The State Departments of Education, Offices of Special Education, Early Intervention Systems are the state agencies responsible for ensuring that the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)are followed. These agencies oversee how local school districts implement IDEA. In almost all states, these agencies also administer programs for very young children with disabilities: early intervention programs for children birth through age two and preschool programs for chil­dren ages three through five.

The State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency provides education, train­ing, and counseling, as well as medical, therapeutic, and other services, to prepare people with disabilities to work. The state agency will refer you to the local office nearest you.

The Developmental Disabilities Council provides funding for direct ser­vices for people with developmental disabilities. Most provide services such as diagnosis, evaluation, information and referral, social services, group homes, advocacy, and legal protection.

The Protection & Advocacy Agency is a legal organization established to protect the rights of people with disabilities. It can supply information about the educational, health care, residential, social, and legal services available for children with autism in your state. In some cases, attorneys from these offices can provide representation on behalf of your child.

University Affiliated Programs (UAP ) are federally funded centers that offer services to parents of children with developmental disabilities.

Parent Programs include privately and publicly funded groups that offer support, information, and referral services to parents of children with disabilities.

Autism Society of America (ASA) Chapters are local and state affiliates of the national organization that provide support and information to parents of children with autism, and can help direct them to resources in their area who can help them. Call ASNs national office (800-3-AUTISM) for referral to the ASA chapter nearest you.

The Arc (formerly The Association for Retarded Citizens) provides a wide variety of services to people with developmental disabilities and their families, including education, social, vocational training and sup­port, and residential services. Each state has its own office, and there are many local offices of The Arc. Contact your state office of The Arc or visit The Arc's website (http://www.thearc.org).