Articles to Read:

Early caregiving for Mental Illness 

https://www.nytimes.com/paidpost/boston-childrens/mental-health-strides-that-could-help-prevent-child-suicide.html?cpv_ap_id=50623749&utm_campaign=facebook&tbs_nyt=2024-january-nytsocial_facebook&utm_medium=paid&utm_id=6525355449614&utm_content=6525355450014&utm_term=6525355450614&fbclid=IwAR1mvYaGttV-CjIFTAGxg-SridmjND-6Ax8Xq6BnmC_SIIHe4VxYhTD92dc_aem_AVeSi-VOOXGR8h3Pk8IQNRxarsNRxD3axfqpUXeuyvPWFcQdFZYOWAOEA1lMCwTsQ_wA7KTYBqReKB4-LhYyA1v5

Past Events

Information and Support to families of children with special needs.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at specialneeds@despta.org.

Autism Connections Program

Did you know that Diamond has an extra-special program for autistic students? The MCPS Autism Connections Program serves children whose needs are mostly social in nature. Only two elementary schools in all of MCPS have this awesome program, and Diamond is one of them! How cool is that? Email specialneeds@despta.org if you want to learn more, or connect with other families in the program.

Local Resources

• MCPS Department of Special Education 

• Montgomery County Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) is a group of parents/guardians, MCPS staff members, and representatives of county community groups that advocate for students with special needs and serve to advocate for, and advise, the Office of Special Education. SEAC meetings are held monthly.

• MD Department of Education Technical Assistance Bulletins

• The ARC Montgomery County provides child care, work skills training, employment, community living services, resources, respite care and advocacy.

• Partnership for Extraordinary Minds (xMinds) is a collaborative partnership of parents, educators, and service providers working together to improve the educational experience and outcomes for autistic students in K-12 education in Montgomery County.

• CHADD's Montgomery County chapter brings together local families and adults with ADHD, as well as local educators and health care professionals.

• The Down Syndrome Network of Montgomery County empowers and supports individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community through education, information, public awareness and advocacy.

• The GT/LD Network of Montgomery County is a non-profit organization that supports gifted students who learn differently. 

• Seeking Employment, Equality, and Community (SEEC) provides a wide range of community supports to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live lives of their choosing.

• The Parents' Place of Maryland empowers families as advocates and partners in improving education and health outcomes for their children with disabilities and special health care needs.

• Special Olympics Maryland provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

• Disability Rights Maryland (DRM) is Maryland's designated Protection & Advocacy agency, providing free legal services to Marylanders of any age with all types of disabilities.

• The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council advances the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life.

• The Atlantic Seaboard Dyslexia Education Center trains and certifies Academic Therapists and educates teachers, tutors, parents, and school leaders in effective methods to help individuals who are dyslexic or have other learning differences.

• Low Intensity Support Service (LISS) is a state program that provides financial assistance to caregivers of eligible children with developmental disabilities with purchasing eligible services and/or items to address their needs. 

• My Turn is a county program that provides financial assistance to caregivers of children with developmental disabilities and assists caregivers with accessing information, linking to other community resources and designing individual support services.