Unpacking an Autism Diagnosis - Next Week! GET YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED – WEDNESDAY, OCT. 15 |
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There’s no handbook for what to do after your child is diagnosed as autistic. Parents often describe the moment as both a relief and a shock — a name for what they’ve been observing, but also a flood of new questions: What does this mean for my child’s future? Where do I start? xMinds is here to help. In this month’s webinar, Unpacking an Autism Diagnosis, parent coaches Jen Dryer and Gabriele Nicolet, co-founders of Raising Orchid Kids, will guide you through those first steps. They’ll share practical advice about accessing services, evaluating therapy options, and supporting your child’s overall well-being — including the role of sleep, diet, and daily structure.
Most importantly, they’ll help you connect with a community of parents and professionals who understand exactly what you’re going through. You don’t have to do this alone. |
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About the Speakers
Jen Dryer, MA, is a parent coach, advocate, and educational consultant supporting families and teachers of neuro-different children.
Gabriele Nicolet, MA, CCC-SLP, is a toddler whisperer, developmental speech therapist, parent coach, and host of the Complicated Kids Podcast.
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xMinds Fall Fun-raiser ALL TREATS, NO TRICKS! – SUNDAY, OCT. 26 |
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There are plenty of fall festivals and Halloween parties this season—but only one designed especially for our community of autistic kids and their families. The xMinds Fall Fun-raiser offers something for everyone: lively, high-energy classes for kids who love to move, and calm, sensory-friendly activities for those who prefer to take things slow. It’s also a unique chance for your child to try out classes led by local community partners—from dance and fitness to yoga and soccer—and see what sparks their interest before signing up for a regular program. If your child finds something they love, you’ll have a chance to connect directly with the providers right at the event. We promise, it won’t be too spooky. Get into the spirit (costumes optional!) with the xMinds' Fall Fun-Raiser: A Spirited Event for the Whole Family! This in-person celebration will take place Sunday, October 26 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Temple Beth Ami, 14330 Travilah Road Rockville, MD 20850. |
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Enjoy lively activities designed for every member of the family. Move and groove with Zumba led by ZamDance founder Jackie Zamora, or join fitness and cheer classes led by Spirit Club and Special Olympics. For those who like quieter entertainment, don't miss kids' yoga taught by certified speech and occupational therapists from Talk Yoga or sculpt your own mini-monster with Artapy Studios. Does your teen enjoy role-playing games? Sign them up for a Dungeons & Dragons one-shot adventure with Emma Lawton, founder of Dungeons of Columbia! Plus, visit our activity stations, a photo booth, and cookie decorating.
Resources and providers of autism-related services around Montgomery County will also have displays.
The charge for entry: $25 in advance/$30 at the door. Your ticket includes unlimited activities + food and drink. Donations in excess of the ticket sales price are welcome and appreciated. We will have giveaways and lots of xMinds swag available to purchase. All proceeds will support xMinds' FREE core programs. |
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PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY OUR GENEROUS DONORS
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SPONSORSHIPS STILL AVAILABLE!
We are currently looking for event sponsors ($500+). By sponsoring this event, you’ll help us continue providing resources and support for families of autistic children, and your contribution will be recognized across various platforms.
As a sponsor, you’ll receive:
- Your name and logo featured on the xMinds website
- Your name and logo displayed on signage
- Four tickets to the event to distribute as you choose
- A resource table at the event
- And social media exposure, both before and after the fundraiser
For more information or to get started, please fill out our sponsorship interest form or contact us at info@xminds.org. |
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In the News THE AUTISM COMMUNITY SPEAKS OUT ON ACETAMINOPHEN
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xMinds stands with many physician and autism advocacy groups who have decried the unsupported link between Tylenol (acetaminophen) and autism. xMinds supports statements in affirming:
“There is no credible evidence that acetaminophen causes autism.”
We believe the studies being cited are weak, based largely on retrospective self-reporting and confounded by many uncontrolled factors. There is simply not enough high-quality data to justify warnings that stigmatize parents or blame mothers.
This is not about politics — it’s about scientific rigor. xMinds will continue to provide evidence-based information and only support public health claims that are rooted in solid research.
