Upcoming Webinar Offers New Insights on Autism
JOIN US FOR A DISCUSSION WITH THE WRITERS OF "IS THIS AUTISM?" |
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Are you hoping to gain a better understanding of your autistic child? Join us on Tuesday, December 5, at 7:00 PM, for an online presentation that promises to deepen your perspective and change the way you think about autism.
The authors of the new bestselling book Is This Autism? A Guide for Clinicians and Everyone Else will discuss autism diagnosis criteria, as well as the autistic experience, sharing nuances and insights from their many years working with autistic individuals. |
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You’ll hear from Donna Henderson, a clinical psychologist, specializing in neuropsychological evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults; Sarah Wayland, founder of Guiding Exceptional Parents, who provides neurodiversity-affirmative support, education, and community for parents of neurodivergent children; and Jamell White, a therapist and social worker, who specializes in working with autistic children, adolescents, and adults.
Though our understanding of autism has greatly expanded over the years, many autistic individuals are still misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or completely missed. Donna, Sarah, and Jamell offer a deep, current, and neurodiversity-affirmative understanding that can help strengthen your ability to relate to your child and advocate for their needs. We’ll leave time for any questions you have for these three experienced clinicians.
This event is FREE and will be held over Zoom, with simultaneous Spanish interpretation. Register here to receive the link. |
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Jamell White, Ph.D., LCSW-C
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See You at the Playground, Sat., November 18!
MEETUP FOR ELEMENTARY AND PRESCHOOL FAMILIES |
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Join us Saturday, November 18, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM, for our final playground meetup of 2023. All MoCo families with autistic elementary and preschool students are invited for some family fun at the enclosed playground behind Ivymount School, 11614 Seven Locks Rd., Rockville, MD.
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Enjoy some outdoor time before the cold days of winter set in. Children can practice their social skills as they climb, swing, and explore the playground with their peers. Meanwhile, parents can connect and exchange resources and information. We’ll provide snacks, and xMinds staff and volunteers will be available to answer questions.
There’s no cost to attend, and registration is not required. If you would like to receive event reminders and an email notification if we need to postpone because of inclement weather, sign up here.
We will take a break from our meetups during December, and will then shift to open gym meetups for the winter, starting on Saturday, January 20. Stay tuned for more details! |
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Calm Your Holiday Stress with xMinds
UPCOMING PROGRAMS TO HELP FAMILIES COPE
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The holiday season can bring joy and excitement, but it’s also a stressful time for many autistic children and their families. ’Tis the season for sensory overload, changes in routine, and social situations that can be difficult to navigate. xMinds is offering two programs to help you and your children cope: |
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Stress on the Spectrum. The xMinds Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Outreach Committee invites all families with autistic students to a free presentation on “Stress on the Spectrum,” Monday, December 4, at 7:00 PM, during its People of the Global Majority online discussion group. Dr. Jenny Mai Phan, a postdoctoral researcher at the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at Children's National Hospital, will join us to talk about identifying and managing stress in autistic children. Register here for this free online event. |
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The Holiday Survival Guide for Parents. This free online series explores ways that parents can cope with their own holiday stress, including adjustments and mindfulness practices. Three one-hour sessions will be held on Tuesdays, November 28, December 5, and December 12, noon – 1:00 PM. Magüi Moreno, certified mindfulness teacher and autism mom, will lead each session, which includes a talk, a short guided meditation, and discussion time. Register here for this free online event.
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Thanks for a Great IEP Clinic!
MORE THAN 50 FAMILIES RECEIVED FREE IEP CONSULTS |
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It was wonderful to see so many of you in person at the xMinds Annual IEP Clinic on Saturday, November 4. This was our largest clinic ever!
With the help of ten professional educational advocates—more than ever before—we provided free 25-minute IEP consults to over 50 families, a new record.
Thanks to a grant from Montgomery County, the clinic was held at Silver Spring’s Montgomery Blair H.S. for the first time, giving us ample space to offer free consults in addition to our featured presentations, which drew a crowd of interested parents and caregivers.
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xMinds greets families at Nov. 4 IEP Clinic |
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Our two expert speakers shared valuable information about how to advocate for students through the IEP process. Educational consultant Donna Sagona, of the Educational Resources Group of Greater Washington, examined the components of the IEP document and provided tips on how to support your children’s needs by developing a quality IEP. Attorney Kimberly Glassman, with the Law Office of Brian K. Gruber, explored the avenues families can pursue when they disagree with the IEP team. It was great to see so many parents engaged in these presentations and taking advantage of the opportunity to ask questions to these experts. To allow for candid conversations, the speakers were not recorded; however, you can view the presentation slides.
Special thanks to the generous sponsors of this year’s IEP Clinic: The Chesapeake Center, Law Office of Brian K. Gruber, P.C., MOCO Movement Center Pediatric Therapy & Kids Classes, Raising Orchid Kids, and Shefter Law, P.A. Thank you to Giant Food and Starbucks for donating snacks and beverages for attendees to enjoy.
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Thank you to the local educational consultants who generously volunteered their time and offered free IEP consults: (Pictured left to right) Sheila Iseman of SCI Educational Consultants, Inc., Shari Perry of Perry Educational Consultants, Katherine Thomas, Esq. of Ally Legal Planning, Stacy Ganz Kahn and Donna Sagona of Educational Resources Group of Greater Washington, Frances Shefter of Shefter Law, P.A., Anneliese Girson of Ascend Ed LLC, Joanna Salzman of JMS Education Consulting, Monica Martinez of Martinez Advocacy. Susana Barrios (pictured above) of Disability Rights Maryland offered consultations in Spanish. |
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xMinds Stands Up Against Disparities COALITION ADVOCATES FOR EQUITABLE ACCESS TO SERVICES FOR HISPANICS AND OTHER UNDERSERVED GROUPS
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The disparity is clear: 14% of Maryland’s autistic public school students are Hispanic, but Hispanic students receive only 4% of the state’s Autism Waivers. xMinds is one of 20 Maryland disability organizations calling for immediate action to address disparities for Hispanics and other underserved people with disabilities.
The coalition of organizations is called Enriqueciendo Vidas, meaning “enriching lives,” which is what disability services do for people who are fortunate enough to access them. On October 23, the coalition asked Gov. Wes Moore’s administration and elected officials across the state to take action by:
- Requiring Language Access Plans and providing funding for their implementation, and
- Funding grants to the nonprofit sector to provide outreach, education, training, and individualized guidance to underserved populations.
To learn more about these concerning inequities and our proposed solutions, click here to read in English and here for Spanish. Sign on to show your support, and please forward the link to others.
The coalition of organizations is called Enriqueciendo Vidas, meaning “enriching lives,” which is what disability services do for people who are fortunate to access them
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Is It Time for a Tutor?
CHECK OUT XMINDS’ TUTORING RESOURCES |
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With report cards released last week for MCPS students, you may be realizing that your child is struggling in certain areas and could benefit from the help of a tutor. Check out xMinds’ list of Tutoring Resources. All of the tutors listed have training in special education and experience with special education students. The right tutor could help make the difference in your child’s academic success. |
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Since parent-teacher conferences are scheduled for next week at many MCPS schools, this is a good time to get teacher feedback and see how a tutor could best assist your student and help them reach their goals. |
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Book Spotlight: What I Mean When I Say I’m Autistic
DOWNLOAD A FREE COPY TODAY
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For a limited time, you can download a free copy of What I Mean When I Say I’m Autistic: Unpuzzling a Life on the Spectrum by local author and xMinds member Annie Kotowicz. In this mix of memoir and manifesto, Annie shares the trials and triumphs of her life before and after diagnosis as a young adult. Drawing on stories from her blog Neurobeautiful — along with memories never shared before — Kotowicz offers insights and encouragement to anyone who wants to understand autism better. |
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Now on YouTube: How to Get the Most Out of Your Child's Neuropsych Evaluation |
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If you missed our recent presentation by pediatric neuropsychologist Dr. David O. Black, director of the Center for Assessment and Treatment, on “How to Get the Most From Your Child’s Neuropsych Evaluation,” you can watch it on the xMinds YouTube Channel. |
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Whether you’re preparing for an evaluation or trying to interpret the results from a recent one, or seeking ways to leverage the information to advocate for your child, you’ll want to hear these valuable pointers from Dr. Black, an internationally recognized expert in autism spectrum and related disorders.
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Dr. Black's presentation included strategies on how to apply findings from the neuropsych evaluation to the IEP. |
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Thank You, xMinds Supporters! |
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As Thanksgiving approaches, xMinds would like to thank everyone who works to improve education for MoCo autistic students. A heartfelt thank-you to our board members, advisory council, committee members, and other volunteers who put in countless hours planning speaker events and playground meetups, providing guidance to parents of autistic students, developing website resources, leading discussion groups, and processing grants to educators.
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Thanks as well to our generous financial supporters who make it possible for us to offer our programs and resources for free. And, special thanks to the MoCo educators who support autistic students, day-in and day-out.
If you want to join our team of volunteers or make a financial donation, we welcome your support! Contact us at info@xminds.org or donate here.
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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:
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The Chesapeake Center, ADHD Learning & Behavioral Health
6430 Rockledge Dr., Suite 500, Bethesda, MD 20817
www.chesapeakeadd.com
Contact: Kathleen Nadeau; kathleennadeau@chesapeakeadd.com; 301-562-8448
Services: Medical/medicine management; Psychological counseling; Behavioral therapy; Educational consulting; Educational testing; Neuropsychological testing; Academic tutoring/coaching; College placement assistance; Behavioral support; Medicine management
The Chesapeake Center is an ADHD, Learning and Behavioral Health clinic that offers a broad range of services to people across the lifespan. We provide individualized and integrated care all in one location using a team-based approach. Our services include: developmental and behavioral pediatrics, psychotherapy, psychiatry/medication management, a comprehensive array of assessments, including neuropsychological and psychoeducational testing, tutoring and study skills support, executive functioning coaching, specialized career services, school consultations/observations, and therapeutic placement services. We believe in treating the whole person, taking a strengths-based and solution-focused approach.
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DC Social Hikes www.dcsocialhikes.com
Contact: Lauren Devine; DCsocialhikes@gmail.com; 202-422-2315
Services: Social skills therapy, Athletics, Recreations support
Inclusive hikes for kids and teens in DC to improve social skills, have fun, and connect with nature. The goal is to empower kids to form lasting friendships and take on the world with empathy, knowledge, and confidence.
Law Office of Brian K. Gruber, P.C.
6110 Executive Blvd., Ste. 220, Rockville, MD 20852
www.bkgpc.com
Contact: Brian K. Gruber, Esq.; brian.gruber@bkgpc.com; 301-657-3777
Services: Special education law including consultation, representation at IEP meetings, conflict resolution, mediation, and due process hearings; educational consulting; financial and trust management
The Law Office of Brian K. Gruber, P.C. represents students and their parents in matters related to special education, access to appropriate accommodations under section 504, and students who are facing long-term suspension or expulsion. By developing and maintaining strong relationships with public school agencies in Maryland and DC, our office is often able to help achieve a positive outcome for our clients without the need for litigation. Our staff of attorneys have handled hundreds of due process hearings and mediations across Maryland and the District of Columbia.
Martinez Advocacy 10605 Concord St., Ste. 102, Kensington, MD 20895 www.martinezadvocacy.com Contact: Monica Martinez; mmartinez@martinezadvocacy.com; 202-255-7842
Services: Special education advocacy
Monica Martinez is a special education advocate working with families in Montgomery County, MD. Through her seven plus years of involvement in Partnership for Extraordinary Minds (xMinds), Monica developed an in-depth understanding of how Montgomery County Public Schools educates students on the autism spectrum and how to navigate the district’s special education system.
Monica’s areas of expertise are services and accommodations for students on the autism spectrum, as well as those with ADHD and/or co-occurring mental health issues. Monica also works to help parents and guardians understand the educational rights of their children.
Monica has attended Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Training and completed the yearlong Special Education Advocate Training (SEAT) 2.0 through the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA).
Spectrum Transition Coaching LLC spectrumtransitioncoaching.com
Contact: Beth Felsen; bfelsen@spectrumtransitioncoaching.com; 703-988-3470
Services: Coaching; College assistance; Grades 9–12 and transition ages (18–21)
Spectrum Transition Coaching LLC provides college-readiness family education for autistic high school juniors and seniors and their parents and one-on-one coaching for autistic young adult clients, 18 and older. College-readiness work centers on the non-academic skills needed for college success. Coaching can focus on academic, social, organizational, life, and employment goals. Parent consultations are also available. Services are provided virtually. Private pay only. |
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Upcoming xMinds Events
xMinds events, resources, & services are always FREE
Saturday, Nov. 18, 10:00 – 11:30 AM
Elementary and Preschool Playground Meetup
Meet other elementary and preschool families with autistic children. See the details here.
Monday, Nov. 27, 7:00 – 7:45 PM
Small Steps Together
Online discussion group for MoCo parents/guardians of an autistic elementary or preschool child. Register here.
Tuesdays, Nov. 28, December 5, and December 12, noon – 1:00 PM The Holiday Survival Guide for Parents Three-session program on reducing stress. Facilitated by Magüi Moreno, certified mindfulness teacher. Register here.
Wednesday, Nov. 29, 7:00 – 7:45 PM
Let's Talk Transitions
Online discussion group for MoCo parents/guardians of an autistic child in middle or high school. Register here. Monday, Dec. 4, 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Stress on the Spectrum
Online presentation by Dr. Jenny Mai Phan of the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at Children's National Hospital. All families invited. Hosted by the xMinds BIPOC Outreach Committee. Register here.
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Tuesday, Dec. 5, 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Is This Autism? A Framework for Understanding
Online presentation by the authors of "Is This Autism? A Guide for Clinicians and Everyone Else." See description above. Register here.
Wednesday, Dec. 6, 7:00 – 7:45 PM
Hablemos Educación Especial
Online discussion group for Spanish-speaking MoCo parents/guardians of autistic students. 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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