Navigating the Change in MCPS Special Ed WHAT THE REORGANIZATION MEANS FOR YOUR CHILD
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Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is currently in Phase 3 (of 5) of a major reorganization of special education services. xMinds recently met with Chief Student Support Officer Dr. Margaret Cage and several MCPS special education administrators to learn the goals of this reorganization and to offer some feedback.
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Dr. Cage told us that the core goal of this overhaul is to ensure that student outcomes and educational experiences are positive and measurable. More specifically for the autistic students, she is focused on providing more specialized support for autistic students in the general education setting, which will allow more autistic students to remain in general education instead of being placed in discrete programs. As we understand it, based on the MCPS presentation at the Special Education Staffing Plan Committee Meeting on March 5, this transition is scheduled to be completed by 2030, at which point autism expertise will be located in every school. While these goals are admirable, the mechanics of the transition remain unclear, and are concerning to us at xMinds and to many parents. Two challenges are apparent from the start: increasing numbers of autistic students needing support, and a severely reduced staff of autism experts. The enrollment for autistic students is projected to increase next year despite a projected decline in overall student enrollment, so the need for educators who are knowledgeable about autism is only increasing. And at the same time, the proposed budget for next year reduces the Autism Unit from 19 full time employees (FTEs) to 8.4, on top of a reduction of 3 FTEs this past year. Together these two facts are very concerning, because for decades the Autism Unit has been the exclusive repository of expertise on autism in MCPS. This small office was tasked with autism trainings, autism consults, and autism expertise in IEP meetings within MCPS. The Autism Unit provides these services to support special educators in discrete autism programs (i.e. Autism Services, CAPP, Connections, and until last year ARS) as well as educators in the general education setting whose classes include autistic students. Parents and educators have wanted more, not less, support from the Autism Unit in the past. We have not been able to learn of any plan for replacing this important source of expertise either in the short term (next year) or during the next few years during which the reorganization calls for autism expertise to be spread widely within the school system. |
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HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?
As we continue to communicate with MCPS leadership to understand how this reorganization can be achieved without harming current autistic students, we encourage you to stay informed and engaged by reviewing the FY27 operating budget tentatively adopted by the Board of Education and the Superintendent’s recommended Special Education Staffing Plan FY27. The most effective way to influence these decisions is to participate in the ongoing budget process. Use the following questions when reaching out to your school’s administration, MCPS leadership, or the Board of Education:
- With fewer available autism staff in the Autism Unit, how will my child in general education get the support they need if his/her teachers need guidance or there are issues with the IEP?
- As more autistic students are expected to enroll next year, what is the plan to make sure services don’t get stretched too thin and my child’s support doesn’t decline?
- Will my child who is currently in a high-support autism program be moved into general education, and if so, how will you provide enough support there?
Staying informed and raising these concerns ensures MCPS remains accountable to its commitment to provide every autistic student the services and supports guaranteed in their IEP.
Interested in becoming part of the volunteer team that is working to understand and inform MCPS Autism policy? Email: info@xminds.org to join our dedicated and passionate advocates. |
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Looking Forward to Autism Acceptance Month
WIDE RANGE OF EVENTS TO CELEBRATE |
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While here at xMinds we honor autism acceptance all year long, April is always an exciting time, when we celebrate Autism Acceptance Month with the wider community. Mark your calendars for these free family-friendly events to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month:
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Thursday, April 2 in Annapolis – Join the Maryland Autism Coalition for Autism Acceptance Day. xMinds is a proud member of the Coalition, which was formed in 2025 to raise awareness of issues affecting our community, specifically drowning prevention, and wandering and elopement prevention and response. In advance of Autism Acceptance Day, the coalition is looking for volunteers to help distribute pins and educational materials about autism to our elected officials in Annapolis on March 30. If you (and/or your child/ren) can volunteer in Annapolis as members of the xMinds community, please email melissa.rosenberg@autismsocietymd.org. |
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Saturday, April 18, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Shine Brighter Together at Wheaton Regional Park. Activities will include sensory-friendly story times, exercise demos, arts and crafts, performances and more. Various agencies throughout Montgomery County will be on hand to provide information about local resources. Stop by the xMinds table to meet our staff and volunteers. |
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And throughout the month, check out our resources for fun ways to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month at your child’s school and at home. You can also read about famous autistic people and cultural icons, including a new Autistic Barbie and Carl the Collector.
