Events for Children, Teens, and Young Adults
Thursday & Friday, May 9 & 10; 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 11; 12:30 p.m.
"The Magic Within" and "Somewhere in Showtime"
ArtStream (Gaithersburg Inclusive Theatre Companies)
Location: The Bender JCC of Greater Washington, 6125 Montrose Road Rockville, MD 20852
Cost: $5.25 - $15.50 advance purchase; $17.50 at the door; Transitioning students/adults age 16-26 may receive two (2) free tickets by calling 301-565-4567. *Due to ticket limitations, reservations for transitioning students can only be made within three days of the performance. These tickets are designed for individuals with disabilities who are not currently enrolled in an ArtStream program.
Registration: Registration is required for discount prices. Register online or by calling 301-565-4567.
In Inclusive Theatre Companies, actors develop and perform an original musical. The company votes on a theme, creates original characters, and improvises scenes. Those scenes are scripted to become an original, one-act musical. Each performance presents two of these musicals in a double-bill.
ArtStream performances feature adult actors with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) — including autism — and other social and behavioral needs. Actors, volunteer mentors, and theatre professionals work as a team to create original performances for live audiences.
Saturday, May 11; 11:00 am - 12:00 p.m.
Autism Support Group
University of Maryland, College Park
Location: McKeldin Library, Room 2111, UMD, College Park Campus
Cost: Free
Registration: Registration is not required.
This month’s topic is Autism in popular culture and as culture. Not limited to University of Maryland College Park Students.
Saturday, May 11; 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Sensory Friendly Storytime
Montgomery County Public Libraries
Location: Little Falls Branch, 5501 Massachusetts Ave., Bethesda, MD 20816
Cost: Free
Registration: Registration is required. Contact the Little Falls library at 240-773-9520 or by email at leslie.jarvis@montgomerycountymd.gov to register.
Sensory friendly storytime is designed for children of all ages who prefer smaller groups due to sensory processing disorders. Storytime will be followed by social playtime with educational toys and an opportunity for parents to socialize. Participants are encouraged to bring their own noise reduction earmuffs and weighted items.
Saturday, May 11; 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 8; 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Special Stay and Play
Montgomery County Public Libraries
Location: Quince Orchard Branch, 15831 Quince Orchard Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Cost: Free
Registration: Registration is recommended. Call 240-777-0200 or stop by the Quince Orchard Library Information Desk to register. Maximum attendance is ten children with their accompanying caregivers. Special Stay and Play is a playtime designed for children with autism, those on the autism spectrum, and those who have other sensory processing disorders. However, all children are welcome, so just stop in! At Special Stay and Play, there is a selection of carefully chosen books and toys to play with, as well as a librarian conversant with relevant library materials and services.
Thursday, May 30; 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Autism/IDD Night Out
Montgomery County Department of Police
Location: Montgomery County Public Safety Training Academy, 8751 Snouffer School Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20879
Cost: Free
Registration: Registration is recommended. Register online.
Enjoy Food, face painting, tattoos while meeting the Officers of the Autism/IDD Outreach unit as well as members of the Search and Rescue and K-9 teams. Tour emergency vehicles!
Friday, June 7; 7:30 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday, June 8 & 9; 2:30 p.m.
"That's Show Biz" and "Wrong Vacation"
ArtStream (Silver Spring Inclusive Theatre Companies)
Location: Silver Spring Black Box Theatre, 8641 Colesville Road Silver Spring, MD 20910
Cost: $5.25 - $15.50 advance purchase; $17.50 at the door; Transitioning students/adults age 16-26 may receive two (2) free tickets by calling 301-565-4567. *Due to ticket limitations, reservations for transitioning students can only be made within three days of the performance. These tickets are designed for individuals with disabilities who are not currently enrolled in an ArtStream program.
Registration: Registration is required for discount prices. Register online or by calling 301-565-4567.
In Inclusive Theatre Companies actors develop and perform an original musical. The company votes on a theme, creates original characters, and improvises scenes. Those scenes are scripted to become an original, one-act musical. Each performance presents two of these musicals in a double-bill.
ArtStream performances feature adult actors with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) — including autism — and other social and behavioral needs. Actors, volunteer mentors, and theatre professionals work as a team to create original performances for live audiences.
