Information & Resources

Family Advocacy and Parent Education Program

The Autism Society of Maryland (AUSOM) receives a Community Service Partnership (CSP) grant from the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services to provide special education advocacy and familial support for students with special education needs. Key services include one-to-one assistance and information on special education issues; one-to-one assistance on special education law and how it applies to personal circumstances; workshops and seminars on special education topics of interest: and a web-based special education news center.  Efforts through this grant have been utilized to expand our support into underserved populations including those with limited English proficiency (through translation of material into Spanish, Korean and Chinese (underway) and those with personal and home challenges through the contracting of a social worker to provide additional resources and advocacy. For more information, contact AUSOM at 410-290-3466 or info@autismsocietymd.org.

Monthly Speaker Series

Offers speakers on a variety of topics of interest to the autism community – both experts as well as parents and individuals with Autism.  Recent topics have included Housing for the Disability Community, Overview of the IEP Process, Adolescence and Autism, Cannabis and Autism, Mental Health and Autism, Extended School Year, an Annual Meeting with the HCPSS Department of Special Education, Use of Assistive Technology, Maryland ABLE Fund, Financial Planning for Special Needs Families and others.  Offered most months.  Check our calendar at autismsocietymd.org for upcoming speakers.

Special Education Advocacy

AUSOM is available to answer questions, offer support, and provide information and guidance related to special education and school system resources, including Individualized Education Program (IEP) and 504-related services.  Families can email info@autismsocietymd.org or call 410-290-3466.  Appointments can be made by request.  After the initial phone in-take through AUSOM, if deemed appropriate and necessary, AUSOM may direct families to a special education attorney or advocate; AUSOM will subsidize 45 minutes of consultative services. AUSOM has contracted with Disability Rights Maryland (DRM) to provide families with specialized guidance pertaining to special education law.  The goal is to educate families on how special education and disability law may apply to their unique situation.

Social Groups

  • Adult Social Group: Designed for independent adults with autism ages 24+, this group meets weekly for gatherings both virtually and in person.  A one-time registration is required at https://app.donorview.com/vGegx.  For more information, please email info@autismsocietymd.org.

Social Opportunities

Throughout the year, the Autism Society of Maryland hosts several social gatherings for its members and families. Whether winter (indoor) or summer (outdoor) Pool Parties, Picnic, Annual Meeting & Potluck Dinner, Sensory Friendly Movies at AMC Theatre Columbia, BINGO, family trips, sibling events or any other of our activities, we encourage families to come out and join the fun. There are many families with similar stories and experiences to share. Be part of an exciting, welcoming, and understanding community! Check our calendar at www.autismsocietymd.org for upcoming events.

Bowling League

Mt. Airy Lanes welcomes individuals with special needs and their families to its Sunday morning bowling league – Mt. Airy Strikers! Bowl 12 weeks in the spring and/or fall. $3/week includes one game of bowling and shoe rental. To learn more about the league, please email Sundaystrikersbowling@gmail.com .

FitnessFirst

Join us for these family-friendly events that offer gym activities, swimming, plus pizza and drinks scheduled throughout the year. Check out our calendar and weekly eblast for upcoming events.

Potluck Picnic & Dinner

We invite you to join us for our annual Potluck Picnic held in the spring or fall of each year at Centennial Park as well as our Potluck Dinner in December at AUSOM.  It is a great opportunity to meet other families and individuals within AUSOM! Check our calendar and weekly eblast for upcoming events.

Pool Parties

AUSOM holds pool parties (Summer & Winter ) that welcome individuals and families. Pizza, snacks and drinks will be served. Check our calendar and weekly eblast for upcoming events.

Sensory Friendly Movies

Sensory Friendly Movies are offered every month at participating AMC Theaters, including the AMC 14 Theater in Columbia, Maryland and other locations.

Special Advocacy & Resources

Our Special Education Consultant is available to answer questions, offer support, and provide information and guidance related to special education and school system resources, including Individualized Education Program (IEP) and 504-related services.  Families can email info@autismsocietymd.org or call 410-290-3466.  Appointments can be made by request.

Our Special Education Resources provide parents, educators, therapists, and others with essential resources for understanding, accessing, and succeeding in the world of special education. The information provided on the website is meant to encourage parent advocacy and promote collaboration between home and school. It is intended to educate parents on the rights guaranteed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004). And, most importantly, it is available to assist parents in finding key special education staff at the county and state levels.

Support Groups

  • Navigating the Autism Journey – This support group meets monthly for a discussion of topics of interest to family members and caregivers. For dates and more information, check the calendar at autismsocietymd.org or call 410-290-3466
  • Latino Parent Support Group  – Conducted in Spanish, this family support group meets most months at AUSOM.  Child care provided.  Consult the calendar for upcoming dates or call Marianela Estrada at  973-223-1024.  Para más información y para inscribirse, contacte a: Marianela Estrada emailnella22@gmail.com; 973-223-1024
  • AUSOM Family Support Group – A traditional social support group for parents and caregivers with children of any age with ASD. The group meets on the first Thursday of the month from 7:30-9:00pm and is facilitated by AUSOM’s Family Navigator. For dates and more information, check the calendar at autismsocietymd.org or call 410-290-3466.
  • Adult Sibling Support Group  –  Created by and for adult siblings who are supporting brothers and sisters with autism and other disabilities.  Meets monthly.  For more information contact Virginia Rodino, virginia.rodino@gmail.com  

Workshops

AUSOM Offers many workshops throughout the year! These include:

  • Special Education Workshops & Seminars to enhance parent education of special education issues.
  • Our Brown Bag Seminar Series, in partnership with Pathfinders for Autism.
  • Our frequent speaker lineup as part of our Monthly Speaker Series

Please see our calendar of events for our latest plans!

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