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Start Training for Bike to the Beach 2026 JOIN XMINDS FOR FUN RIDES THIS SPRING
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Riders with Team xMinds are all smiles at 2025 Bike to the Beach |
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The bike trails are calling – what better way to get in shape and raise money for xMinds at the same time? Bike to the Beach is xMinds’ biggest fundraiser, providing more than half of our annual budget – funds that go toward hosting speaker events, developing online resources, offering advocacy services, providing grants to teachers, and more.
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This year’s Bike to the Beach will be held on Friday, June 19. The whole route runs from Union Station, D.C. to Dewey Beach, Del., but you can choose shorter legs of 25, 50, or 70 miles. To get you ready, Team xMinds will hold a series of optional training rides throughout the spring. Our first training session is Sunday, March 29, 9 a.m., at Ken-Gar Palisades Park. Drop in and give it a whirl; no commitment required. If you have any questions, please email our Team Captain Patrick Quigley. Many of our cyclists find that training together offers a fun way to meet other xMinds families.
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If you want to “bike to the beach," sign up here to join Team xMinds and ride with us on June 19. As a rider, you can invite friends and family to support you with a donation.
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If you want to raise funds without biking on June 19, sign up here as a virtual bike rider with Team xMinds, and encourage your family and friends to support you in your fundraising efforts.
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If you want to make a donation, please show your support for xMinds by donating here. Your contributions mean a lot to us and help fund all of xMinds’ important work to improve education for autistic children in Montgomery County.
Find out more about this fundraiser on the xMinds website, where we spell out all the details about this fun and important event. |
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Join Us for Outdoor Fun
PLAYGROUND MEETUP SATURDAY, APRIL 11 |
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Spring has sprung and the kids are anxious to get outside and run around a bit. What better way to do that than spending a weekend morning in a fully-enclosed, accessible, and inclusive playground? With snacks! Join us for our first outdoor playground meetup of the year on Saturday, April 11 from 10-11:30 a.m. at the enclosed playground behind Ivymount School, 11614 Seven Locks Rd., Rockville, MD 20854. |
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The whole family is welcome -- including older siblings. Take this opportunity to network with other parents while the kids play. As always, xMinds representatives will be there to welcome you and answer any questions you might have.
Mark your calendars for the upcoming playground meetups (and don’t miss our special Sunday meetups in May and June):
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Sunday, May 17, 2-3:30 p.m.
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Sunday, June 14, 2-3:30 p.m Registration is not required but sign up here for reminders and notifications of rain dates. |
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xMinds 2026 Summer Camp Guide
SUMMER WILL BE HERE BEFORE YOU KNOW IT |
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Now that spring is finally here, summer is right around the corner. To help you plan, we’ve put together the xMinds Summer 2026 Camp Guide. Our guide features an extensive list of camps and programs that autistic kids and teens have enjoyed in past years – including day and overnight programs. |
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A new addition this year is Summer Sensations, a full-day camp in Columbia, MD. During two-week sessions, campers receive occupational therapy, speech therapy, therapeutic music, therapeutic art, gross motor instruction, self regulation group, bike riding instruction and social skills.
Also, we have new dates for the popular Surfers Healing program, which teaches autistic children how to surf in Ocean City, MD, and Virginia Beach, VA. Be sure to check our camp guide throughout the spring for updates! |
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Save the Date: Transition to Adulthood Clinic
JOIN XMINDS MAY 9 AT EVENT CO-HOSTED WITH AUSOM |
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Is your teen or young adult coming to the end of high school and you don’t know what’s next? Would you like some help in understanding your child’s options but don’t know where to look? Mark your calendars now for xMinds Transition to Adulthood Clinic: Get Professional Help Applying for DORS, DDA & SSI where you can get FREE individual guidance for your loved one (ages 14-22). Even if your child is younger, it's never too early to start learning about this important transition. |
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The in-person event, which is co-hosted with the Autism Society of Maryland (AUSOM), will be held on May 9, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., at Montgomery Blair HS, 51 University Blvd E, Silver Spring, MD 20901.
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The focus of this clinic will be helping you and your young adult understand and apply for appropriate state and federal disability benefits such as DORS, DDA, and SSI. Eric Jorgensen, Director of Special Projects at First Maryland Disability Trust, will be back again as our keynote speaker. Eric will share tips and strategies in his presentation "Navigating Transition: Autism & Adulthood" and as always, he will leave plenty of time for Q&A. |
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In addition, you can take this opportunity to get free, individual professional guidance on your transition-to-adulthood questions from our trusted experts. Stay tuned for details on how to schedule your appointment slot.