Saturday, June 8; 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Writing, for the Neurodivergent
The Writer’s Center
Location: 4508 Walsh Street, Bethesda, MD 20815
Cost: Free
Registration: Registration is required. Register online.
Intended for autistic writers, this workshop will introduce reportage to nonfiction writing, as well as addressing how to best convey and portray autistic people in media. This workshop is a part of the event #OwnVoices: Autism through a Literary Lens, a symposium featuring autistic and neurotypical writers leading creative writing workshops and a panel discussion on the portrayal of autism in the written word.
Wednesdays, July 3 - August 7; Times vary
Be Social Kids
Center for Communication and Learning
Location: 6208 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 20852
Cost: Contact Sue Abrams at info@ccl-md.com or call 301 468-9343 ext 2 for pricing information. These services may be covered by your insurance company. LISS funding is applicable for our social learning programs.
Registration: Registration is required. Complete the Interest Form to start the registration process.
The Center for Communication and Learning has developed unique programs that focus on helping children understand the “why” behind social skills. These groups are for children from preschool through elementary school who exhibit social challenges. Based on the frameworks of social thinking, we help children to navigate their social world by providing concepts and strategies that allow them to understand social expectations, to explore thoughts and feelings, and to learn how to form connections with their peers. More information is available online.
Summer Camp Information
Alliance Pediatrics
Secret Agent Society
June 17 - July 12 (no session on 7/4); M-Th; 9:00 - 2:00 p.m.; F 9:00 a.m. -- 12:00 p.m. (aftercare available)
July 22 - August 16; M-Th; 9:00 - 2:00 p.m.; F 9:00 a.m. -- 12:00 p.m. (aftercare available)
Location: Charles E Smith Jewish Day School, 1901 E Jefferson St., Rockville, MD 20852
Cost: Session 1: $2,975; Session 2: $3,145; Both Sessions: $6,120
Registration: All interested families will need to complete an interest form and an application. Once the clinicians review the documents, the administration will contact the family to schedule an intake if applicable. An informal 25-minute intake is required for all new Summer Program cadets. The intake fee is $75. Complete the intake form online.
The Secret Agent Academy Summer Program was designed from the curriculum of the Secret Agent Society (SAS) Small Group. SAS is an evidence-based intervention for children ages 8-12 with social-emotional challenges. Each 4-week session will include the SAS emotion regulation and social skills interventions that have been rigorously evaluated. Complete details are available online.
MOCO Movement Center
Friendship & Fun Therapeutic Summer Intensive
Weekly Sessions: Monday - Friday, June 17 - June 28; 9:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m.,
aftercare until 3:00 p.m.
Location: 5268A Nicholson Lane, Kensington, MD 20895
Cost: Call MOCO at 301-770-5437 to inquire
Registration: Registration is required. Call MOCO at 301-770-5437 to inquire
Join us for a therapeutic summer intensive program that focuses on social participation and relationship-building skills. Complete description available online.
Ready-to-Reach Therapeutic Summer Intensive
Weekly Sessions: Monday - Friday, July 8 - 26; 9:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m.,
aftercare until 3:00 p.m.
Location: 5268A Nicholson Lane, Kensington, MD 20895
Cost: Call MOCO at 301-770-5437 to inquire
Registration: Registration is required. Call MOCO at 301-770-5437 to inquire
A constraint-induced movement therapy and bimanual skills development Therapeutic Summer Intensive. Complete description available online.
Fun & Food Exploration Therapeutic Summer Intensive
Monday - Friday, July 29 - August 2; 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.,
aftercare until 3:00 p.m.
Location: 5268A Nicholson Lane, Kensington, MD 20895
Cost: Call MOCO at 301-770-5437 to inquire
Registration: Registration is required. Call MOCO at 301-770-5437 to inquire
A therapeutic summer intensive with a focus on social skills and integrated SOS feeding program. Complete details are available online.
Back-2-School Therapeutic Summer Intensive
Weekly sessions: Monday - Friday, August 12 - 30; 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.,
aftercare until 3:00 p.m.
Location: 5268A Nicholson Lane, Kensington, MD 20895
Cost: Call MOCO at 301-770-5437 to inquire
Registration: Registration is required. Call MOCO at 301-770-5437 to inquire
A therapeutic intensive focusing on gross motor, fine motor, social and cognitive skills for school readiness. Complete details available online.
The Treatment and Learning Centers
Riding Together Camp
Session 1: Monday - Friday, August 12 - 16; 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Session 2: Monday - Friday, August 19 - 23; 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Great and Small, 17320 Moore Rd. , Boyds, MD 20841
Cost: $750/week
Registration: Registration is required. Contact Lisa Torvik at 301-424-5200 ext. 306 or ltorvik@ttlc.org to register.
Social skills development led by an experienced TLC Speech - Language Pathologist in an interactive and dynamic group environment. Campers engage with horses along side the qualified and caring Great and Small staff to foster self - confidence, communication, and social skills. Target age group is 7 through 12 grade.
Events for Parents and Caregivers
The Month of May
Better Hearing and Speech Month
The Treatment and Learning Centers
Location: The Treatment and Learning Centers, 2092 Gaither Rd, Ste 100 Rockville, MD 20850
Cost: Free
Registration: By appointment only. Call (301) 424-5200 x159 to schedule an appointment.
Schedule a free screening to assess speech, language, and hearing development. Participation in TLC's Speech-Language Program helps kids gain confidence in their ability to communicate and interact with others at home, school and in their community.
Tuesday, May 14; 7:00 p.m.
May Parent Workshop: Comprehension Strategies and Tools
The Treatment and Learning Centers
Location: The Katherine Thomas School, 9975 Medical Center Drive Rockville, MD 20850
Cost: Free
Registration: Registration is required. RSVP by May 10 to ktsworkshops@ttlc.org
This presentation will provide an overview of several comprehension and recall strategies including visualization, summarizing/paraphrasing, guided note-taking, the use of graphic organizers, and more. The goal of this presentation is to provide parents with tools to better understand how they can support and enhance their child’s comprehension.
Wednesday, May 15; 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Transition Times: Improv with ArtStream
Arc Montgomery County
Location: 11600 Nebel Street, Rockville, MD 20852
Cost: Free
Registration: Registration is required. Register online.
Featuring Nicolette Stearns, M.Ed. Theatre Educator, Social Skills Trainer, Playwright, Director and Co-Founder of ArtStream & Adrian Forsythe y Korzeniewicz ArtStream Actor, Peer Mentor, Gaithersburg Theatre Company Board of Directors Client Liaison. Join ArtStream for a “Into to Improv” workshop! You’ll practice thinking on your feet, honing your listening skills, increasing flexibility and risk taking, sharpening your observation ability, connecting within a group and enhancing problem solving and creativity, all while having fun! No experience necessary.
Thursday, May 16; 6:00 - 7:15 p.m. and 7:15 - 8:30 p.m. (meets monthly)
Parents Together
Starobin Counseling, LLC
Location: 3413 Olandwood Court, Suite 104, Olney, MD 20832
Cost: $45/session
Registration: Registration is required. Please email caron@starobincounseling.com or call Caron Starobin at 301-524-4450 for a brief phone screening and to receive registration materials.
Parents Together offers parents of children and adolescents with autism and parents of young adults with autism opportunities to enhance coping skills and gain insight and understanding of the emotional impact of ASD on the family system. It also offers parents time and tools to develop supportive relationships, share resources, and aims to strengthen the capacity of families to navigate the emotional and practical challenges of raising children on the spectrum. The group has been going since Summer 2017, has both moms and dads participating, and offers a regular, real-time connection for families!
Thursday, May 23; 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Special Education Advisory Committee
Montgomery County Public Schools
Location: Carver Educational Services Center, Cafeteria, 850 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, MD 20850
Cost: Free
Registration: Registration is not required.
Questions and public comments on any topic are welcome at SEAC meetings. Please come prepared with six copies of your written comments to share with the SEAC Co-Chairs, Phil Lynch, Director of the Department of Special Education Services, and Kevin Lowndes, Associate Superintendent for the Office of Special Education and Student Services. Public Comment participants will have 3 minutes. Child care and Spanish interpretation is available. For other interpreting services, please call 301-279-3135.
Saturday, June 8; 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Supporting Autistic Children: Your Stories
The Writer’s Center
Location: 4508 Walsh Street, Bethesda,MD 20815
Cost: Free
Registration: Registration is required. Register online.
This workshop for neurotypical parents and other family members will explore writing respectfully and honestly about our experiences supporting our autistic loved ones. The class will focus on how to write and publish our stories without falling into stereotypes, avoiding both the vilification of autism and overly-inspirational language. Our voices are powerful tools of change and the world needs to hear them!
Saturday, June 8; 3:15 - 4:15 p.m.
#OwnVoices: Autism Through a Literary Lens Panel Discussion
The Writer’s Center
Location: 4508 Walsh Street, Bethesda,MD 20815
Cost: Free
Registration: Registration is required. Register online.
Autism is often poorly understood, and thus, can be negatively and stereotypically portrayed in literature. Autistic people have their own stories to tell and they can, and should, tell them. If you’re neurotypical, writing autistic characters credibly (e.g. with nuance) takes education. With that in mind, The Writer’s Center is pleased to present a panel discussion of both autistic and neurotypicial writers assessing the way the literary community gets it right, and where it needs to do better. Panelists include Eric Garcia, Hannah Grieco, Jen Malia, and Carolyn Parkhurst. More information available online.
Events for Parents/Caregivers and Educators
Saturday, June 1 - Sunday, June 2
Neurodiversity Course
College of William and Mary
Location: 1779 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 705, Washington DC 20036
Cost: Ranges from $175 - $1,235; see website for details
Registration: Registration before May 24 is required. Register online.
This course will focus on issues related to understanding how brain differences contribute to diversity in cognitive processing and social interactions. Autism will be used as the primary example to illustrate these issues, although other topics, such as co-occurrences with emotional problems, will be discussed. The course will address related topics of advocacy and climate on college campuses related to autism. This conference is chaired by John Elder Robison.
Save the Date: Saturday, October 19
6th Annual Innovators in Education Conference
Center for Communication and Learning
Location: The Universities of Shady Grove, University of Maryland
Cost: TBD
This year’s keynote speaker will be Carol Stock Kranowitz, M.A., author of The Out-of-Sync Child, the bestseller that demystifies sensory integration. Ms. Kranowitz will be followed by Dr. Sharon Saline and Kathleen McClaskey, both distinguished speakers in their field. For more information, contact info@innovatersineducation.net.
Research Studies
Eating Habits of Children
The George Washington University
Gregory Wallace, PhD, in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at The George Washington University is recruiting children with autism spectrum disorder and their parents as well as typically developing children and their parents (ages 7-17 years) to take part in a study. This study uses behavioral surveys, paper-and-pencil and computer tasks, and physical measurements (e.g., height and weight) to investigate eating habits and their correlates in children. Participation will take approximately 2 hours to be scheduled at a mutually convenient time. Children will receive $30 and parents will receive $35 for participating in this study. Please contact Emily Richard at emilyrichard@gwu.edu or 202-994-0756.
Funding Opportunities
May 1 - June 30, 2019
Low Intensity Support Services
Maryland Community Connection
The Low Intensity Support Services (LISS) will be accepting Random Selection Applications for Random Selection Round 1 starting May 1st, 2019. To be considered please submit application to be entered in to Round 1 from May 1st, 2019-June 30th, 2019. Only submit one Random Selection application for eligible child per round. Submitting multiple application request may impact your child’s selection process.
Applications should be DROPPED OFF OR MAILED TO: Maryland Community Connection, ATTN: LISS Department 4401 Nicole Drive, Lanham, MD 20706
The application form can be found here.
Spotlight on Professional Members
As a benefit to both our families and professional members, xMinds publishes information about our professional member service providers here in the xMindsWire as well as in a Professional Member Services Directory on our website. Inclusion in the directory is voluntary and does not constitute our endorsement. This month, xMinds is happy to welcome the following new and renewing members:
Art Stream
8401 Connecticut Ave, #1230, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
301-565-4567; www.art-stream.org
Contact: Heller An Shapiro; h.shapiro@art-stream.org
Services: Social Skills; recreational support; performing arts support
ArtStream is a nonprofit that teaches art and social skills through participation in the performing arts. We create inclusive arts programs that are accessible, empowering, and engaging.
Caron Starobin
3413 Olandwood Ct., Ste. 104, Olney, MD 20832
301-524-4450; www.starobincounseling.com
Contact: Caron Starobin, LCSW-C; caron@starobincounseling.com
Services: Psychological counseling; Social skills therapy
Susan Keisler
