Partnership for Extraordinary Minds upcoming events

Starobin Counseling: Siblings Together Teen Night (24 Aug 2026)

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Starobin Counseling, LLC

Siblings Together: Teen Night

Dates: 4th Monday of each month - 6:00PM - 7:15PM

Location: Hybrid Virtual & In-Person (Olney, MD)

Registration: Application & intake call are required to attend. Apply here.

Cost: $85/session

Having an autistic sibling is a unique experience. In Starobin Counseling's monthly Siblings Together: Teen Night group, teens get to connect with others who have autistic siblings.

Together, they'll grow their understanding of autism and learn concrete strategies to navigate their sibling relationships.

Led by Eva Crawford, LCSW-C. Open to teens in Maryland, Virginia, DC & Colorado.

Small Steps Together -- Parents Discussion Group (24 Aug 2026)

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Hosted by the xMinds Elementary and Preschool Parent Outreach Committee

Time: 7 – 7:45 PM

Future dates: Typically the fourth Monday of every month except for holidays.

Location: Virtual -- Register to receive your Zoom link.

Cost: Free!

The xMinds Preschool and Elementary Parent Outreach Committee is hosting a monthly online discussion group for Montgomery County parents or caregivers of preschool and elementary age autistic students. Parents and caregivers in other locations are also welcome!

Take a break from your busy schedule! Put your feet up, click your link, and take this opportunity to chat, connect, and share experiences with other local parents who are on the same path. Our committee is here to help you navigate this crucial stage in your child's life.

Find resources on MCPS services and interactive map of MCPS programs on the xMinds website here: Preschool Resources and Elementary Services.

And don't miss our next in-person Playground Meetup!

Let's Talk Transitions -- Parent Discussion Group (26 Aug 2026)

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Hosted by the xMinds Committee on Student Transitions to Adulthood

Time: 7:00 PM – 7:45 PM

Future Dates: Typically the fourth Wednesday of every month with the exception of holidays.

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free

The xMinds Committee on Student Transitions to Adulthood is hosting a monthly online discussion group for Montgomery County parents of an autistic student in middle or high school. Parents in other locations are also welcome!

Take a break from your busy schedule! Put your feet up, click your link, and take this opportunity to chat, connect, and share experiences with other local parents who are considering their autistic teen's post-high school plans.

xMinds now hosts a Facebook group that shares the resources that come up in these discussions. Want to join it? Just click this link and the moderator will approve you. https://www.facebook.com/groups/618351869265897

Also, if you're looking for information, see our Transition Resources page.

Register to receive your Zoom link.

Raising Orchid Kids - Support Group for Parents of Neurodivergent Teens (28 Aug 2026)

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Raising Orchid Kids

Support Group for Parents of Neurodivergent Teens

Dates: Monthly on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month

Time: 12:00PM - 1:00PM

Cost: $44.99/month

Location: Virtual over Zoom, recording will be available to all registrants.

Registration: Click here to register.

Parenting a neurodivergent (aka “Orchid”) teen can feel overwhelming, isolating, and unpredictable. You’ve learned a lot already, but the teen years bring new challenges, questions, and moments that make you wonder “Am I doing this right?” and “What do I do now?” We want you to feel supported, understood, and equipped to parent your Orchid teen with confidence and calm.

This support group is for parents who want ongoing connection, thoughtful guidance, and practical support as they navigate the emotional and relational complexities of the teen years.

Give a Hoot Comedy Club xMinds Fundraiser with Jared Stern (29 Aug 2026)

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Give a Hoot Comedy Club Event Benefitting xMinds

Join us for a night of comedy. Enjoy laughs, Mexican food and margaritas, all while raising money for a good cause!

When: Saturday, August 29th - Doors at 7pm, show starts 8pm

Your Headliner: Jared Stern

Jared has been making complete strangers laugh at him for twenty years and counting. From humble beginnings at a hole-in-the-wall club in Baltimore in 2002, he is now the most humble person in the world, not that he’s one to brag about it. He was recently told that his comedy was “top drawer”, which is where he keeps his socks and underwear, so that makes sense.

