April is Autism Acceptance Month! Throughout the month, the Autism Society of Maryland (AUSOM) will hold multiple events and fundraisers to #CelebrateDifferences, recognizing the multitude of experiences within the Autism community.
Acceptance creates a world where everyone in the Autism community is connected to the support they need, when they need it. And by everyone, we mean every unique individual.
From Autistic individuals who require 24/7 lifetime support services and their caregivers, to Autistic individuals living fully independent lives, Acceptance, Inclusion and Connection are critical to ensuring everyone in the Autism community can access what they need to live to their fullest. To preview highlights from previous years, please CLICK HERE!
If you would like to make a difference this year by supporting our work to advance acceptance through advocacy, education, resources, and community programming, A donation would help to strengthen our programs, support, and resources, all of which are available at no cost to the community. Thank you, in advance, for your continued support.
Below is a schedule of our planned events, activities and fundraisers for April 2025 in celebration of Autism Acceptance Month!
Check back frequently for additional updates.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Autism Awareness Day
April 2, 2025
On World Autism Awareness Day, we recognize and celebrate the diverse experiences of the autism community while advocating for greater acceptance, inclusion, and support. At the Autism Society of Maryland, we believe that awareness is just the beginning—true impact comes from fostering understanding and creating a world where autistic individuals and their families feel valued and supported every day. Join us in embracing neurodiversity, amplifying autistic voices, and working toward a more inclusive society. Together, we can build a future where everyone can thrive.
Moco – Respite: Resource & Health Fair
April 5, 2025
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Activity Center at Bohrer Park
506 S Frederick Ave
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Website – CLICK HERE
You’re Invited to The Arc Montgomery County’s Respite Resource & Health Fair!
Looking for resources to make life easier, healthier, and more connected? Join us for a fun and engaging day where people with disabilities, seniors, caregivers, and families can explore a world of support!
This event is designed just for you—whether you’re a person with disabilities, a family member, a Direct Support Professional, or someone who simply wants to learn more about community resources. Come find what you need and meet people who care!
What to Expect:
- Free health screenings
- Interactive workshops
- Respite care options
- Connections to local services
- Giveaways and more!
Have questions? Email Julia.Abate@TheArcMoCo.org
Don’t miss out—mark your calendar and bring a friend (or two)! See you there!
Shine Brighter Together
April 5, 2025
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Wheaton Regional Park
2000 Shorefield Road
Wheaton, Maryland 20902
April is Autism Acceptance Month! To recognize its significance, various agencies from across the county are “shining brighter together” at a fun family-friendly event at Wheaton Regional Park! Participate in hands-on, sensory-friendly activities while learning more about autism and the variety of resources available in Montgomery County.
More Information: Download this FLYER or VISIT: https://montgomeryparks.org/events/shine-brighter-together/
Rain Date: April 26, 2025
Family Storytime and Resource Fair
April 5, 2025
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Discoveries: The Library at the Mall – Annapolis
2250 Annapolis Mall
Annapolis, MD
410-222-0133
Join us Saturday, April 5th at Discoveries, the Library at the Mall in Annapolis! This exciting event will focus on the joys of being yourself, no matter who you are!
Join us at the:
- Community Pantry: 10am – 12pm
- Family Storytime: 10:30am – 11:30am (ages 0-5)
- AAM Storytime & Resource Fair 1pm – 2pm (all ages)
Following the storytime, representatives from The Autism Society of Maryland will offer resources to families and be available to answer questions.
Joan Karasik Transition Resource Fair
April 6, 2025
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Montgomery County Community College
This resource fair is for teens and adults with disabilities. Attendees will be able to speak with more than 60 government agencies, nonprofit organizations and companies service people with intellectual disabilities and autism – housing, social/recreational opportunities, education/training, employment, government benefits. Come with your questions – go home with answers!
Visit the AUSOM Resource Table at the Fair!
Free Parking and Admission
No Registration is needed
Feria De Recursos “Joan Karaski”
6 de abril de 2025
13:00 – 16:00
Montgomery County Community College
Esta feria de recursos es para adolescentes y adultos con discapacidades. Los asistentes podrán hablar con más de 60 agencias gubernamentales, organizaciones sin fines de lucro y empresas que brindan servicios a personas con discapacidad intelectual y autismo: vivienda, oportunidades sociales y recreativas, educación y capacitación, empleo y beneficios gubernamentales. ¡Ven con tus preguntas y regresa con las respuestas!
¡Visite la Mesa de Recursos de AUSOM en la Feria!
Estacionamiento y entrada gratuitos.
No es necesario registrarse.
Autism in the Park – Howard County
Autismo En EL Parque – Condado de Howard
April 12, 2025 | Abril 12, 2025
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Laura’s Place Playground
Blandair Regional Park
Columbia, MD
Parent Panel Webinar – We’ve Been There
April 24, 2025
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Free to Attend
Virtual by Zoom
Registration is required
Sponsored by the Autism Society of Maryland
Join us for a special Autism Acceptance Month webinar featuring a panel of parents sharing their experiences, insights, and advice for families with young children with Autism or those recently diagnosed. Attendees will hear from parents at different stages of raising children from elementary school age through adulthood including:
- about what they’ve learned
- the challenges they’ve faced
- the support that has made a difference
- and much more!
This discussion offers real-life perspectives and practical guidance to help families navigate their own paths with confidence and community.
Entre Amigos con Autismo Play Group
26 de abril
HORARIO: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Free to Attend
UBICACIÓN: Parque de la Ciudad de Maryland
565 Brock Bridge Rd, Laurel, MD 20724
Un grupo de juego AUSOM Anne Arundel Un momento para interactuar, conocer nuevas familias y divertirse mucho. ¡Todas las edades son bienvenidas!
Si tiene alguna pregunta, comuníquese con Catalina Ramos al 443-518-7681, por mensaje de texto al 443-620-8441 o a catalina.ramos@autismsocietymd.org. *En caso de mal tiempo, se le notificará por correo electrónico y se publicará en nuestro sitio web, Facebook y WhatsApp. Este programa es posible gracias a una subvención de Arundel Community Development Services, Inc. y del Fondo de Impacto del Hipódromo de Laurel.
Literacy & Autism – Virtual Panel Discussion
Join us for a lively panel discussion with researchers and practitioners about improving literacy outcomes for students with Autism.
Maryland’s State Board of Education enacted a Comprehensive PreK-3 Literacy Policy, signaling that reading and literacy instructions are high priorities. As a result educators are pivoting structured literacy instruction to improve reading instruction.
For those who teach students on the Autism spectrum, what are the best practices in reading? These priorities are different! We hope you can join us for this discussion.
Moderator:
- Veronica Kang, PhD, Assistant Professor, Univ. of MD College Park
Panelists:
- Megan Fleury, M.Ed. – Instructional Specialist, Infants & Toddlers
- Seyma Intepe Tingir, PhD, Clinical Professor, Univ of MD College Park
- Lauri Silver, M.S. Instructional Facilitator
- Toni Simmons, M.S. Speech Language Pathologist
- Sarah Cooper, M.Ed. Special Educator
- Stephanie Carr, M.S. Educational Consultant and Parent
Autism in the Park – Anne Arundel County
Autismo En EL Parque – Condado de Anne Arundel
May 3, 2025 | Mayo 3, 2025
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Lake Waterford Park
830 Pasadena Rd
Pasadena, MD, 21122
A Huge Thank You to our AUSOM Sponsors for Autism Acceptance Month!
Autism in the Park – Howard County Sponsors
Autism in the Park – Anne Arundel County Sponsors
