Join one of xMinds' Program Teams and use your leadership and advocacy experience for good! |
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xMindsWire September 2026
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xMinds September Speaker Series: IEP 101
LEARN WHAT TO EXPECT FROM IEP COACH WENDY TAYLOR |
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As the new school year gets underway, does the thought of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) leave you feeling overwhelmed? Back-to-school season is the most critical time to ensure your child's accommodations and learning plans are set up for success, but navigating special education can feel daunting. You don't have to do it alone -- or without a map. Join xMinds for our monthly webinar: IEP 101 on Wednesday, September 23 @ 7-8:30 p.m. Educational therapist and IEP Coach Wendy Taylor will demystify the process, answering your critical questions -- even those you haven’t thought to ask. Whether your child was recently diagnosed, starting at a new school, or you’re considering a change in placement or services this fall, Wendy will help ease your anxiety and equip you with the tools you need to advocate effectively for your child. |
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During this webinar, you’ll learn answers to common IEP questions:
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What do all those special education acronyms mean?
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Which services and accommodations could your child be eligible for?
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What steps can you take if you’re not satisfied with the final plan?
As always, we will save plenty of time for your questions.
Ready to dive in now? Explore our library of IEP resources on the xMinds website to kick off the school year informed and prepared! Speaker Bio:
Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P is a certified Educational Therapist, qualified Orton-Gillingham practitioner, trained Educational Diagnostician, and skilled IEP Coach. She serves as the Executive Director of Learning Essentials, an organization specializing in special education services, reading intervention, and executive function support. Taylor is also the host of The Special Ed Strategist® Podcast, where she provides expert advice on IEPs, 504 plans, dyslexia, and parent advocacy. With over 20 years of experience in special education, she helps families navigate the IEP process, translate evaluations into actionable plans, and advocate effectively for their children’s educational needs. |
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Volunteer for an xMinds Program Team USE YOUR EXPERTISE TO ADVOCATE FOR GOOD |
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Are you fluent in Spanish? Do you have an interest in advocacy, supporting families of young children, or guiding parents with older kids through the transition to adulthood? xMinds is looking for Program Team Co-Leaders to help manage key areas of our community outreach, resource sharing, and parent support networks. |
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Open Co-Leader Opportunities -
Preschool & Elementary Team: Co-leaders will empower families of preschool and elementary-aged autistic children in Montgomery County. You would also host and co-facilitate Small Steps Together, our monthly virtual discussion group for parents of preschool and elementary-aged students (schedule TBD). More information here
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Spanish Language Outreach (Bilingual skills required): Co-leaders will foster a welcoming, supportive community where Spanish-speaking parents and caregivers can connect, share resources, and navigate the special education system together. You would also host and co-facilitate the monthly Hablemos Educación Especial parent discussion group via Zoom. Bilingual Fluency Required: Fluent in Spanish and English (spoken and written); comfortable facilitating discussions in Spanish. More information here
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Transition to Adulthood: Co-leaders will help autistic youth and their families prepare for independent living, higher education, employment, and adult community life. Host and co-facilitate the monthly Let's Talk Transitions parent discussion group via Zoom, as well as help coordinate volunteers for our Annual Transition to Adulthood Clinic in partnership with Autism Society Maryland. More information here
Core Responsibilities (All Roles)
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Complete the xMinds Ambassador training program to confidently represent xMinds in the community.
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Share key xMinds updates, announcements, and upcoming programs with members.
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Guide open, respectful, and empathetic conversations among parents and caregivers.
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Promote volunteer opportunities within your program team and monthly parent discussion groups.
Whatever your background or experience, we’d love to have you join our team! Ready to make an impact? Apply fro a co-leader position today, or explore our Volunteer Hub to discover many ways to get involved with xMinds. |
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LISS Selection September 15
DON'T MISS THIS IMPORTANT DEADLINE |
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While you’re busy getting kids back to school and figuring out their bus routes, make sure to mark your calendar for an important funding deadline.
The Developmental Disabilities Administration's (DDA) Low Intensity Support Services (LISS) Program provides up to $1000 in funding for families supporting individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities who are not receiving other support services such as Autism Waiver or DDA. |
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Applications on the online access link for Round 1 of the FY 2027 Random Selection, will close on September 15. The random selection drawing will take place October 1.
Don't wait -- submit your application now. For more information, see the LISS page.
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xMinds Fall Playground Meetups
PLAY BOARD GAMES THIS MONTH! |
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Have you wanted to introduce your preschool or elementary-aged child to board games but aren’t sure which ones are appropriate? We’ve got you covered. Squeeze the last moments out of the summer with xMinds at our monthly playground meetup in a safe, fully enclosed space. |
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This month, we’re thrilled to try out a few board games for our little ones who might enjoy a bit more structured time. While the kids (and adults too!) play, xMinds staff and other seasoned parents will provide ice water, snacks, and perhaps a piece of advice or two. We’re meeting Saturday, September 19, 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.) And mark your calendars for future fall meetups:
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October 17, 10-11:30 a.m. (Saturday)
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November 21, 10-11:30 a.m. (Saturday)
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Back to School Strategies
FIND WAYS TO SETTLE IN |
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It's been a couple of weeks since MCPS started up again for the fall, and we hope your kids are adjusting well -- getting to know their teachers and finding their way around school. Once the dust settles, this is the perfect time to review your child's IEP (check out our September webinar if you need a little refresher) and get reacquainted with both new and existing accommodations. Teachers and staff members might also need a refresher. For older kids, encourage them to advocate for themselves and take the lead when they can.
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While you’re settling in, see all xMinds’ resources on Public Education in Montgomery County. You’ll find information on current placements as well as contact information for certain special education officials. Note: some of these contact lists are incomplete, as MCPS is working to fill vacancies and having some growing pains of their own. |
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Join Our Monthly Parent Discussion Groups
SHARE STRATEGIES WITH THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN THERE |
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It’s September, you’re back into your school and work routines, and perhaps you have some wins or advice to share. Be sure to save the dates for the future sessions of our virtual, drop-in discussion groups tailored for parents and caregivers of MoCo autistic students. |
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These targeted groups provide a great opportunity to connect with others who have shared interests and concerns. Discussion groups are always free and operate on a casual, drop-in basis.
The schedule is below: note a few changes due to holidays this month. Register just once to receive your Zoom link – which stays the same each month, so hang on to it.
Our Active Groups:
People of the Global Majority: For parents/caregivers of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students. Next meeting will be September 14 (Rescheduled due to holiday). Register here.
Lunchtime Reboot: Relax, unwind and learn some methods to beat the stress of parenting. Next meeting will be September 21 (Note: new date!). Monthly topic: Navigating School and Services Without Burning Out. Register here. Small Steps Together: For parents/caregivers of an autistic elementary or preschool child. Next meeting will be September 25 (Note: new date!) 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 September 30 (Note: new date!). Register here.
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Remembering Karen Montgomery
FORMER STATE SENATOR & CHAMPION FOR AUTISTIC STUDENTS |
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xMinds fondly remembers former Maryland State Senator Karen Montgomery, who passed away in June at age 91.
As the parent of an autistic son, Sen. Montgomery was a tireless advocate for students throughout her tenure in the state legislature. In 2013, she introduced groundbreaking legislation to shift the Burden of Proof in special education due process hearings from families back onto school districts -- a systemic change xMinds has long championed. |
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Longtime advocate Julie Reiley posted on Facebook: “I was so sorry to hear about Senator Montgomery’s passing. She was a strong advocate for children with disabilities. It was a privilege and an honor to know her and work with her on a piece of special education legislation regarding the burden of proof in special education / IDEA due process.”
While the 2013 bill ultimately did not pass the state legislature, xMinds honors her legacy every day as we continue advocating systemic change and supporting autistic students throughout Montgomery County.
Learn more: Read additional tributes to her life and legacy in Bethesda magazine. |
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September is Hispanic Heritage Month
JOIN SPANISH-SPEAKING PARENTS IN CELEBRATING |
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Next week begins Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15), a time to celebrate the contributions, culture, and heritage of our Hispanic and Latino communities. xMinds offers multiple resources for Spanish-speaking families, including fully translated versions of our newsletter and website.
Our informative monthly speaker series offer simultaneous translation. If you miss attending these events live, we’ve created a YouTube channel/playlist of our webinars in Spanish. On the social media front, those looking to connect with the xMinds community can sign up for our Spanish-speaking What’sApp group. – Únase al grupo deWhatsApp "xMinds en Español." Únete aquí. |
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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 (which may vary slightly depending on the scope of your event).
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 events genuinely inclusive for autistic and neurodivergent students. Any school administration or parent association in MoCo is welcome to inquire about booking our sensory room. Or if you want a consultation on how to design a sensory space of your own, please reach out! Contact info@xminds.org for more information or fill out this Google form: xMinds Sensory Lounge Interest Form |
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In Case You Missed it: xMinds Event Highlights
TEENS GET THEIR CREATIVE JUICES FLOWING |
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xMinds welcomed neurodivergent artist Ash Ariel of NeuroNest for an inspiring teen art workshop on August 13th. Participants explored two hands-on art stations: one to learn how to make a zine, the other to make a collage and open-ended art. Tommy, one of our talented young artists, created an incredible drawing that xMinds has made into a T-shirt (left)! You can find Tommy's design and other custom designs at the xMinds merchandise store. Choose from T-shirts, hats, tote bags, water bottles, travel mugs and tumblers with the xMinds logo and other custom graphics designed by our own staff member Suzanne Minatra. All the proceeds from the sales (after production costs) go to support our events and resources. |
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A NIGHT OF LAUGHTER, COMMUNITY, AND SUPPORT |
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xMinds ED Melanie Carlos welcoming the crowd |
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Laughter was in high supply on August 29 as comedian Jared Stern headlined a fantastic benefit show at the Give a Hoot Comedy Club in Gaithersburg! Our xMinds community turned up in full force with a sold-out club to enjoy an evening of top-tier comedy, great food and bottomless margaritas generously catered by La Mexicana Restaurant. Beyond great food and laughs, the event brought our local community together in a warm, relaxed setting to raise vital funds for xMinds programs. A huge thank you to Give a Hoot Comedy Club and everyone who bought a ticket and joined us for the fun. Every ticket purchased directly supports our ongoing outreach and educational resources for educators, autistic students and their families in Montgomery County. |
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COOL-DOWN TIME WITH FRIENDS |
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We were thrilled to host our annual BIPOC SplashPark get-together on August 30 -- the perfect one last summer hurrah before the new school year! On a beautiful, sunny morning, members of our community joined us to cool off in the refreshing fountains and falls of the South Germantown SplashPark. Families picnicked under a shaded pavilion, where they had the chance to connect and kids made new friends and enjoyed the water.
Not familiar with xMinds BIPOC Outreach? Check out the xMinds BIPOC page, and register for the online monthly parent discussion group, which meets next on Monday, September 14 at 7 p.m. |
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Monthly Series: Autistic Voices
HELPING PEOPLE FIND THEIR UNIQUE PATH |
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In this month’s Autistic Voices series, we are proud to highlight Minnesota-based Sierra Grandy, a nationally recognized neurodiversity educator, disability rights advocate, mental health recovery speaker, attorney, and founder of Questify Your Life LLC.
Sierra created Questify Your Life as a multi-tiered system that harnesses gamification techniques and positive psychology research to make daily life more structured, engaged, fun and doable.” |
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As Sierra explains, “Instead of forcing yourself into rigid productivity models, the system helps you design goals that align with your values, energy, access needs, and season of life.” A founding member of the Neurodiversity Coalition of America (NCA) -- a national platform connecting neurodivergent-led organizations, professionals, and advocates -- Sierra also ran for Congress in 2025 to bring disability and mental health issues into the political spotlight. Next month, she will speak at the virtual NeuroJustice Summit in October. In her writing, Sierra speaks candidly about her struggles to get her law degree and how she helps other autistic people face those same challenges. “As a disabled, neurodivergent student navigating chronic pain, mental health struggles, and inconsistent support systems, pursuing higher education often felt like an uphill battle. But each restart, each transfer, and each period of rest ultimately shaped the leader and advocate I am today.” “The lessons I have learned taught me about resilience, self-advocacy, and the belief that nontraditional journeys are important stories,” she added. Find Sierra online at sierragrandy.com and subscribe to her writing at questifyyourlife.substack.com. |
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Professional Member Spotlight It must be that time of year, as we’ve had several professional members renew their xMinds memberships this summer. Buckle up: xMinds would like to highlight the following new and renewing professional members: NEW MEMBERS: |
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Abilis Autism in Action is a Maryland Autism Waiver provider proudly serving families in Montgomery, Prince George's, and Howard County. We provide Family Consultation, Intensive Individual Support Services (IISS), and Respite Care, with individualized services designed to support individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Our multilingual team offers services in English, Spanish, Fante, and Twi. |
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Neural Movement is a neuro-performance and adaptive training organization dedicated to improving movement, cognitive function, and quality of life through engaging, individualized exercise. Our mission is to help every individual reach their full potential by combining physical activity with training that challenges reaction time, coordination, focus, visual processing, executive functioning, and self-regulation. For children with neurological and developmental differences, including autism, Neural Movement provides a supportive and adaptable environment where movement is used to build confidence, independence, social engagement, and functional skills. Our programs are designed to meet each child at their individual ability level while making exercise structured, engaging, and rewarding. |
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Ascend Ed LLC
Gaithersburg, MD
301-814-4263; www.ascend-ed.com
Contact: Anneliese Girson; anneliese.girson@gmail.com Services: Educational consulting and advocacy; Academic tutoring; Evaluations of academic achievement |
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Ascend Ed provides advocacy, consulting, behavior support plans, transition testing and plans, educational achievement evaluations, and tutoring to support families of children and teenagers with disabilities. Owner Anneliese Girson has firsthand knowledge of IEP implementation, goal writing, service delivery models, and behavior management. She specializes in supporting students and families of students with behavioral needs that impact their relationship with school and learning.
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DC Peers
5028 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20016
202-580-5622; www.dcpeers.org
Contact: Catherine Robertson; crobertson@dcpeers.org
Services: Nonprofit organization DC Peers is a nonprofit providing innovative social supports and social opportunities to neurodiverse groups of teens and young adults. We're committed to raising neurodiversity awareness in our organization and our community. |
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Jean Hickey, M.Ed.
Kensington, MD
Contact: 240-460-5306; Jeh217@aol.com
Services: Academic tutoring/coaching Jean Hickey has worked with children and adolescents with significant learning needs for more than thirty years. Jean works with individuals ages 3-21 and her experience covers the range of academic skills in addition to community, vocational, and life skills instruction. For the past 25 years, Jean has worked one-on-one with students to build skills in all areas of learning. Jean values the role parents play in their child's education and welcomes parents and caregivers to sit in on all sessions. Jean works primarily from her Kensington office or via virtual Zoom sessions. Jean has experience working with children on the Autism Spectrum as well as children with Fragile X, Down Syndrome, and rare genetic disorders. Jean develops a hands-on, fun, and individualized approach for each student and provides parents with information and skills to support their child. In addition to individual instruction and parent support, Jean also consults with team members and coordinates the focus of support among school-based and private therapists and teachers. Jean also develops home-based instruction for a team approach and has experience developing and supporting home-school plans. Jean has delivered presentations and led workshops for the xMinds community and has presented at the Fragile X International Conference and the Learning Disabilities Association of Montgomery County. Jean is a special educator with both a bachelor and master's degree in special education. Jean is also trained in Orton-Gillingham IMSE and completed the S.E.A.T. 1.0 course through COPAA (Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates). |
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Integrated Living Opportunities
451 N. Hungerford Drive, Ste. 119, Box 201, Rockville MD 20850 www.ilonow.org
Contact: Executive Director Tait Danielson Castillo; info@ilonow.org
Services: Independent living support; coaching |
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Integrated Living Opportunities (ILO) is a nonprofit organization helping adults with developmental disabilities build independent, connected lives in their communities. Through Community Building, Skill Building, and individualized Support Teams, ILO helps self-advocates strengthen life skills, develop meaningful relationships, pursue personal goals, and increase independence. ILO partners with self-advocates and their families to create sustainable networks of paid and unpaid support that extend beyond traditional disability services.
JMS Education Consulting
240-994-0330; https://www.jmseduconsulting.com/
Contact: Joanna Krill; joanna@jmseduconsulting.com
Services: Educational consulting; Educational testing
At JMS Education Consulting, we believe families and schools must work together to meet the needs of all children. Together, we will define what success meets for your child and help them to achieve it. This includes the IEP and 504 process. I also conduct educational assessments, do observations and share strategies, write and edit IEPs, and participate in all types of meetings. |
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MOCO Movement Center 5268-A Nicholson Lane, Kensington, MD 20895
301-770-5437; www.MOCOmc.com
Contact: Andrea Santman; info@MOCOmc.com
Services: Occupational therapy; Physical therapy; Speech-language therapy; Behavioral therapy; Social skills therapy; Athletics/recreational support; Coaching |
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MOCO Movement Center is a fully inclusive pediatric therapy practice and athletic movement center. We offer movement classes for children of all ages and abilities and provide therapy services to support their function. MOCO's proprietary method, Applied Functional Therapy, takes evidence-based physical, occupational and speech therapy out of the clinic and integrates it into real life activities to help your child achieve better functional outcomes. MOCO Movement Center is committed to excellence and puts our patients and families first! That means staying on the cutting-edge of medical research and education, truly understanding your child’s goals, and adapting therapy to meet their specific needs. Showing families how to interact and grow in a real-world environment is our way of showing you that MOCO’s commitment does not end at our doors.
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Playful Therapy Connections
Offices in 10 N Jefferson St, Frederick, MD 21701 and 6110 Executive Blvd, Suite 540, Rockville, MD 20852
https://playfultherapy.net
Contact: Jaclyn Halpern, Psy.D., Partner, Clinical Director of Psychology, and Psychology Supervisor; jaclyn.h@playfultherapy.net Services: Psychological counseling, Social skills therapy, Behavioral therapy, Educational consulting, Educational testing, Neuropsychological testing, Behavioral support |
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Playful Therapy Connections is a neurodiversity affirming psychotherapy and testing practice with in person services in Montgomery County and Frederick County, MD. We also serve MD, DC, VA, DE, SC, and PSYPACT ® states virtually. Our clinicians provide comprehensive psychological and mental health services, specializing in supporting neurodivergent children, teens, adults, parents, & families. If you are looking for empathic and warm individual, group, parent, family, or testing support we are here for you! Our clinicians will meet you and your children where you/they are to identify, understand, and support your/their vulnerabilities and needs, while embracing your/their strengths, interests, values, and goals. We are inclusive and welcoming to all.
SCI Educational Consultants, Inc. 8800 Quiet Stream Ct., Potomac, MD 20854
301 996-4124
Contact: Dr. Sheila Iseman, scikids@gmail.com
Services: Educational consulting Dr. Iseman, with 50 years' experience in the area of special needs, provides service to students and their parents to achieve appropriate educational programming and/or placement in public and private schools. Consulting services include case management, IEP development, support at all meetings, referrals for evaluations and community services. |
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Matthew B. Bogin, Attorney at Law
5454 Wisconsin Ave., Ste. 760, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
301-656-1755; www.boginlaw.com
Contact: Matthew Bogin; matthew.bogin@boginlaw.com
Services: Financial/trust management Matthew B. Bogin has been helping families with special needs members throughout the D.C. metropolitan area for over 35 years. He is well respected for his championing the varying rights of special needs clients. Currently his particular focus is ensuring that families with special needs members complete and review planning to ensure a successful future for these children. Because that calls for specialized knowledge and expertise, Matthew is ideally suited to assist clients in the area of special needs trust, estate planning, and guardianship. |
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Center for Assessment And Treatment (CAAT) 8401 Connecticut Ave., Ste. 700, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
240-424-0184; caatonline.com
Contact: David Black, Ph.D.; dblack@caatonline.com
Services: Psychological counseling; Social skills therapy; Behavioral therapy; Neuropsychological testing; Educational testing; Educational consulting |
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The Center for Assessment And Treatment (CAAT) was created to improve the lives of children, teens, and adults. Their team consists of compassionate clinicians who are dedicated to identifying the obstacles that interfere with an individual’s performance and creating personalized treatment plans to help the individual reach his or her full potential. CAAT provides extraordinary service through a uniquely integrated and continuous approach to evaluation, treatment, and support. We are committed to helping people reach their potential through careful evaluations of strengths and weaknesses and providing individually tailored, empirically-based interventions.
