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.
#CelebrateDifferences Contribute to
AUSOM today!
Autism Acceptance Month is the perfect time to get involved.
Throughout the month, AUSOM hosts a variety of events and also partners with community organizations to offer even more opportunities to connect. Below you will find a listing of AUSOM-hosted events alongside partner events we’ll be attending and supporting. Whether you’re joining a favorite annual event or trying something new, this month offers meaningful ways to meet new friends, build community, and celebrate acceptance together.
World Autism Awareness Day
April 2, 2026
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.
Share what Autism Is to you today!
The Autism Is campaign amplifies the voices and lived experiences of Autistic individuals. Autism Is personal and collective—an identity, a culture, a way of life. It comes with strengths and struggles, moments of joy and challenge – and your experience is valid.
We encourage you to upload a picture, on social media and tag AUSOM or add your picture to AUSOM’s “Autism Is” Post on Facebook/X/Instagram. Whether you are a self-advocate, family member, caregiver, friend, employer, or neighbor, use a personal image or download an image HERE and share your story!
Whether you are a self-advocate, family member, caregiver, friend, employer, or neighbor, use a personal image or download an image HERE and share your story!
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AUSOM Trampoline Party! /
La Sociedad del Autismo Fiesta de Trampolin
Saturday, April 4, 2026 from 8-10am
Sabado 4 de abril, 2026 de 8-10am
Get Air Trampoline Park
587 East Ordnance Road
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
(Located across from Planet Fitness)
Join us for a FREE Trampoline Party hosted by the Autism Society of Maryland (AUSOM) and Get Air Trampoline Park, made possible by the Doug Flutie Jr. Autism Foundation. This event is open to autistic individuals of all ages and abilities, their families, and members of the autism community in Anne Arundel County and the surrounding areas.
Come jump, connect, and have fun in a welcoming, inclusive environment while learning more about AUSOM and meeting other community members.
Registration is required to attend. While the event is free, participants will need trampoline park grip socks ($4.24 per pair) or may bring their own. Online registration will be available through Noon on Wednesday, April 1, with on-site registration also available. Please note that Autism Society and Get Air waivers must be completed prior to participation.
Bring your confirmation email on your phone or as a print-out for entry to the event.
Questions? Contact Jessica Deadwyler at 443-518-7682 or jessica.deadwyler@autismsocietymd.org
Preguntas? Comuníquese con Catalina Ramos al 443-620-8441 o catalina.ramos@howard-autism.org.
Autism in the Park – Howard County
Autismo en el Parque – Condado de Howard
April 11, 2026 | Abril 11, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
5750 Oakland Mills Road
Columbia, MD
Join us for this FAVORITE Autism Acceptance Month Event! Autism in the Park is FREE for all attendees and allows family and friends to enjoy opportunities to visit with first responders, elected representatives, learn about the Autism community, enjoy interactive play, entertainers, face painting, music and food truck.
Presented by: Autism Society of Maryland and Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks. The park is located at 5750 Oakland Mills Road in Columbia, MD and the event will be held in the North Area.
Note on Parking: There is limited parking in the lot adjacent to the event; however, there will be shuttles run by HC Dept. of Recreation and Parks from the other parking lots in Blandair Park.
Please follow the signs on where to park and pick up the shuttle bus!
Rain Date – April 12, 2026
RAIN DATE/FECHA DE LLUVIA
Autism in the Park – Howard County
Autismo en el Parque – Condado de Howard
April 12, 2026 | Abril 12, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
5750 Oakland Mills Road
Columbia, MD
Autism in the Park – Rain Date: April 12, 2026
Join us for our rescheduled Autism in the Park, one of our favorite Autism Acceptance Month events. This FREE event welcomes families and friends to enjoy interactive play, entertainers, face painting, music, food trucks, and opportunities to connect with first responders, elected officials, and members of the autism community.
Presented by the Autism Society of Maryland and the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks. The event will be held in the North Area of Blandair Park, located at 5750 Oakland Mills Road, Columbia, MD.
Parking Note: Parking is limited near the event area. Shuttle buses will be available from other parking lots within Blandair Park. Please follow posted signs for parking and shuttle pick-up locations.
Self Advocate Panel Webinar
April 15, 2026 | Abril 15, 2026
7:00 pm
Zoom Registration
FREE – Virtual by Zoom – Registration is Required
Se proporciona traducción simultánea al español
Autism Acceptance Month is when we’re invited to expand our understanding of autism by listening to voices from the autism community. In this webinar, autistic adults share firsthand experiences about growing up, navigating adulthood, and advocating for themselves, offering meaningful insights for parents, educators, professionals, employers, and the broader community. Please submit your questions for the panel in advance so their perspectives can shape the conversation.
Sponsored by the Autism Society of Maryland
Autism in the Park – Anne Arundel County
Autismo En EL Parque – Condado de Anne Arundel
May 3, 2026 | Mayo 2, 2026
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Lake Waterford Park
830 Pasadena Rd
Pasadena, MD, 21122
Unidos por el Autismo Caminata 3KM
May 16, 2026
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Para más informatión llame o envie un correo-e a:
Catalina Ramos, catalina.ramos@autismsocietymd.org,
443-518-7681
Marianela Estrada, emailnella22@gmail.com, 973-223-1024
Alex Arevalo, ax.areval1@gmail.com, 240-374-3368
We invite you to check out and attend our partner events during AAM! AUSOM will be at these events and will have a table/booth etc! We hope to see you there!
