Partnership for Extraordinary Minds upcoming events

Starobin Counseling: Support for Siblings of Autistic Kids (02 Jun 2026)

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Starobin Counseling, LLC

Support for Siblings of Autistic Kids

Dates: Meets Tuesdays every other week between February 10th and June 2nd, 2026 from 6:00PM to 7:00PM

Location: Virtual

Registration: Application & screening are required. Apply here.

Cost: $85/session

Having an autistic sibling is a unique experience.

Siblings Together groups give your child the opportunity to be a part of a collective that shares similar experiences and faces similar challenges.

Starobin Counseling’s Sibling Support Group provides a supportive and therapeutic environment for children who have autistic siblings.

The Siblings Together group for kids & tweens (ages 8-13) is open to residents of Maryland, Virginia, Colorado and DC.

Groups are facilitated by Caron Starobin, LCSW-C.

Hablemos Educación Especial -- Grupo de Discusión de Padres (03 Jun 2026)

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Organizado por el Comité de Hispano de xMinds

Fecha: Por lo general, el primer miércoles de cada mes, con excepciones para los días festivos.

Hora: 7:00 PM - 7:45 PM

Ubicación: Virtual (regístrese para recibir su enlace de Zoom)

Costo: Gratis

El comité de xMinds sobre el alcance del idioma español está organizando un grupo de discusión en línea mensual en español para los padres de un estudiante autista del condado de Montgomery.

¡Tómese un descanso de su apretada agenda! Ponga los pies en alto, haga clic en su enlace y aproveche esta oportunidad para charlar, conectarse y compartir experiencias con otros padres de habla hispana que están criando a un niño autista y navegando por la educación especial en MoCo.

Hosted by the xMinds Spanish Language Outreach Committee

Dates: Typically the first Wednesday of every month with adjustments for holidays.

Time: 7:00 PM – 7:45 PM

Location: Virtual (register to receive your Zoom link)

Cost: Free

The xMinds committee on Spanish Language Outreach is hosting a monthly online discussion group in Spanish for Montgomery County parents of an autistic student.

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 Spanish-speaking parents who are raising an autistic child and navigating special education in MoCo.

Autistic Self-Advocates Panel - The Freedom to Be: A Panel on Autistic Masking and Community Acceptance (09 Jun 2026)

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT

xMinds Autistic Self Advocates Panel

The Freedom to Be: A Panel on Autistic Masking and Community Acceptance

Moderated by Steven Isaacson, LMSW

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free

When: Tuesday, June 9th

Join us for this year’s Annual Autistic Self-Advocates Panel focused on masking, self-regulation, burnout, and the supports that help autistic people thrive authentically.

Autistic people often use strategies such as stimming, pacing, and other regulation techniques to maintain well-being and prevent burnout—yet these behaviors are frequently misunderstood or discouraged. This panel will explore from the autistic perspective what helps reduce the need to mask, the types of environments and relationships that support authentic self-expression, and how understanding from others can make a meaningful difference in preventing overwhelm and meltdowns.

MODERATOR:

Steven Isaacson, LMSW is a licensed social worker and autistic self-advocate whose work spans direct support, community building, and federal policy for neurodivergent individuals. He centers his practice on reducing stigma, promoting disability justice, and helping individuals and families strengthen their wellness toolboxes. During the Biden Administration, Steven served in the NIMH Office of the National Autism Coordinator, where he supported the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC). He has facilitated social and support groups for autistic youth and adults at organizations including Upcounty Community Resources, DC Peers, and the Hussman Center for Adults with Autism. Steven holds an MSW from the University of Maryland, Baltimore with a focus on Employee Assistance Programs and Organizational Leadership.

PANEL MEMBERS:

Avi Krishan, Lead Facilitator, DC PEERS

Ben VanHook, Autistic, speaker/writer/blogger/presenter on disability, equity, and inclusion

Dr. Zosia Zaks, Zaks Autism Consulting

Live Spanish Translation will be available during the webinar/Habrá interpretación en vivo al español durante el seminario web.