Community organizations and professional partners will display their resources, and AUSOM and xMinds staff will be available if you would like additional assistance filling out applications. No matter where you are in the process — wondering if you should apply, completing the paperwork, or filing an appeal – this clinic will have something for everyone. |
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Join Our Monthly Parent Discussion Groups
SHARE STRATEGIES WITH THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN THERE |
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As the school year is winding down (what?) and you’re probably making plans for the fall, now is the perfect time to connect with other MoCo families who have similar interests and concerns. Our monthly online discussion groups offer the perfect opportunity to chat, share experiences, and exchange ideas.
We’re currently running five groups: |
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Small Steps Together: Parents/caregivers of an autistic elementary or preschool child. Next meeting will be March 23. Register here. Let’s Talk Transitions. Parents/caregivers of an autistic child in middle or high school, approaching the transition to adulthood. Next meeting will be March 25. Register here. Hablemos Educación Especial. Spanish-speaking parents/caregivers of an autistic child. Next meeting will be April 1. Regístrese aquí. People of the Global Majority. Parents/caregivers of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students. Next meeting will be April 6. Monthly topic: School Reporting Responsibilities Register here. Lunchtime Reboot: Relax, unwind and learn some methods to beat the stress of parenting. Next meeting will be April 27. Monthly topic: Celebrating Small Wins (and Redefining Success) Register here. |
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Welcome Suzanne!
FORMER ARTIST IN RESIDENCE JOINS XMINDS STAFF |
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xMinds is thrilled to welcome Suzanne Minatra as our new Community Engagement Coordinator. In this role, Suzanne will be the point person for our volunteer outreach, as well as working with our professional members and representing xMinds at community events. Before joining the xMinds team, Suzanne worked as an Artist in Residence at Cook Children’s Hospital where she used art to help pediatric patients and their families develop positive coping skills and a sense of control and mastery. |
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In addition to her work in children's healthcare, Suzanne is a working printmaker, painter and illustrator, and has exhibited in Baltimore, New York City, the Bay Area, Texas, and Washington, D.C. Suzanne began volunteering in the autism community in high school, spending much of her time at a therapeutic riding center. In her free time, Suzanne loves to be out in the world traveling, exploring museums and local small businesses, or simply walking with her two dogs. She is an avid reader, knitter, and lifelong theatre kid.
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Welcome New Board Members NEW ENERGY AND FAMILIAR FACE |
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You’ll probably recognize xMinds’ newest board member. Steven A. 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. And we had the opportunity to feature Steven as the moderator of our autistic adult panel last spring. |
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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. |
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Michael Cordell is the founding leader of The Learning Center (TLC) located in Congress Heights in SE DC. The school serves 130 K-8 students who have exhausted the continuum of special education support at multiple schools before TLC. Michael previously served as a Chief Academic Officer at KIPP DC headquarters until 2004. Michael is deeply and personally inspired to work with the fantastic TLC staff, students and families. |
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His work as a Special Education leader was initially inspired by his mother, who spent 30 years working as a public school special education teacher on Chicago’s South Side. His daughter attended Ivymount School for eight years and graduated from Walter Johnson High School. Currently, his younger daughter is a student athlete at Winston Churchill High School. Previously, Michael was the Chief Academic Officer for Friendship Public Charter Schools, overseeing 11 schools. For four years, Michael led school turnaround efforts in partnership with D.C. and Baltimore City Public Schools. He has served as principal of an award-winning high school, and he remembers his time as a middle school/high school teacher in D.C. and at Chicago International Charter Schools. He served as Board Chair for the DC Special Education Cooperative for four years. He received his bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis, earned a master’s degree from Marquette University, and completed all coursework for a Doctorate in Education at George Washington University. Michael is excited to share his professional experience, as well as his parenting chops, with the xMinds board and wider community.
You can read about all our staff and board members on our Leadership page. |
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March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
THIS YEAR’S THEME IS “WE’RE HERE: THEN, NOW, ALWAYS” |
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Every March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, an annual campaign highlighting how people with and without disabilities form strong communities together. Created by the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), the 2026 theme is “We’re Here: Then, Now, Always.” |
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“This month is not about awareness as a one-time event. It’s a reminder that people with IDD are always here, and that all of us have a responsibility to keep learning, engaging, and building communities where everyone belongs – every day of the year.” said NACDD Executive Director Jill Jacobs.
Established in 1987, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month highlights the importance of fostering a society where people with disabilities are empowered to contribute to their communities. |
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Wrapup: xMinds Annual IEP Clinic
BAKER’S DOZEN OF CONSULTANTS PROVIDED INSIGHTS |
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Volunteer Special Education Consultants and Keynote Speaker (from left to right): Susana Barrios, Azeb Adere, Sheila Iseman, Meg Flanagan, Monica Martinez, Joanna Krill (presenter), Katie Kimball, Rachel Wills, Anneliese Girson,Melissa K. Stein (in back), Kris Hayden (in front), Katherine Thomas, Christie Mandeville
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At our 11th Annual IEP Clinic March 14, more than 65 families scheduled 1:1 private consultations with one of our 13 advocates and attorneys (see photo above), the most ever. For reference, our first event in 2016 featured just four consultants. xMinds hosted almost 100 attendees and volunteers at a brand-new location, Fusion Academy in downtown Rockville. We were proud to offer consultations in three other languages: Spanish, Mandarin and Amharic, and partnered with SEEDS (Special Education Equal Development Society) and the Ethiopian Eritrean Special Needs Community (EESNC) to broaden our outreach beyond the English-speaking community. |
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Joanna Krill presentation
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The clinic also featured keynote speaker Joanna Krill, an advocate and former special education teacher, instructional specialist, and supervisor. Krill shared her best advice on how to prepare for your child’s IEP meeting, what data to collect, and why the parent report is so important. She explained how a thoughtful, well-written parent report can be key to securing the supports and services your child needs. Parents learned what to expect -- and what NOT to expect -- from their child’s educational team. |
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Read the presentation slides here and if you missed it, check the xMinds YouTube channel in a few days where we will post the video recording. Thank you to all our volunteers, exhibitors, sponsors and staff for making this another great clinic for the books. Special thanks to Fusion Academy Rockville for providing a wonderful location for our clinic. We could not have done it without all of you. |
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Special Thanks to our Sponsors:
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xMinds Speaker Series: When Demands Become Too Much
UNDERSTANDING AUTISTIC BURNOUT WITH DR. DAVID BLACK |
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In our February 26 webinar, Center for Assessment And Treatment (CAAT) co-founder and pediatric neuropsychologist Dr. David O. Black shared strategies on how to identify and “distill” the specific demands contributing to autistic burnout, and more importantly how to prevent it from happening in the first place. In addition, the discussion helped participants understand which demands can be reduced — and which need to be directly addressed and treated — to support a more effective path to recovery. If you missed the webinar, you can watch a video recording here or on our YouTube channel. En Espanol | Read the presentation slides here.
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Ready to Help? BOOKMARK NEW XMINDS VOLUNTEER HUB |
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With a small staff and a big mission, xMinds relies on volunteers to power nearly everything we do — from staffing our IEP Clinic and bringing snacks to the playground, to advising a parent on their child's IEP. Simply put: we could not offer the breadth of services we provide without volunteers.
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Bookmark our new Volunteer Hub and check back often to explore the many ways you can get involved with xMinds as our volunteer community continues to grow.
Whether you have a few hours a month or a specific skill to share, there’s a place for you at xMinds. Together, we can strengthen our community and improve educational outcomes for autistic students in Montgomery County.
For more information or if you have any questions, please contact our Community Engagement Coordinator Suzanne Minatra at sminatra@xminds.org. |
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Monthly Series: Autistic Voices
ABSTRACT ARTIST PROVIDES WORKPLACE ADVICE |
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Mahlia Amatina, Autistic Artist
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In this month’s Autistic Voices spotlight, we highlight Mahlia Amatina, a UK-based autistic artist, who was diagnosed as an adult in 2015. According to her website, her work “uses multi-sensory experiences to give insight into life on the autistic spectrum.” In addition to her artwork, she has a special interest in autism and the workplace and building neurodivergent-friendly workspaces. |
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She has written a series of e-books about autistic burnout and autism in the workplace, which she is launching on World Autism Day (April 2) and are available to pre-order now. She also offers professional services to employers to support autistic employees, including coaching, mentoring and peer support; talks (topics include: reasonable adjustments, mental health, being diagnosed with autism as an adult, and changing careers); as well as custom-selected or designed workplace art installations.
Find Mahlia on Instagram or Facebook. |
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Professional Member Spotlight
As a benefit to both our families and professional members, xMinds publishes information about our professional members here in the xMindsWire as well as on our website. Inclusion does not constitute our endorsement. This month, xMinds would like to highlight the following new and renewing professional members:
Kingsbury Wellness & Learning Group
http://www.kingsburywellness.org/
8701 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring MD, 20910
Contact: Lauren Siegel, lsiegel@kwlg.org; 202-545-2410
Services: Behavioral therapy, Educational testing, Neuropsychological testing, Nonprofit organization, Psychological counseling, Social skills therapy
Kingsbury Wellness & Learning Group is a nonprofit team of doctoral-level psychologists who are committed to making high quality therapy and neuropsychological evaluation accessible to all families in the DMV area. We provide thorough and comprehensive services to children and adults with learning and behavioral challenges, such as autism, learning disabilities, ADHD, anxiety, and more. We have expertise in schools, special education, and compassionate, person-centered diagnosis and treatment. When families choose us for their therapy and evaluation needs, they also make a difference in the lives of less fortunate families who cannot afford to pay out of pocket. We use the proceeds from our services and invest them in programming for underserved communities.
Naomi Rubinstein LLC
North Potomac, MD
Contact: Naomi Rubinstein; naomirubinsteinllc@gmail.com; 301-509-9181
Services: Direct developmental support services, parent coaching, collaboration with schools and outside practitioners, case management, inclusion support, special education navigation, and professional development. Serving infants through 12 years old.
Naomi Rubinstein, M.Ed. partners with parents, schools, and outside practitioners to support children as they develop the tools to be resilient, social, independent and cognitively flexible teens and young adults. Naomi’s collaborative approach ensures strategies are in place throughout the week-from school to play dates to daily routines at home-thus, setting up the child for success. Areas of support: Social/emotional development, executive functioning, play, behavior, cognitive flexibility, and sibling relationships.
Shefter Law, PA
shefterlaw.com
110 N Washington St, Suite 350, Rockville, MD 20850
Contact: Frances Shefter; frances@shefterlaw.com; 301-605-7303
Services: Special education law; Educational consulting
Shefter Law, PA is a law firm dedicated to helping families have a Stress-Free IEP experience. Parents of Children with Special Needs have a ton of demands on their time and energy. Learning the complexities of how to get your child’s school to meet his or her unique needs is just one more thing you do not need on your plate. As a former Special Education teacher, Frances Shefter is uniquely able to mix Education and the Law to help take the stress out of the IEP or 504 process. She aims to empower families with the knowledge and resources needed to help bring peace and harmony to their home.
Dr. Jamell White
Services primarily provided in offices located in Rockville and Bethesda; Community-based support and virtual sessions also offered.
Contact: Dr. Jamell White; drjamellwhite@gmail.com; 301-613-1766
Services: Psychological counseling; Social skills therapy; Behavioral support
Dr. Jamell White is a therapist specializing in working with children, adolescents and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other (neuro)developmental disabilities. She has over 20 years of experience providing individual and family therapy, social skills intervention, and care coordination and consultation for individuals and their families. Dr. White is also a PEERS Certified Provider.
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Upcoming xMinds Events
XMINDS CORE EVENTS, RESOURCES & SERVICES ARE ALWAYS FREE
Monday, March 23, 7-7:45 p.m.
Small Steps Together — Parent Discussion Group
Online discussion group for MoCo parents/guardians of autistic elementary or preschool children. Register here
Wednesday, March 25, 7-7:45 p.m.
Let's Talk Transitions — Parent Discussion Group
Online discussion group for MoCo parents of autistic students in middle or high school. Register here.
Sunday, March 29, 9 a.m.
Team xMinds Training Ride
Join our first Bike to the Beach training ride at Ken-Gar Palisades Park, total distance 20 miles; Starting point: 4140 Wexford Dr, Kensington, MD 20895. All levels welcome! More details here.
Wednesday, April 1, 7-7:45 p.m.
Hablemos Educación Especial — Grupo de Discusión de Padres
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. Regístrese aquí.
Monday, April 6, 7-7:45 p.m.
People of the Global Majority — Parent Discussion Group
Online discussion group for MoCo parents/guardians of autistic children who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Register here.
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Saturday, April 11, 10-11:30 a.m.
Playground Meetup
Preschool and elementary families head back outside! Register here.
Monday, April 27, 12-12:45 p.m.
Lunchtime Reboot
Relax, unwind and learn strategies to beat the stress of parenting. March‘s topic: When Plans Change: Coping with Uncertainty and Flexibility Register here.
Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Transition to Adulthood Clinic
xMinds and AUSOM event offering free professional guidance on applying for disability benefits for your autistic teen or young adult. Register here.
Community Calendar
Our community calendar is FULL of great offerings not only from xMinds, but from professional service providers located in Montgomery County. Check out the programs and events posted on our Events Calendar.
Note: Our Events Calendar shows events on their start date, but some community programs require you to apply before the start date, so please look ahead! |
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Please consider donating to xMinds. We offer all our resources to families and educators at no cost to ensure they are accessible to everyone who needs them. Your support is essential in helping us continue this work. Every contribution makes a difference!
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