Prince George’s County Autism Community Day
April 11, 2026
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
More Information Coming Soon
Joan Karasik Transition Resource Fair
April 12, 2026
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!
Feria De Recursos “Joan Karasik”
12 de abril de 2026
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!
Carroll County Public Schools – Resource & Transition Fair
April 16, 2026
5:00 pm – 8:oo pm
Winters Mills High School
More Information Coming Soon
Prince George’s Parks & Rec Autism Awareness Celebration
April 17, 2026
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
More Information Coming Soon
Shine Brighter Together
April 18, 2026
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 19, 2026
4th Annual Prince George’s County Autism Summit
April 18, 2026
8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
John Carroll Administration Building
1400 Nalley Terrace
Landover, MD 20785
A free summit & Resource Fair for Parents Navigating Autism. This summit brings together speakers, resources, and families to support parent at every stage of the journey. Learn from trusted voices and explore our Resource Fair, where families can connect directly with organizations ready to help.
Co-Sponsored by: Pathfinders for Autism The Parents’ Place of Maryland, Spectrum of Hope Health, Wellness, and Community Services Spectrum of Hope
RAIN DATE
Shine Brighter Together
April 19, 2026
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/
Towson University Autism Summit
April 28, 2026
10:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Join us for an engaging day of learning, collaboration, and innovation focused on autism research at TU and beyond.
More details and registration information will be shared soon.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Autism Acceptance Month is a great time to explore what AUSOM has to offer. Whether you’re new to our community or have been involved for years, we invite you to try a new support group or join one of our regular, ongoing activities. These spaces are designed to build connection, share experiences, and offer support—at your own pace. Come as you are, reconnect with familiar faces, or meet someone new as we grow together in acceptance.
April Support Groups
Below is a listing of our monthly recurring monthly events! Please click on the buttons to learn more! We encourage you during AAM month to try a few new groups!
AUSOM Family Support Group
Virtual by Zoom | First Thursday of the Month | 7:30-9:00pm The Family Support Group provides support for families navigating the autism spectrum, from newly diagnosed individuals to adults. This traditional support and discussion group is led by parents for parents and caregivers, offering a safe space to share experiences and gain encouragement. A one time registration is required. Please CLICK HERE to register & for more information.
Navigating the Autism Journey
Virtual by Zoom | Third Wednesday of Each Month | 7:00-8:30pm
A facilitated virtual discussion group for those who parent or care for individuals with autism. Sessions feature open discussions or presentations on topics of interest to autism families and caregivers. A one time registration is required. Please CLICK HERE to register and for more information.
Grupo de Apoyo Para Padres Latinos
Virtual para Zoom o presencial | Tercer Lunes de Cada Mes | 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
La Sociedad de Autismo de Maryland invita a las familias de habla hispana con un niño en el espectro del autismo a unirse a este grupo de apoyo. Conéctese con otras familias, comparta experiencias y acceda a recursos en un ambiente acogedor. Para obtener más información y registrarse, comuníquese con nosotros.
Para más informatión llame o envie un correo-e a:
Catalina Ramos, catalina.ramos@autismsocietymd.org, 443-518-7681 Marianela Estrada, emailnella22@gmail.com, 973-223-1024 | Alex Arevalo, ax.areval1@gmail.com, 240-374-3368
Adult Sibling Support Group
Virtual by Zoom | Last Tuesday of each month | 7:00 pm
The Adult Sibling Support Group is a free group that offers support to adult siblings who are caring for sisters and brothers with a range of disabilities, not only Autism. We invite you to join us for discussions offering mutual support and resource-sharing. A one-time registration is required to receive announcements. Please CLICK HERE to register. Contact Kelly Kryspin at kelly.kryspin@autismsocietymd.org for more details.
Adult Social Group
Virtual by Zoom
One Saturday per month 5:30-6:30pm
In Person Gatherings
One Saturday per month, time is usually 5:30-7:30pm
This group is for self-advocates ages 24+ who can participate independently. Members of the group help plan Howard County-based activities sponsored by AUSOM. Individuals from all counties are welcome to attend.
A one-time registration is required to receive the monthly announcement emails. CLICK HERE to register.
Contact Kelly Kryspin at kelly.kryspin@autismsocietymd.org for more details.
Dads’ Night Out
In Person
Third Tuesday of Each Month
7:00-8:30pm
Join other dads raising children on the autism spectrum for a casual night out filled with camaraderie and connection. Dads’ Night Out provides a laid-back environment to relax, share experiences, and build friendships with others who understand your journey. Come enjoy great company and good conversation!
Contact the AUSOM office to get on the email list and receive announcements, 410-290-3466 or info@autismsocietymd.org.
Moms’ Night Out
In Person
Fourth Tuesday of Each Month
7:00-8:30pm
Take a well-deserved break and connect with other moms raising children on the autism spectrum at our Moms’ Night Out. This informal gathering offers a fun and relaxed environment to unwind, share stories, and build friendships with those who understand your journey. Join us for an evening of laughter and support!
YOGA! for All!
Virtual by Zoom
Saturdays, 3:30-4:30pm
In-Person
One Saturday per month
2:00-3:00pm
Yoga Center of Columbia
8950 MD-108 #109
Columbia, MD
Join us for free yoga with the instructors from the Yoga Center of Columbia. All ages are welcome.
CLICK HERE to complete a one-time registration to receive the Zoom links and class announcements