Panel de Autodefensores Autistas de xMinds

La libertad de ser: Un panel sobre el enmascaramiento autista y la aceptación comunitaria

Moderado por Steven Isaacson, LMSW

Ubicación: Virtual

Precio: Gratis

Cuándo: Martes, el 9 de junio, de 19:00 a 20:30.

Acompáñenos en el Panel Anual de Autogestores de este año, centrado en el enmascaramiento, la autorregulación, el agotamiento y los apoyos que ayudan a las personas autistas a prosperar de manera auténtica.

Las personas autistas a menudo recurren a estrategias como el *stimming*, el caminar de un lado a otro y otras técnicas de regulación para mantener su bienestar y prevenir el agotamiento; sin embargo, estos comportamientos son frecuentemente malinterpretados o desalentados. Este panel explorará, desde la perspectiva autista, qué elementos contribuyen a reducir la necesidad de enmascararse, qué tipos de entornos y relaciones favorecen la autoexpresión auténtica, y cómo la comprensión por parte de los demás puede marcar una diferencia significativa en la prevención de la sobrecarga y las crisis (*meltdowns*).

MODERADOR:

Steven A. Isaacson, LMSW, es un trabajador social con licencia y autodefensor autista cuya labor abarca el apoyo directo, la construcción de comunidad y la política federal para personas neurodivergentes. Centra su práctica en reducir el estigma, promover la justicia para las personas con discapacidad y ayudar a individuos y familias a fortalecer sus recursos para el bienestar. Durante la administración Biden, Steven prestó servicio en la Oficina del Coordinador Nacional de Autismo del NIMH, donde brindó apoyo al Comité Interinstitucional de Coordinación sobre el Autismo (IACC). Ha facilitado grupos sociales y de apoyo para jóvenes y adultos autistas en organizaciones como Upcounty Community Resources, DC Peers y el Hussman Center for Adults with Autism. Steven posee una Maestría en Trabajo Social (MSW) por la Universidad de Maryland en Baltimore, con especialización en Programas de Asistencia al Empleado y Liderazgo Organizacional.

MIEMBROS DEL PANEL:

Avi Krishan, Facilitador principal, DC PEERS

Ben VanHook, Persona autista; orador, escritor, bloguero y presentador sobre discapacidad, equidad e inclusión

Dr. Zosia Zaks, Zaks Autism Consulting

Training Rides for Bike to the Beach 2026 (14 Jun 2026)

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

xMinds Bike to the Beach 2026: Training Rides

Interested in joining the xMinds bike group for a beautiful bike ride on a weekend morning? Everyone is welcome!

We hope you will decide to join Team xMinds for our Bike to the Beach Fundraiser on Friday, June 19th, but feel free to join us for these training rides even if you can't!

For more information or to show your support click here.

Contact: Please email our Team Captain Patrick Quigley to tell him you'll be joining us. He will contact you with more details and updates.

Schedule and locations of practice rides:

Sunday, March 29th @ 9:00am

Ken-Gar Palisades Park, total distance 20 miles

Starting point: 4140 Wexford Dr, Kensington, MD 20895

Saturday, April 19 @ 9:00am

Shirlington to Vienna and back on W&OD Trail, total distance 25 miles

Starting point: W&OD Trailhead, Shirlington Rd. & S. Four Mile Run Dr., Arlington, VA 22206

Sunday, May 3 @ 9:00am

Mt. Vernon to National Harbor & back, total distance 30 miles

Starting point: Chalkboard Wings & BBQ, 8723 Cooper Rd, Alexandria, VA 22309

Sunday, May 17 @ 9:00am

Rock Creek Park Trail from Lake Needwood to US Park Police Station D3 (Joyce Road) and back, total distance 35 miles