Select quotes from other organizations:
"Autism is a complex disorder, and it is incorrect to imply that a handful of studies have established causation." – American Psychiatric Association
"Reducing autism only to a problem that must be solved, or presenting unproven claims as fact, fails both autistic people and the families who love them." – The Arc Maryland
"...these studies fail to address the fact that fevers during pregnancy are known to increase risk for autism, and that’s why mothers take acetaminophen in the first place." – Coalition of Autism Scientists
"To describe an individual as being at the heart of a 'horrible, horrible crisis' that is 'destroying families' is not only inaccurate, it is dehumanizing and dangerous." – The Autism Society of America (in response to the administration's fear-based language about autism)
Read full statements here:
American Psychiatric Association
The Arc Maryland
Coalition of Autism Scientists
The Autism Society of America |
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xMinds' Primers on Placements is Back! LEARN WHAT MCPS HAS TO OFFER AUTISTIC STUDENTS – TUESDAY, NOV. 11 & THURSDAY, NOV. 13 |
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If you’re searching for the right MCPS placement and services for your child, you won’t want to miss xMinds’ annual “Primers on MCPS Placements for Autistic Students,” held over two evenings, Tuesday, November 11, and Thursday, November 13. |
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Across the two evenings, we will hold three live, online sessions, in total. Each session will focus on a different age group — Preschool, Elementary School, and Secondary School (middle and high school). Drop into the Zoom sessions that interest you!
MCPS representatives will share information over the course of the three sessions, detailing the array of special education services that serve autistic students. Many children are able to receive services in the general education setting at their neighborhood school (aka the home school model). Some students require a discrete program exclusively for individuals diagnosed with autism, while others do well in a classroom designed for a mix of students with similar needs. Which placement is right for your student? MCPS will share information about placements geared toward diploma-bound students as well as placements geared toward certificate-bound students.
Here’s the schedule for the three online informational sessions:
Come get the facts about MCPS’s special education options. We’ll save time for MCPS staff to answer your most pressing questions.
There’s no cost to attend, and simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be available. Register here for any of the three presentations, and we’ll send you the Zoom links prior to the event. |
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Join xMinds Fall Playground Meetup ENJOY THE FALL COLORS AND CONNECTIONS |
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Celebrate the changing leaves with our next xMinds playground meetup on Saturday, October 18, 10-11:30 a.m. at the enclosed playground behind Ivymount School, 11614 Seven Locks Rd., Rockville, MD. |
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Meet other families with autistic preschool and elementary children while kids play and parents chat about IEPs, classroom progress, and more. Snacks will be provided and xMinds staff and volunteers will be on hand.
Everyone is welcome; even older siblings who need to unwind. Registration is not required, but if you’d like event reminders and weather updates, sign up here.
Mark your calendars for future outdoor playground meetups:
- Saturday, November 15, 10-11:30 a.m. (our final outdoor meetup before winter indoor play begins in January)
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Monthly Discussion Groups STAY CONNECTED, INFORMED, AND SUPPORTED |
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Our monthly discussion groups are a great way to connect with MoCo parents and caregivers navigating similar experiences. Here’s what’s coming up:
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Small Steps Together
Monday, October 27 | 7-7:45 p.m.
Our discussion group for MoCo parents/caregivers of autistic elementary and preschool students. Register here to receive the Zoom link.
Let’s Talk Transitions
Thursday, October 30 | 7-7:45 p.m. (Note the date change due to another Transition event that same night.) For parents/caregivers of autistic middle or high school students preparing for adulthood. Register here.
People of the Global Majority
Monday, November 3 | 7 - 7:45 p.m.
For parents/guardians of autistic children who are Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC) Register here.
Hablemos Educación Especial (Spanish-speaking Discussion Group)
Wednesday, November 5 | 7-7:45 p.m.
For Spanish-speaking MoCo parents/caregivers of autistic students. Register here.
Lunchtime Reboot
Monday, November 10 | 12-12:45 p.m.
Take a break and join certified mindfulness teacher and parent coach Magüi Moreno for practical self-care strategies. November’s theme is Advocating Effectively Without Burnout. Register here
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Take Action This October
STAND UP TO BULLYING |
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It’s not something you want to think about, but research shows that nearly 40% of autistic children report being bullied within the past month. xMinds has gathered resources to help families prevent bullying, respond effectively when it happens, and teach children self advocacy and confidence. |
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In 2024, xMinds partnered with the Autism Society of Maryland for a four-part anti-bullying series featuring experts, parents, and autistic self-advocates. Watch the full playlist here.
Explore all xMinds Anti-Bullying Resources
Find MCPS-specific resources here: Preventing Bullying
Check out the PACER Center's National Bullying Prevention Center to get involved in official National Bullying Prevention Month activities.
How you can observe National Bullying Prevention Month:
- Talk with your child about what bullying looks like and how to ask for help.
- Share xMinds’ anti-bullying resources with your school, PTA, or community group.
- Wear orange on Unity Day (Oct. 23) to show your support for kindness, inclusion, and acceptance.
- Model empathy and inclusion — small conversations make a big difference.
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Monthly Series: Autistic Voices
AUTISTIC ADVOCATE FIGHTS FOR INCLUSION |
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Maryland Department of Transportation and Motor Vehicle Administration officials stand with Eric Carpenter-Grantham and his mother, Linda, as they unveil the new Hidden Disability symbol on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025, the day the law took effect. (Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration photo)
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This installment of our monthly series, Autistic Voices, highlights a local superstar in the fight for justice. Twenty-year-old autistic self-advocate Eric Carpenter-Grantham and his mother Linda have been fighting for years to help autistic individuals, especially people of color, feel safer during interactions with law enforcement.
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Eric came up with the idea of including a voluntary butterfly logo with the words “hidden disability” on Maryland IDs. “The Butterfly represents Hope, Peace, Freedom and Change. The colors inside the wings represent the colors for ALL HIDDEN DISABILITIES!” Eric wrote in an Instagram post. The logo helps first responders recognize individuals who may have communication challenges and need accommodations for their hidden developmental or intellectual disabilities.
The effort started with a very personal and familiar conversation between Eric and Linda. “When George Floyd was killed, my mother sat down with me to have a talk if I ever get stopped by Law Enforcement. My mother told me if the police ever stop me to put my hands up! Yell out ‘I have Autism!’ and yell out, ‘Someone call my mom!’” Eric told the Maryland legislature in February. Read his full testimony here.
Eric’s other project, the nonprofit Blue Runway for Autism, encourages inclusion through fashion shows. “Our fashion show is unique in that we also invite others to collaborate, advocate, and educate our participants and attendees about the various disabilities and other issues/hot topics within the community,” he writes on the group’s website.
Find Eric on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eric_grantham/
Gov. Wes Moore signed Eric’s ID bills (HB 707/SB 0618) in May. As of October 1, Maryland residents can request the butterfly logo on their state ID, driver’s license, or moped permit. Find more information and learn how to apply on the MVA website. |
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Love xMinds? Join our Board
PUT YOUR TIME WHERE YOUR HEART IS |
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xMinds is looking for new members to join our Board of Directors. Board service includes attending monthly meetings, serving on at least one committee, helping with fundraising efforts and making an annual personal contribution.
We’re especially interested in parents of autistic children and others passionate about special education advocacy. If you’re ready to share your time, ideas, and expertise to support our community, fill out our board application or email info@xminds.org with any questions. |
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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:
Optimal Beginnings, LLC
6010 Executive Boulevard, Suite 400, Rockville MD 20852 Contact: Ellen Le; ele@optimalbeginning.com; 301-718-1716
Services: Speech/language therapy; Social skills therapy; Behavioral therapy; Educational consulting; Neuropsychological testing; Behavioral support; coaching; Neuropsychological testing; Board Certified Behavior Analyst; Verbal Behavior; Educational testing; Pre–K; Grades K–5; Grades 6–8; Grades 9–12 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. The Treatment and Learning Centers
2092 Gaither Rd., Ste. 100, Rockville, MD 20850
301-424-5200; www.ttlc.org
Contact: Michelle Lyons; mlyons@ttlc.org
Services: Private school; Psychological counseling; Occupational therapy; Speech/language therapy; Social skills therapy; Educational testing; Neuropsychological testing; Academic tutoring/coaching
TLC serves around 2,000 children and adults with a wide range of different abilities annually. Our mission is to improve the lives and expand possibilities for these individuals through offering a family of services within one organization. We offer: Speech-language and occupational therapy, evaluations and summer programs for children. Comprehensive psychological and educational testing, tutoring and counseling for students with learning challenges. The Katherine Thomas School is a private school for students with moderate to severe language and learning disabilities and/or autism, preschool through twelfth grade. Summer programs and intensive educational programs are available. The Outcomes Service helps individuals with special needs find and keep jobs and live independently in our community. The Family Hearing Center conducts hearing testing, provides counseling, evaluations and hearing aid fittings for all ages. |
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Upcoming xMinds Events
XMINDS CORE EVENTS, RESOURCES & SERVICES ARE ALWAYS FREE
Wednesday, October 15, 7-8:30 p.m.
Unpacking an Autism Diagnosis
Jen Dryer and Gabriele Nicolet of Raising Orchid Kids will lead a discussion on understanding a new autism diagnosis. Register here.
Saturday, October 18, 10-11:30 a.m.
Elementary and Preschool Playground Meetup
Meet other elementary and preschool families with autistic children. Join us for outdoor play at Ivymount School in Rockville, MD. Register here.
Monday, October 27, 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
Thursday, October 30, 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.
Monday, November 3, 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.
Wednesday, November 5, 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. |
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Monday, November 10, 12-12:45 p.m.
Lunchtime Reboot
Relax, unwind and learn strategies to beat the stress of parenting. November's topic: Advocating Effectively Without Burnout. Register here.
Tuesday, November 11 & Thursday, November 13 (3 Sessions)
MCPS Primers and Placements
Representatives from MCPS Special Education will walk you through the latest information on programs. Register once, then join any of the three sessions that interest you. Register here.
Preschool: Tuesday 11/11 7-8:30 p.m.
Secondary: Tuesday 11/11 7-9:00 p.m.
Elementary: Thursday 11/13 7-9:00 p.m.
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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