Parent Resources
Families often have questions before, during, and after an evaluation. The organizations below offer information about child development, autism, ADHD, learning and reading difficulties, mental health, special education, and family advocacy.
These resources provide general information and support. When an evaluation is completed, Dr. McDermott may also recommend resources specifically matched to the child’s needs and the family’s questions.
Maryland Family and Special Education Resources
The Parents’ Place of Maryland
The Parents’ Place of Maryland helps families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs understand special education, healthcare, and community services. Its parent educators provide information and support to Maryland families at no cost.
Maryland State Department of Education—Division of Special Education
The Maryland State Department of Education’s Division of Special Education provides information for families about special education services, family supports, publications, training, and the IEP process in Maryland.
Disability Rights Maryland
Disability Rights Maryland offers guides and other resources to help Maryland families understand their children’s special education rights and navigate the IEP process.
Autism Resources
Autism Society of Maryland
The Autism Society of Maryland provides education, advocacy, family navigation, support groups, community programming, and information about services available to autistic individuals and their families throughout Maryland.
Organization for Autism Research
The Organization for Autism Research publishes practical, research-informed guides for autistic children and adolescents, parents, siblings, educators, and other members of the community.
A Maryland-based nonprofit offering autism-specific information, a provider directory, workshops, events, and personalized support for individuals with autism and their families.
ADHD Resources
CHADD
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder provides educational materials, parent training, support programs, and information about ADHD assessment, treatment, school supports, and everyday functioning.
Understood
Free, expert-informed information and practical tools for families navigating ADHD, learning differences, school supports, organization, behavior, and emotional well-being.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The CDC’s ADHD resources provide general information about ADHD, evaluation, treatment options, and ways parents, healthcare professionals, and schools can support children with ADHD.
Learning and Dyslexia Resources
International Dyslexia Association
The International Dyslexia Association provides information about dyslexia, reading development, assessment, structured literacy, instruction, accommodations, and advocacy.
The organization’s free guide, Dyslexia Handbook: What Every Family Should Know, is a useful starting point for families seeking to understand dyslexia and reading-related difficulties.
DC Capital Area Branch of the International Dyslexia Association
The DC Capital Area Branch of the International Dyslexia Association offers fact sheets and resources for families in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia. Topics include dyslexia, reading instruction, accommodations, advocacy, and related learning needs.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Resources
National Institute of Mental Health
The National Institute of Mental Health provides research-based information about anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, and other mental health conditions affecting children, adolescents, and adults.
Mental Health Association of Maryland
The Mental Health Association of Maryland provides information, educational materials, advocacy, and connections to behavioral health resources available to Maryland residents.
Child Mind Institute
Evidence-based information and resources about children's mental health and learning disorders, including symptoms, diagnoses, treatment, and guidance for families and educators.
Crisis Support
McDermott Psychological does not provide emergency or crisis services.
If you or your child may be in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is also available by calling or texting 988. It provides free, confidential crisis support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
About These Resources
These links are provided for general educational and informational purposes. Inclusion on this page does not constitute an endorsement of a particular organization, provider, product, treatment, or service. McDermott Psychological does not control and is not responsible for the content or privacy practices of external websites.
Online information is not a substitute for individualized medical, psychological, educational, or legal advice.
Considering an Evaluation?
Families do not need to determine which type of evaluation is appropriate before contacting McDermott Psychological. Submit an evaluation request to share your general concerns and learn about current availability and possible next steps.
Currently Accepting New Evaluation Clients
McDermott Psychological is currently welcoming families seeking psychological and psychoeducational evaluations for children and adolescents in Baltimore. Depending on your child’s needs the evaluation process may be able to begin soon after your initial inquiry.
Submit an evaluation request to tell Dr. McDermott about your concerns and learn about current availability and possible next steps.
Reaching out does not commit your family to scheduling an evaluation.