Starting point: Lake Needwood Parking Lot, Derwood, MD 20855

Sunday, May 31 @ 9:00am

Shirlington to Herndon and back on W&OD Trail, total distance 40 miles

Starting point: W&OD Trailhead, Shirlington Rd. & S. Four Mile Run Dr., Arlington, VA 22206

Sunday, June 14 @ 9:00am

Hains Point/East Potomac Park (taper ride), total distance 21 miles

Starting point: Hains Point/East Potomac Park, Southernmost Parking Lot, Ohio Dr SW, Washington, DC 20024

Ride day is Friday, June 19th!

Preschool and Elementary Parents Open Gym/Playground Meetup (14 Jun 2026)

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 18:00:00 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.

Lunchtime Reboot: Recharge and Prevent Parent Burnout (15 Jun 2026)

Mon, 15 Jun 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:

Jun. 15 - Finding Joy Again: Reconnecting with What Lights You Up
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

Parents Together: Support for Parents of Autistic Children & Younger Teens (17 Jun 2026)

Wed, 17 Jun 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 (18 Jun 2026)

Thu, 18 Jun 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.

Club Alliance Social-Emotional Fall Program (22 Jun 2026)

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Alliance Pediatrics

Club Alliance Social-Emotional Fall Program

Location: 1901 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20852

Cost: Dependent upon weeks attending. Full to partial coverage for the Club A therapeutic summer program may be available through out of network benefits. Contact Alliance Pediatrics for more information.

Dates: There is a 3 week session and a 1 week mini-session. Participants may sign up by the week. It is recommended to begin on a Monday and finish out the week to receive full instruction.

Registration: Participants need to fill out an interest form to be reviewed. Deadline varies depending on enrollment numbers. There is often a waitlist, so interested families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Empowering kids to face fears, manage emotions and become social rockstars! This is a summer camp that helps children accept difficult emotions while learning ways to feel calm and become socially confident. We offer an emotional component that includes regulation strategies, identifying and handling unhelpful thoughts and more. Our social component includes conversation skills, dealing with teasing, social problem solving and more. Supplemental lessons teach campers about the different factors that impact our social emotional health, like nutrition, sleep, and daily gratitude.

We want to have FUN in summer! We are successful when children don't want to leave and they can't wait to come back. Our #1 goal is for kids to ENJOY THEMSELVES (while learning life skills). Children learn best when they are engaged! Once we know our enrolled participants, we like to incorporate THEIR interests into the social enrichment and emotion regulation curriculum.

See flyer for more details.

Small Steps Together -- Parents Discussion Group (22 Jun 2026)

Mon, 22 Jun 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 (24 Jun 2026)

Wed, 24 Jun 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.

Hablemos Educación Especial -- Grupo de Discusión de Padres (01 Jul 2026)

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Organizado por el Comité de Hispano de xMinds

Fecha: Por lo general, el primer miércoles de cada mes, con excepciones para los días festivos.

Hora: 7:00 PM - 7:45 PM

Ubicación: Virtual (regístrese para recibir su enlace de Zoom)

Costo: Gratis

El comité de xMinds sobre el alcance del idioma español está organizando un grupo de discusión en línea mensual en español para los padres de un estudiante autista del condado de Montgomery.

Hosted by the xMinds Spanish Language Outreach Committee

Dates: Typically the first Wednesday of every month with adjustments for holidays.

Time: 7:00 PM – 7:45 PM

Location: Virtual (register to receive your Zoom link)

Cost: Free

The xMinds committee on Spanish Language Outreach is hosting a monthly online discussion group in Spanish for Montgomery County parents of an autistic student.

People of the Global Majority Discussion Group (06 Jul 2026)

Mon, 06 Jul 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 (15 Jul 2026)

Wed, 15 Jul 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

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

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 (16 Jul 2026)

Thu, 16 Jul 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 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 (18 Jul 2026)

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT