA, school-based ABA partnerships, and other developmental supports. beaconct.org
Benv en / Benhaven
- Benhaven is a nonprofit agency in CT offering a wide range of autism-related services including behavioral services, educational programs, transition services, and more. benhaven.org
- They support children from school age through adulthood. benhaven.org
Connecticut Autism Spectrum Resource Center (ASRC)
- ASRC provides support groups, training, workshops, and community awareness. CT.gov+1
- They are a great point of contact for peer support, advocacy, and local group activities. CT.gov
Connecticut Families for Effective Autism Treatment (CT FEAT)
- This parent-led organization provides education, networking, and resources for families exploring evidence-based autism treatments. CT.gov
- They also host meetings, events, and offer grants/scholarships for parent training. CT.gov
Advocacy and Legal / Family Support Links
- A helpful list of disability advocacy, support, and legal organizations is available via the Connecticut DDS “Helpful Links.” CT.gov
- Some key organizations include:
  - The Arc — disability advocacy and support CT.gov
  - PATH Parent to Parent CT — peer support for parents CT.gov
  - Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC) — advocacy & education for families CT.gov
Abilis
- Abilis is a long-standing nonprofit in CT that serves people with developmental disabilities, including autism. They support through group housing, home-based therapies, and community programs. Wikipedia

✅ Tips for Using These Resources

Start with DDS or DSS: These state agencies can help you assess eligibility and connect you with many of the services listed above.
Use the CT Collaborative Directory: It’s one of the most comprehensive guides for autism-related providers in CT.
Join Parent Groups: Organizations like CT FEAT or ASRC can be helpful not just for resources but also for community support.
Ask About “Waiver-Eligible” Services: Some DDS or DSS-approved providers offer services that can be funded through state waivers.
Keep a Folder: Save contact info, PDF directories, and applications — it helps when coordinating with different agencies.

If you like, I can map autism service providers by county in Connecticut (Hartford, New Haven, Fairfield, etc.) — so you can easily find places near you. Do you want me to do that?

📍 Autism Service Providers in Connecticut by County

Here are some autism / ABA providers in different Connecticut counties, plus where to find more via state directories:

CountySample Autism / ABA Providers

Hartford County- ABA Centers of Connecticut — serves Hartford County. abacentersct.com+2abacentersct.com+
Autism Learning Partners — has services in Hartford County. Autism Learning Partners
HARC, Inc. — behavioral management, community mentor, etc., based in Hartford. CT.gov
Fairfield County- ABA Provider Services — clinic in Norwalk, serving Fairfield County. abaproviderservices.com+1
Champions ABA — provides ABA in many towns in Fairfield County (Bethel, Danbury, Norwalk, etc.). Champions ABA
Able Home Health Care, LLC — behavioral management, Wilton (Fairfield area). CT.gov+1
New Haven County- ABA Provider Services also covers lower New Haven County. abaproviderservices.com
Chapel Haven — located in New Haven, provides a variety of autism supports (behavioral, life skills, mentoring). CT.gov
Other Counties- Autism Learning Partners has locations across other counties too (Middlesex, New London, etc.). Autism Learning Partners