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Exceptional Educational Solutions helps parents of bright students with learning differences in the D.C. metro area find the best school fit so their children can thrive. Stephanie Frumkin is an educational consultant and the founder of Exceptional Educational Solutions (EES) with over 25 years of experience in the field of education. Stephanie specializes in working with twice-exceptional (2e) students and enjoys serving complex profiles including many bright autistic students and their families. Stephanie holds both a B.A. and M.A. in education. She is a professional member of Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) with a Learning Differences/Neurodiversity sub-specialty and completed the IECA Summer Training Institute. She is also a member of Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) and graduated from their Special Education Advocacy Training (SEAT 2.0). She is a member of Washington Independent Services for Educational Resources (WISER) and is a past MCCPTA Special Education Committee chair.
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Feig Mediation Group, LLC
10411 Motor City Drive, Suite 750, Bethesda, MD 20817
301-785-8972; www.feigmediationgroup.com
Contact: Erik Feig; erik@feigmediationgroup.com Services: Special education advocacy; Special education law |
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Feig Mediation Group provides mediation and conflict coaching for parents and adult family members in neurodiverse families who are dealing with important decisions but aren't on the same page - yet.
We help parents and families have constructive, solutions-oriented dialogue so that they can shift from "trying to win" when they disagree to creating solutions together that everyone can say yes to.
Issues we mediate and coach include:
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Communicating, Coordinating, and Managing Logistics and Task Sharing
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Medical Decisions and Evaluations
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School and Educational Decisions
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Financial Planning and Budgeting
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Dealing with Decisions involving Supports, Therapies, Therapeutics and Services
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Addressing Clutter and Sharing Space
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Parenting Roles and Decision Making
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Co-Parenting, divorce & integrating Blended Families
Resolving Parenting Disagreements! |
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Vista Choice Supports, LLC
1500 Pointer Ridge Place, Unit 1721 Bowie, MD 20716
(240) 472-2846; https://vistachoice.org/
Contact: Linda Stringer; Linda@vistachoice.org Services: Social skills therapy; Special education advocacy; Special education law |
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Vista Choice Supports provides Support Broker services and Day to Day Administrative services to individuals with developmental disabilities in the Community Waiver program who self-direct their services and supports. We advocate for services, supports, and provide human resources assistance in retaining staff and supports. We participate in the annual PCP to help the individual determine what supports they need to live their best life. The Support Broker and day Administrator are paid out of the individual's Budget.
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Weinfeld Education Group (WEG)
Rich Weinfeld, Executive Director
4865A Cordell Ave, Ste 240, Bethesda, MD 20814
301-681-6233; www.wegadvocacy.com
Contact: office@wegadvocacy.com
Services: Educational consulting; Educational testing; Special education law |
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Weinfeld Education Group strives to help all students reach their potential. They focus on students who face increased obstacles presented by their learning challenges or disabilities, and are in need of special education or other educational support services. WEG provides services in Maryland, Virginia, DC, and virtually, nationwide.
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Upcoming xMinds Events
XMINDS CORE EVENTS, RESOURCES & SERVICES ARE ALWAYS FREE
Monday, September 14, 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). (Note: new date!) Register here
Saturday, September 19, 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.
Monday, September 21, 12-12:45 p.m.
Lunchtime Reboot
Relax, unwind and learn strategies to beat the stress of parenting. September’s topic: Navigating School and Services Without Burning Out (Note: new date!) Register here.
Wednesday, September 23, 7-8:30 p.m.
IEP 101
Join our monthly webinar to learn all the basics of IEPs and what services and accommodations are available for your child. Register here |
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Friday, September 25, 7-7:45 p.m.
Small Steps Together
Online discussion group for MoCo parents/guardians of autistic elementary or preschool children. (Note: new date!) Register here
Wednesday, September 30, 7-7:45 p.m.
Let's Talk Transitions
Online discussion group for MoCo parents of autistic students in middle or high school. (Note: new date!) 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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