Maryland action guide · Verified July 25, 2026
Beyond Childhood · Maryland NavigatorReport a correction

Autism needs are clear; DDA eligibility is uncertain or denied

Respond to a DDA denial or uncertain decision

Read the determination reason against the statutory functional criteria; request reconsideration with genuinely new evidence or use hearing rights when appropriate.

Official sources checked 2026-07-25

Start here

Review the official DDA decision process

Before you start

  • The complete written determination, every reason stated, the notice date, and the reconsideration and appeal instructions in the letter.

Who to contact

The Regional Office for process clarification; the notice’s hearing or appeal authority for a filed challenge.

Find the Regional Office for your county

Step by step

  1. Copy each stated reason into a reason-by-reason worksheet.
  2. Match existing records to each reason and identify genuinely new evidence, if any.
  3. Use the reconsideration or appeal instructions and deadlines in the current determination letter.
  4. Seek qualified legal help for case-specific legal advice.

Expected next

A filing confirmation, written clarification, reconsidered decision, or scheduled appeal step.

Save this proof

The determination, reason-by-reason evidence matrix, filing copy, delivery receipt, and response.

If this stalls or the answer is no

Use the exact instructions in the current determination letter. Do not rely on a generic deadline from this website.

Beyond Childhood planning aid

Reason-by-reason evidence matrix

A Beyond Childhood planning aid, not legal advice.

  • Reason stated
  • Existing evidence
  • New evidence
  • Question for DDA or counsel
  • Required route
  • Deadline from the letter
  • Filing proof

Derived from DDA Eligibility Application Process, DDA Guide to Services — October 2025

Official resources

Limits

The navigator cannot choose the legal route or predict the outcome.

Beyond Childhood’s checklists and prompts are planning aids derived from the linked sources. They are not official forms, legal advice, eligibility decisions, or guarantees of funding, capacity, or service.

Checked sources

← Return to the Maryland Adult Autism Navigator