During his career he has performed with the likes of Mike Birbiglia, Judah Friedlander, Richard Lewis, ISMO, Orny Adams, John Witherspoon, Jon Lovitz, Emo Philips, and Caroline Rhea. He was voted the 2023 & 2024 (and 2013) Best Comedian in D.C. by the readers of the Washington City Paper. He was a featured performer at the 2017 What A Joke Fest, the 2018 LaughFest, the 2019 Oak City Comedy Festival, and the 2023 & 2024 North Carolina Comedy Festival. His new album, Live On Broadway*, is available on all digital platforms. He can be seen in the comedy special, A Couple Of Characters, available on Prime Video, Apple TV+, and other streaming platforms. He is also the co-Jared Stern of the Between Two Sterns podcast.

Ticket sales for the Saturday show will benefit xMinds. Come early at 7 PM when doors open. The comedy club is located within La Mexicana Restaurant so food and drinks are available for purchase. Show starts at 8 PM!

Tickets: $20 if purchased in advance; $25 at the door visit: https://www.giveahootcomedy.com/events/130288

Lunchtime Reboot: Recharge and Prevent Parent Burnout (07 Sep 2026)

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Lunchtime Reboot

When: 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM, usually the second Monday of each month with exceptions for holidays.

Location: Virtual -- Register to receive your Zoom link.

Presenter: Magüi Moreno, Certified Mindfulness Teacher, Author and Parenting Coach

Cost: Free!

Come pamper yourself! In this one hour online session, certified mindfulness teacher and parent coach, Magüi Moreno, will share simple and realistic self-care practices specifically designed for parents of autistic children.

Avoiding parent burnout is possible: together we will explore some ways to meet your own needs at the same time as you support your child's.

Upcoming 2026 topics:

Sep. 7 - Navigating School and Services Without Burning Out
Oct. 5 - Caring For Yourself Without Guilt
Nov. 2 - The Power of Connection: Building Your Support Network
Dec. 7 - Holidays Survival Guide for Parents

Your host Magüi Moreno is a certified mindfulness teacher, parent coach and mom to a 14 year-old autistic son. She offers online courses, group facilitation and one-on-one coaching in both English and Spanish to parents of neurodivergent kids on wellbeing, emotional self-regulation and mindfulness. For more info about her work visit www.maguimoreno.com

Raising Orchid Kids - Support Group for Parents of Neurodivergent Teens (11 Sep 2026)

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Raising Orchid Kids

Support Group for Parents of Neurodivergent Teens

Dates: Monthly on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month

Time: 12:00PM - 1:00PM

Cost: $44.99/month

Location: Virtual over Zoom, recording will be available to all registrants.

Registration: Click here to register.

This support group is for parents who want ongoing connection, thoughtful guidance, and practical support as they navigate the emotional and relational complexities of the teen years.

People of the Global Majority Discussion Group (14 Sep 2026)

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Hosted by the xMinds BIPOC Committee

Future Dates: This is a continuing monthly discussion group with occasional speakers. This group typically meets the 1st Monday of every month, with adjustments for holidays.

Time: 7:00 PM – 7:45 PM

Location: Virtual (register to receive your Zoom link)

Cost: Free

People of the Global Majority is a discussion group for MoCo parents/guardians of autistic students who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), hosted by the xMinds BIPOC Outreach Committee. Daria Hall, chair of the Committee will facilitate. Guest speakers are often invited to provide information of interest to parents of autistic children. Individuals who are not BIPOC are always welcome to join our discussion group when we have a guest speaker.

Take a break from your busy schedule! Put your feet up, click your link, and take this opportunity to chat, connect, and share experiences with other parents in the BIPOC community.

** Unfortunately, we cannot offer Spanish interpretation at these discussion group sessions. **

No hay interpretación en español disponible para este evento.

Parents Together: Support for Parents of Autistic Children & Younger Teens (16 Sep 2026)

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Starobin Counseling, LLC

Parents Together Support Group for Parents of Autistic Children & Younger Teens

Date: Generally the third Wednesday of each month. See sessions list for specific dates.

Location: Virtual

Registration:

New to Parents Together? Apply here, applications are always open: https://sites.google.com/starobincounseling.com/ parents-together/im-new-here

Once your application is approved, participants can RSVP for any meeting date. Please RSVP no later than the Monday before your selected meeting date: https://sites.google.com/ starobincounseling.com/parents-together/rsvp

Cost: Pay what you can: suggested $25, minimum $5.

Parents Together offers regular meetings for parents of children & younger teens (ages 3-14) to enhance coping skills and to gain insights and understanding about the emotional impact of Autism within the family system.

Parents Together offers opportunities for parents to:

Develop supportive relationships
Share resources
Strengthen their ability to navigate the emotional and practical challenges of raising autistic family members.

Since the first meeting in 2017, Parents Together continues to offer regular, relevant, and real time connections for families.

Program flyer

Groups are facilitated by Caron Starobin, LCSW-C.

Parents Together: Support for Parents of Autistic Teens & Young Adults (17 Sep 2026)

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Starobin Counseling, LLC

Parents Together Support Group for Parents of Autistic Teens & Young Adults

Date: Generally the third Thursday of each month. See sessions list for specific dates.

Location: Virtual

Registration:

New to Parents Together? Apply here, applications are always open: https://sites.google.com/starobincounseling.com/ parents-together/im-new-here

Cost: Pay what you can: suggested $25, minimum $5.

Parents Together offers regular meetings for parents of teens and young adults (ages 15-28+) to enhance coping skills and to gain insights and understanding about the emotional impact of Autism within the family system.

Parents Together offers opportunities for parents to:

Develop supportive relationships
Share resources
Strengthen their ability to navigate the emotional and practical challenges of raising autistic family members.

Since the first meeting in 2017, Parents Together continues to offer regular, relevant, and real time connections for families.

Program flyer

Groups are facilitated by Caron Starobin, LCSW-C.

Preschool and Elementary Parents Open Gym/Playground Meetup (19 Sep 2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Hosted by the xMinds Preschool and Elementary Parent Outreach Committee

Location: Playground in back of Ivymount School at 11614 Seven Locks Rd. Rockville, MD 20854

Future dates: Typically the third Saturday of each month, 10-11:30 a.m. with the exception of holidays. In May and June, we will meet on Sundays from 2-3:30 p.m.

Cost: Free!

The xMinds Preschool and Elementary Parent Outreach Committee is hosting a monthly meetup for parents of young autistic students who want to connect in person! Your whole family is welcome -- bring siblings even if they're not elementary or preschool age.

Take this opportunity to meet other local parents while your kids enjoy themselves on the playground (and in colder months at an elementary school gym). Snacks will be provided!

Registration is so we can send you an email reminder and email updates in case the event is cancelled due to inclement weather but is not required to attend.

Organizado por el xMinds Preschool and Elementary Parent Outreach Committee

Fechas futuras: Por lo general, el tercer sábado de cada mes, de 10 a 11:30 a.m., con la excepción de los días festivos.

Ubicación: Patio de recreo detrás de Ivymount School, 11614 Seven Locks Rd. Rockville, MD 20854

Acompáñenos para conocer a otros padres y cuidadores de preescolares autistas y niños de primaria. Melanie Carlos, Directora ejecutiva de xMinds, estará alli y proveerá merienda.

Toda su familia es bienvenida — hermanos mayores y menores también!

Regístrese para recibir recordatorios y un correo electrónico por si tenemos que cancelar el evento.

Let's Talk Transitions -- Parent Discussion Group (23 Sep 2026)

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Hosted by the xMinds Committee on Student Transitions to Adulthood

Time: 7:00 PM – 7:45 PM

Future Dates: Typically the fourth Wednesday of every month with the exception of holidays.

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free

Also, if you're looking for information, see our Transition Resources page.

Register to receive your Zoom link.

Raising Orchid Kids - Support Group for Parents of Neurodivergent Teens (25 Sep 2026)

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Raising Orchid Kids

Support Group for Parents of Neurodivergent Teens

Dates: Monthly on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month

Time: 12:00PM - 1:00PM

Cost: $44.99/month

Location: Virtual over Zoom, recording will be available to all registrants.

Registration: Click here to register.

This support group is for parents who want ongoing connection, thoughtful guidance, and practical support as they navigate the emotional and relational complexities of the teen years.

Starobin Counseling: Siblings Together Teen Night (28 Sep 2026)

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Starobin Counseling, LLC

Siblings Together: Teen Night

Dates: 4th Monday of each month - 6:00PM - 7:15PM

Location: Hybrid Virtual & In-Person (Olney, MD)

Registration: Application & intake call are required to attend. Apply here.

Cost: $85/session

Having an autistic sibling is a unique experience. In Starobin Counseling's monthly Siblings Together: Teen Night group, teens get to connect with others who have autistic siblings.

Together, they'll grow their understanding of autism and learn concrete strategies to navigate their sibling relationships.

Led by Eva Crawford, LCSW-C. Open to teens in Maryland, Virginia, DC & Colorado.

Small Steps Together -- Parents Discussion Group (28 Sep 2026)

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Hosted by the xMinds Elementary and Preschool Parent Outreach Committee

Time: 7 – 7:45 PM

Future dates: Typically the fourth Monday of every month except for holidays.

Location: Virtual -- Register to receive your Zoom link.

Cost: Free!

Find resources on MCPS services and interactive map of MCPS programs on the xMinds website here: Preschool Resources and Elementary Services.

And don't miss our next in-person Playground Meetup!

Center for Assessment and Treatment: Elementary Social Skills Group (01 Oct 2026)

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Center for Assessment and Treatment

PEERS® Social Program for Tweens & Teens

Location: 8401 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 700, Chevy Chase, MD 20815-5800

Cost: Contact coordinator@caatonline to inquire

Dates: Sessions run weekly on Thursdays from 5:00p.m. to 6:00p.m. from October 2026 to January 2027.

Registration: Interested families should complete an online application on our website. Once your application is received, our group coordinator will reach out to complete a 20 minute phone screen to provide additional information about the group, answer any questions you may have about the program, and discuss our intake process.

The Center for Assessment and Treatment presents an in-person 12-week evidence-based program designed to improve the social skills of elementary-aged children. This program is delivered through structured, play-based lessons that use stories and visual to explicitly teach social thinking skills. In the child group, participants will learn joint attention and group participation, perspective-taking, self-regulation and impulse control, flexible thinking and social problem-solving, emotional awareness and coping skills, and nonverbal communication.

In the required parent/caregiver group, participants will learn how to support their child in using social skills, become effective social coaches, incorporate skills their child is learning into everyday situations, maintain skills across time and setting, and having successful playdates.

PEERS® Social Program for Tweens & Teens (01 Oct 2026)

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 21:15:00 GMT

DC Peers

PEERS® Social Program for Tweens & Teens

Location: Virtual

Cost: Contact administration@alliancepediatrics.com to inquire

Dates: Weekly on Thursdays from 5:15 to 6:45pm (90 minutes)

Registration: Participants must complete a 20-minute meet-and-greet to ensure that the student and family can benefit from the program. Complete this interest form to begin the application process.

Social program that follows the UCLA PEERS curriculum combined with social thinking and other supportive therapeutic interventions to maximize social growth.

Topics include: entering and exiting conversations, dealing with teasing/taunting/bullying, communicating with peers via text/phone/chat, choosing friend groups, learning tools to build friendships into meaningful relationships, appropriate use of humor, planning and going to hangouts, and dealing with rejection.

Lunchtime Reboot: Recharge and Prevent Parent Burnout (05 Oct 2026)

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Lunchtime Reboot

When: 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM, usually the second Monday of each month with exceptions for holidays.

Location: Virtual -- Register to receive your Zoom link.

Presenter: Magüi Moreno, Certified Mindfulness Teacher, Author and Parenting Coach

Cost: Free!

Avoiding parent burnout is possible: together we will explore some ways to meet your own needs at the same time as you support your child's.

Upcoming 2026 topics:

Sep. 7 - Navigating School and Services Without Burning Out
Oct. 5 - Caring For Yourself Without Guilt
Nov. 2 - The Power of Connection: Building Your Support Network
Dec. 7 - Holidays Survival Guide for Parents

People of the Global Majority Discussion Group (05 Oct 2026)

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Hosted by the xMinds BIPOC Committee

Future Dates: This is a continuing monthly discussion group with occasional speakers. This group typically meets the 1st Monday of every month, with adjustments for holidays.

Time: 7:00 PM – 7:45 PM

Location: Virtual (register to receive your Zoom link)

Cost: Free

Take a break from your busy schedule! Put your feet up, click your link, and take this opportunity to chat, connect, and share experiences with other parents in the BIPOC community.

** Unfortunately, we cannot offer Spanish interpretation at these discussion group sessions. **

No hay interpretación en español disponible para este evento.

Center for Assessment and Treatment: Unstuck and on Target® Elementary School (07 Oct 2026)

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Center for Assessment and Treatment

Unstuck and on Target® Elementary School

Location: 8401 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 700, Chevy Chase, MD 20815-5800

Cost: Contact coordinator@caatonline to inquire

Dates: Sessions run weekly on Wednesdays from 5:00p.m. to 6:00p.m. from October 2026 to January 2027.

Center for Assessment and Treatment: Unstuck and on Target® Middle School (07 Oct 2026)

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Center for Assessment and Treatment

Unstuck and on Target® Middle School

Location: 8401 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 700, Chevy Chase, MD 20815-5800

Cost: Contact coordinator@caatonline to inquire

Dates: Sessions run weekly on Wednesday evenings from October 2026 to January 2027.

Registration process:

Complete the confidential online application.
A member of our staff will process the application and call to schedule a free phone intake to discuss program details.
Following the intake, both the parent and student enrolling in the program must attend a 1-hour group intake session to determine if admission to the program and cohort are appropriate.

The Center for Assessment and Treatment is offering Unstuck and on Target® for middle schoolers. Unstuck and on Target® is a 12 week executive function intervention that targets goal setting and flexible problem solving. The program offers an engaging, interactive curriculum, adapted for adolescents from the research-based curriculum presented in Unstuck and On Target®.

Unstuck and on Target® is appropriate for middle school students who are performing on grade level, are highly verbal, and can access a verbally based instructional format. Adolescents struggling with flexibility, problem solving, goal setting, motivation, and follow through benefit from the skills taught in this program. Group sizes are small to allow for individualized attention. Parents are required to attend parent-group sessions where they learn to apply strategies and interventions from Unstuck and on Target® in daily life.

PEERS® Unstuck and on Target® Middle School (07 Oct 2026)

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 22:00:00 GMT

DC Peers

Unstuck and on Target® Middle School

Location: 8401 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 700, Chevy Chase, MD 20815-5800

Cost: Contact coordinator@caatonline.com to inquire

Dates: Weekly on Wednesday evenings, October 2026 to January 2027

Registration: Applicants must complete an online application and in-person intake prior to enrollment in the group. In-person intakes must be completed on or before Thursday, July 23rd. Complete this interest form to begin the application process.

The Center for Assessment and Treatment is offering Unstuck and on Target® for middle schoolers. Unstuck and on Target® is a 12 week executive function intervention that targets goal setting and flexible problem solving. The program offers an engaging, interactive curriculum, adapted for adolescents from the research-based curriculum presented in Unstuck and On Target®.

Center for Assessment and Treatment: Elementary Social Skills Group (08 Oct 2026)

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Center for Assessment and Treatment

PEERS® Social Program for Tweens & Teens

Location: 8401 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 700, Chevy Chase, MD 20815-5800

Cost: Contact coordinator@caatonline to inquire

Dates: Sessions run weekly on Thursdays from 5:00p.m. to 6:00p.m. from October 2026 to January 2027.

Raising Orchid Kids - Support Group for Parents of Neurodivergent Teens (09 Oct 2026)

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Raising Orchid Kids

Support Group for Parents of Neurodivergent Teens

Dates: Monthly on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month

Time: 12:00PM - 1:00PM

Cost: $44.99/month

Location: Virtual over Zoom, recording will be available to all registrants.

Registration: Click here to register.

This support group is for parents who want ongoing connection, thoughtful guidance, and practical support as they navigate the emotional and relational complexities of the teen years.

Center for Assessment and Treatment: Unstuck and on Target® Elementary School (14 Oct 2026)

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Center for Assessment and Treatment

Unstuck and on Target® Elementary School

Location: 8401 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 700, Chevy Chase, MD 20815-5800

Cost: Contact coordinator@caatonline to inquire

Dates: Sessions run weekly on Wednesdays from 5:00p.m. to 6:00p.m. from October 2026 to January 2027.

PEERS® Unstuck and on Target® Middle School (14 Oct 2026)

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 22:00:00 GMT

DC Peers

Unstuck and on Target® Middle School

Location: 8401 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 700, Chevy Chase, MD 20815-5800

Cost: Contact coordinator@caatonline.com to inquire

Dates: Weekly on Wednesday evenings, October 2026 to January 2027

Center for Assessment and Treatment: Elementary Social Skills Group (15 Oct 2026)

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Center for Assessment and Treatment

PEERS® Social Program for Tweens & Teens

Location: 8401 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 700, Chevy Chase, MD 20815-5800

Cost: Contact coordinator@caatonline to inquire

Dates: Sessions run weekly on Thursdays from 5:00p.m. to 6:00p.m. from October 2026 to January 2027.

Preschool and Elementary Parents Open Gym/Playground Meetup (17 Oct 2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT