Find Yourself in Books – This Weekend!
CELEBRATING AUTISM REPRESENTATION IN SALLY J. PLA'S ROWAN + GEMMA |
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“But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks?”
Based lightly on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, award-winning author Sally J. Pla’s newest novel, Rowan + Gemma, brings us a sweet, tender look at young neurodivergent love.
Featuring Rowan and Gemma – two 14-year-old high school freshmen navigating life – the story follows Rowan, who manages a stutter and a learning difference, and Gemma, a nonspeaking autistic girl who uses AAC and is brand new to the town and school. |
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At its heart, Rowan + Gemma illuminates the power of words – the language we use to describe ourselves and the stories that reflect our experiences. The novel shows how communication takes many shapes, highlighting the beauty of non-speaking self-advocacy and celebrating how every form of communication matters. It’s the exact kind of authentic representation our community has been waiting for!
Join xMinds as we host Sally J. Pla in person as part of her national book tour, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2-3:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockville (UUCR), 100 Welsh Park Dr, Rockville, MD 20850. This will be Sally’s only stop in Montgomery County. Don’t miss this chance to hear directly as the celebrated children’s author shares her inspiring work and personal journey.
Book Sales & Signing
We’ve made arrangements with Wonderland Books to sell Rowan + Gemma along with several of Sally’s other popular novels right at the event, followed by an author book signing! If you prefer to pick up your copy in advance (or pick up extra copies afterward), you can also order directly through Wonderland Books.
Event Highlights:
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Author Presentation and Reading: Sally J. Pla
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Community Panel Discussion: Featuring local xMinds families
- Audience Q&A
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Book signing immediately following the event
Don’t Wait to Register — The Event is Just Days Away! Thanks to generous sponsors including Abilis Autism in Action, we have a stash of Sally’s books to give away! We will be offering one last advance drawing before the event, followed by door prizes live on event day. Remember – you must be present in person to win and claim your prize, so make sure you register today and join us this weekend. |
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Sally J. Pla (Author): Sally J. Pla is the author of the ALA Schneider Award winner, The Fire, The Water, and Maudie McGinn, and the Dolly Gray Award winner, The Someday Birds, among many other acclaimed novels and picture books. Her work has been translated into many languages, has earned many starred reviews, and has appeared on dozens of state award lists and “best book” roundups. As an autistic author, television/radio guest, and editor-in-chief of A Novel Mind, Sally advocates for kindness, respect, and the beauty of different brains. Learn more at sallyjpla.com. |
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Karen Leggett (Moderator): Karen Leggett is an award-winning broadcast journalist and children’s book reviewer whose work has appeared in The Washington Post, The New York Times, and WMAL Radio. Raised by a journalist father and librarian mother, she went on to graduate from Brown University and is now a widely published author actively involved in disability advocacy in Maryland. |
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Supporting Autistic Youth Through Puberty and Adolescence GET YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED DECEMBER 15 |
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Adolescence is a turbulent time for any child, but the physical, emotional, and social transformations of puberty can be downright overwhelming for autistic youth. Standard hormonal fluctuations are compounded by supercharged sensory needs – both heightened aversions and increased sensory-seeking. |
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Because their nervous systems are already working overtime, these massive internal shifts demand tremendous energy. This often triggers earlier, more intense stress responses or behavior escalations particularly for youth with communication challenges.
To help families navigate this intense period, the Autism Society of Maryland (AUSOM) and xMinds are hosting a virtual panel on Tuesday, December 15, 7-8:30 p.m. via Zoom. A multidisciplinary team of autism experts will break down exactly what is happening to adolescents’ bodies, hormones, and sensory processing systems. They will help parents understand how this transition uniquely impacts autistic youth, framing escalating behaviors as stress responses from a taxed nervous system rather than “misbehavior.” Rather than pushing youth to conform to rigid societal expectations, this interactive panel will focus on practical, compassionate approaches that preserve emotional regulation and prioritize strong family relationships. Attendees will learn how to manage sensory shifts, foster body awareness, support hygiene routines including menstruation, and model bodily autonomy. This webinar is free, but registration is required. Simultaneous Spanish translation will be provided. (Se proporciona traducción simultánea al español). Register today to help your child thrive through puberty and adolescence! |
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Last Chance to Join xMinds at the Playground ENJOY THE OUTDOORS BEFORE WE HEAD INSIDE |
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Want to let the kids burn off some energy before they're buckled into the car or hanging out at Grandma’s for Thanksgiving? Join xMinds for our final outdoor playground meetup of the year! (Don't worry -- we’ll restart indoor meetups in January. Watch this space for dates!)
We’re meeting Saturday, Nov. 21, 10-11:30 a.m. at the playground behind Ivymount School,11614 Seven Locks Rd., Rockville, MD. No cost, no registration required, just show up! (Want severe weather alerts? Sign up here for email reminders.) |
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While the kids enjoy the playground, xMinds staff and other seasoned parents will provide water, snacks, and perhaps a piece of advice or two. The forecast calls for loads of fun. |
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Join Our Monthly Parent Discussion Groups
SHARE STRATEGIES WITH THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN THERE |
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Be sure to save the dates for future sessions of all our virtual discussion groups tailored for parents and caregivers of MoCo autistic students.These targeted groups provide a great opportunity to connect with others, ask questions, and exchange practical strategies.. Discussion groups are always free and operate on a casual, drop-in basis |
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Register just once to receive your Zoom link – it stays the same each month, so hang on to it! This Month’s Schedule: Lunchtime Reboot: Relax, unwind and learn some methods to beat the stress of parenting. Next meeting will be November 16: The Power of Connection: Building Your Support Network Register here.
Let’s Talk Transitions: For parents/caregivers of an autistic child in middle or high school, approaching the transition to adulthood. Next meeting will be November 18. Register here.
Small Steps Together: For parents/caregivers of an autistic elementary or preschool child. Next meeting will be November 23 Register here. Hablemos Educación Especial. Grupo de discusión mensual en línea en español para los padres/cuidadores de un estudiante autista. Next meeting December 2. Regístrese aquí.
People of the Global Majority: For parents/caregivers of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students. Next meeting will be December 7: Holiday break activities and gatherings. Register here.
We are always looking for passionate volunteers to help guide our groups! If you are interested in becoming a co-team leader, please contact Suzanne Minatra at sminatra@xminds.org for more information and a link to our brief application form. |
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November is National Gratitude Month GIVE THANKS FOR SMALL WINS |
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Let’s be real – parenting an autistic child comes with plenty of tough days. But as we approach Thanksgiving, it’s a great time to pause and celebrate the little moments that mean so much. Maybe your kid said “I love you” for the first time; said hi to a neighbor without any prompting, or sat through a meal at a new restaurant without fussing. Every single milestone is worth celebrating! |
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It’s also a great time to help our kids practice gratitude in ways that make sense to them. The Child Mind Institute notes that even if autistic kids process emotions differently, many can easily understand how saying thanks makes other people feel good. We’d be remiss if we didn’t thank all who work to improve education for autistic students in Montgomery County. We’re thankful for xMinds' board members, team leaders, and volunteers who spend countless hours planning speaker events and playground meetups, leading discussion groups, developing website resources, awarding grants to educators, and helping parents navigate the system. We couldn’t do it without you! |
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Bring xMinds Sensory Lounge to Your School
GIVE YOUR STUDENTS A PLACE TO BREATHE |
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Do you host school events where autistic students feel overwhelmed, uncomfortable, or left standing on the sidelines? xMinds can help. We’ve created a pop-up sensory lounge that your school or other community organization can bring to your next event! |
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Bringing a sensory room to your event is easier than ever with xMinds. Our team handles the heavy lifting by managing complete delivery, setup, and teardown, while consulting with you through planning and execution. To help cover our staff time and the ongoing upkeep of our sensory supplies, xMinds requests a modest $250 rental fee.
Specific supplies and equipment are tailored based on the age of expected attendees and your available space. Here is a sample of what may be included in a Sensory Lounge:
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Lighting & Atmosphere: Blackout tents, soothing lamps, twinkly curtain lights, and a portable LED projector
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Flooring & Seating: Textured rugs, soft foam floor mats, sensory floor tiles, hanging hammock chairs, and beanbags
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Sensory & Regulation Tools: Noise-canceling headphones, a pop-up ball pit, and plenty of tactile fidget toys
We are incredibly excited about the potential of this program to make Montgomery County school and community events genuinely inclusive for autistic and neurodivergent students. Whether you're with a public, private, or nonpublic school, a parent association, or a local community organization in Montgomery County, we'd love to help! Any school leadershoop or event team is welcome to inquire about booking our mobile sensory room for your next gathering. Contact info@xminds.org for more information or fill out this Google form: |
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Call for Volunteers HELP XMINDS AT TWO UPCOMING EVENTS |
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xMinds has so much exciting programming on the horizon, and we're asking for your help to make these events truly unforgettable! We’d like to highlight two upcoming events this November: Finding Ourselves in Books: this Sunday, November 15 (see above for event description) |
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What you’ll do: Volunteer opportunities include assisting with set up/clean up for the event, registration/check-in for guests, snack and beverage table supervision, on-site book sales, and distribution of prize packages and door prizes. Creative Space: Character Design Series (Session 2, Saturday, November 21) (see below for event description)
What you’ll do: Support check-in, snack distribution, and a guided art activity geared toward autistic tweens and teens Ready to lend a hand? Just sign up directly to let us know which shift or event works best for you. Or explore our Volunteer Hub to discover many ways to get involved with xMinds. |
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Recap & Upcoming Sessions: xMinds Events This Month
TEENS EXPLORED THEIR CREATIVE SIDE |
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xMinds is currently hosting a Creative Space Art Workshop Series at the Long Branch Library (2nd floor meeting room, 8800 Garland Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20901). Join us for fun afternoons of hands-on creativity and imagination designed for autistic tweens and teens! Throughout this three-part series, participants bring their own unique character to life through drawing, sculpting, and storytelling, with each session building on the last.
Upcoming Session Schedule: Session 1: (Completed): Drawing & Character Concept |
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Session 2: (Next Up! -- Saturday, Nov. 21, 2-3:30 p.m.): Using our illustrations from week 1, we will learn how to create a 3D version of our characters using Model Magic (a soft, clean, air-dry clay).
Session 3: (Saturday, Dec. 12, 3-4:30 p.m.): We will develop a story about our character and learn to create a short comic.
Missed Session 1? You Can Still Join! If you couldn't make it to the first session, you haven't missed out! Late registration is available if you're open to doing a quick, easy drawing exercise at home to catch up before Session 2. Reach out to sminatra@xminds.org to ask about joining. |
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Instructors: Session 1 was led by local neurodivergent artist and friend of xMinds Ash Ariel, founder of NeuroNest, LLC. Sessions 2 & 3 will be co-led by Ash and xMinds’ own Community Engagement Coordinator Suzanne Minatra, an accomplished artist, printmaker, and educator. Suzanne brings a wealth of artistic expertise, having founded her own letterpress studio (Ordinary Day Press), provided therapeutic art interventions at Cook Children’s Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas, and spent years teaching youth printmaking and bookmaking. |
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XMINDS WINED, DINED AT SPUR LOCAL’S COMMUNITY CHANGEMAKERS |
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As many of you know, xMinds was chosen this year to be part of Spur Local’s 2026 class of critical nonprofits! To celebrate, we headed to Washington, D.C., for a night of community, connection, and fun – and many of you joined us! Attendees connected with xMinds and more than 50 other local nonprofits, heard testimonials from xMinds community members and learned more about our critical work in the region. Thank you to everyone who visited our table and tested your skills in the xMinds X-Factor Challenge! Our interactive table game offered a hands-on way to engage with our mission, learn more about our advocacy, and connect with our team. We hope you had as much fun as we did. |
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Monthly Series: Autistic Voices
KNIT ONE, PURL TWO FOR NEURODIVERSITY |
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In this month’s Autistic Voices series, we are highlighting Asheville, N.C.-based Liv Scott, creator & moderator of NeuroStitches, an online community connecting neurodivergent folks through fiber arts. The site is open to “anyone over 18 who is neurodivergent (diagnosed, including self-diagnosed/self-realized, with Autism, ADHD, OCD, Dyslexia, etc) and likes to knit, crochet, spin, weave, sew, embroider, felt, or quilt. Beginners are welcome!”
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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 renewing professional members: |
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Brian K. Gruber, P.C., Law Office
6110 Executive Blvd., Ste. 220, Rockville, MD 20852
301-657-3777; www.bkgpc.com
Contact: Brian K. Gruber, Esq., brian.gruber@bkgpc.com |
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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, the office is often able to help achieve a positive outcome for 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. |
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Guiding Exceptional Parents, LLC 4711 Sheridan St., Riverdale Park, MD 20737
301-768-8503, www.guidingexceptionalparents.com
Contact: Sarah Wayland, wayland@guidingexceptionalparents.com |
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Services: Social Skills Therapy; Behavioral Therapy; Educational Consulting; Behavioral Support; Coaching
In addition to co-authoring the book, "Is This Autism? A Guide for Clinicians and Everyone Else," Sarah Wayland, Ph.D., is a parenting coach, certified RDI consultant, and a special needs care navigator at Guiding Exceptional Parents, LLC. Her work as a parenting coach involves working closely with families to figure out which parenting strategies are best suited to their family - taking the profiles of both the caregivers and the child into account.
As an RDI™ consultant, Dr. Wayland works with parents to show them how to teach their children the essential skills that make relationships work. She teaches them how to identify problems, and through a highly customized program that takes both their profile and their child’s profile into account, they learn how to teach the missing skills. She also works with teens and adults to help them learn the skills necessary for making and maintaining meaningful relationships.
Her Special Needs Navigation Services are designed to help parents learn how to access resources and knowledge so they can confidently and effectively help their children. She knows how to effectively navigate clinical care and educational systems, how to evaluate reports, and how to help prioritize. |
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Martinez Advocacy
10605 Concord St., Ste. 102, Kensington, MD 20895
202-255-7842; www.martinezadvocacy.com
Contact: Monica Martinez; mmartinez@martinezadvocacy.com
Services: Special Education Advocacy |
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Monica Martinez is a special education advocate working with families in Montgomery County, MD. Through her 12+ 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-morbid 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).
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MyPace Learning and Behavioral Health
White Saddle Drive, Germantown MD 20874
301-978-1287; https://mypacelearning.clientsecure.me/#services Contact: Monica Reaves LCSW-C; Monica@mypacelearningbh.com Services: Psychological counseling; Social skills therapy; Behavioral therapy; Behavioral support |
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A neuro-affirming mental health practice dedicated to supporting the neurodiverse community treating children, teens, and adults. As a therapist, I have a background in both mental health and special education with a focus on supporting the individual as a whole within the systems they interact with. Hablo español para apoyar a las familias de habla-hispana con servicios de terapia.
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Optimal Beginnings, LLC
Contact: Ellen Le; ele@optimalbeginning.com; 301-718-1716 6010 Executive Boulevard, Suite 400, Rockville MD 20852 |
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Services: Speech/language therapy; Social skills therapy; Behavioral therapy; Educational consulting; Neuropsychological testing; Behavioral support; Coaching; Board Certified Behavior Analyst; Verbal Behavior; Educational testing Optimal Beginnings partners with families, charter networks and schools to provide expert, integrated support for students with developmental differences, especially those on the autism spectrum. We specialize in early intervention, classroom-based behavior support, diagnostic services, and group therapy, working together with school teams to ensure students thrive both academically and developmentally.
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Behavior consultation & classroom coaching to strengthen inclusive environments
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Group ABA & speech therapy (ages 1.5–17) in a team-based setting
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Autism assessments & diagnostics to start services early and effectively
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Parent workshops & community circles to equip and uplift families
Our care model is collaborative, culturally responsive, and built around what schools and families need most. |
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Upcoming xMinds Events
XMINDS CORE EVENTS, RESOURCES & SERVICES ARE ALWAYS FREE
Sunday, November 15, 2-3:30 p.m.
Sally J. Pla Book Event
Be one of the first to read Rowan + Gemma and meet author Sally Pla on her latest book tour. Register here.
Monday, November 16, 12-12:45 p.m.
Lunchtime Reboot
Relax, unwind and learn strategies to beat the stress of parenting.November’s topic: The Power of Connection: Building Your Support Network Register here.
Wednesday, November 18, 7-7:45 p.m.
Let's Talk Transitions
Online discussion group for MoCo parents of autistic students in middle or high school. Register here.
Saturday, November 21, 10-11:30 a.m.
Playground Meetup
Meet other elementary and preschool families with autistic children. Join us for outdoor play at Ivymount School in Rockville, MD. Register here.
Saturday, November 21, 2-3:30 p.m. Creative Space Art Workshop Class 2 of a 3-part series on character design for autistic middle and high schoolers. Register here.
Monday, November 23, 7-7:45 p.m.
Small Steps Together Online discussion group for MoCo parents/guardians of autistic elementary or preschool children. Register here.
Wednesday, December 2, 7-7:45 p.m.
Hablemos Educación Especial
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. |
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Monday, December 7, 7-7:45 p.m.
People of the Global Majority
Online discussion group for MoCo parents/guardians of autistic children who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Register here.
Saturday, December 12, 3-4:30 p.m. Creative Space Art Workshop Class 3 of a 3-part series on character design for autistic middle and high schoolers. Register here.
Tuesday, December 15, 7-8:30 p.m.
Monthly Speaker Series: Puberty & Adolescence and Autism Join the Autism Society of Maryland (AUSOM) and xMinds for an informative webinar exploring how autism can shape the adolescent experience. 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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