Our Bullying & Autism Series Continues |
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Every day we hear stories of kids being bullied. Frequently these stories involve autistic kids. One study found that over 60% of the kids on the spectrum, ages 6-15, have been bullied at some point in their lives. How do we grapple with this? Join xMinds and the Autism Society of Maryland on April 24 at 7:00 PM for the second part of our Bullying & Autism Speaker Series, My Child is Being Bullied: What Should I Do? Our speakers will be psychologist Dr. Christine Waanders and educational attorney Ashley VanCleef. They will walk us through how to support, guide, and advocate for your bullied child. |
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Christine Waanders, Ph.D.
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Ashley VanCleef, Esq. started her career as a certified special educator before working for eighteen years as a school and state level administrator and school attorney. She was a staff attorney for MCPS as well as Supervisor and 504 Coordinator for MCPS' Resolution and Compliance Unit.
She now works as an education law attorney for the firm she founded, Law for Parents, advising parents and caregivers on what students need educationally and what they are entitled to legally.
Be sure to register HERE for this special evening with these two experts discussing how to keep our children safe. As always, there will be a Q and A session after the presentations. Simultaneous Spanish translation will be available.
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Learn How to Protect Your Child Online
MAY 14 SPEAKER, CHAD ROSE, WILL EDUCATE PARENTS ON CYBERBULLYING |
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Today’s digital world poses unique challenges for kids on the spectrum. Bullying online — cyberbullying — continues to evolve its many forms on a multitude of social media platforms. Parents, and their kids, are frequently overwhelmed by a virtual world of cyberstalking, outing, doxing, fraping, and catfishing. How prepared are you if your child is the subject of online harassment? |
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Visit the xMinds Anti-Bullying Webpage RESOURCES FOR PARENTS |
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Children with ASD are bullied at higher rates than other children. As bullying expert Dr. Chad Rose says, “The two biggest predictors of bullying I have seen throughout my career are deficits in social and communication skills.” Because social skills differences are so prevalent in ASD, autistic kids may have a harder time knowing how to respond to bullying. This makes it vital for adults to guide them in handling bullying situations, and xMinds has created a special page on its website. Here you can research other organizations addressing the issue, explore what to do if your child is being cyberbullied, and look into the MCPS procedures for reporting bullying. You can also find links and information on xMinds’ Bullying & Autism Series. The page is quite extensive, so be sure to check it out HERE. |
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Stay tuned for more details about the last event in our series on Bullying & Autism featuring a panel of autistic self-advocates in the May issue of the xMindsWire and on xMinds' Facebook, Instagram, and X platforms!
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April is Autism Acceptance Month
TEAM UP WITH YOUR SCHOOL TO PARTICIPATE THIS APRIL!
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This month is designed to promote acceptance of the autism community. It’s sometimes still referred to by its former name, Autism Awareness Month. The shift in language represents a shift in belief: While awareness reflects the need to teach the public about autism, acceptance goes further, embracing autistic individuals as they are, with all of their differences. |
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And what better way to celebrate the month than by promoting it in your local school and classroom? Check out the xMinds Autism Acceptance Month page which is chock-full of ideas on how to do exactly that. Organize a Sensory-Friendly Day, promote books celebrating famous autistic individuals, or present a video that spreads neurodiversity and inclusion.
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xMinds Goes to the Capital! MARYLAND CELEBRATES AUTISM ACCEPTANCE DAY
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xMinds fun at the photo booth |
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Tuesday, April 2 was Autism Acceptance Day, and xMinds was proud to participate in the festivities in Annapolis. Spearheaded by the ARC Maryland, the day included a formal proclamation from the Governor, messages of welcome and support by our state delegates and senators, and a fun luncheon with music, fidget spinners, and a raffle. Before the big day, xMinds volunteers fanned out through the State House to deliver buttons and invitations to our legislators.
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Autism Acceptance Day Celebration Committee Members |
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MD Department of Disabilities and Lower Shore Autism Community |
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Join Us For Outdoor Fun
PLAYGROUND MEETUP SUNDAY, APRIL 21
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Spring has sprung and the kids are anxious to get outside and run around a bit. What better way to do that than spending a weekend afternoon in a fully-enclosed, accessible, and inclusive playground? With snacks! |
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The xMinds Preschool and Elementary Parent Outreach Committee will be hosting its monthly meetup for parents of young autistic students on Sunday, April 21 from 2:00 to 3:30 PM at the enclosed playground behind Ivymount School, 11614 Seven Locks Rd., Rockville, MD 20854.
(Note the change in day and time for the spring season.)
The whole family is welcome -- including older siblings. Take this opportunity to network with other parents while the kids play. As always, xMinds executive director Melanie Carlos and representatives will be there to welcome you and answer any questions you might have. |
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Mark your calendars for the upcoming playground meetups:
- Sunday, May 19, 2:00 – 3:30 PM
- Saturday, June 15, 10:00 – 11:30 AM
- Saturday, July 20, 10:00 – 11:30 AM
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Registration is not required but sign up here for reminders and notifications of rain dates.
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May the Fourth Be With You!
SOCIAL EVENT FOR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL TEENS |
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Join xMinds in collaboration with Slush & Krust Productions for an out-of-this-world experience at our May the Fourth Be With You party for autistic middle and high school students on – you guessed it – May 4at 7:00 - 9:30 PM at the Gaithersburg High School Cafeteria, 101 Education Blvd, Gaithersburg, MD 20877. Feel the force and journey into a galaxy far, far away as we celebrate the epic saga of Star Wars at this event for neurodiverse teens. Channel your inner Jedi or don your best Sith attire – costumes are encouraged!
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Prepare for an evening filled with lightsaber duels, intergalactic video games, and cosmic tunes that will keep you grooving all night long. Hungry after your battles? Fear not, as there will be plenty of galactic snacks, pizza, and refreshments to keep you fueled for the festivities. And don't forget to capture memories of this unforgettable night at our themed photo booth! |
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Whether you're a loyal supporter of the Rebellion or tempted by the dark side, there's a place for you at this stellar soirée. But space is limited, so register your teen today.
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Enjoy a Good Laugh With xMinds!
GIVE A HOOT COMEDY CLUB HOSTS XMINDS BENEFIT ON MAY 3 & 4
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Multi-talented comedian Quincy Carr brings his unique comedic voice to the Give a Hoot Comedy Club located at 16143 Shady Grove Rd, Gaithersburg MD 20877, Friday and Saturday night, May 3 and May 4, at 8:00 PM to benefit xMinds. Bring the whole family for a night of clever, clean comedy, and enjoy a full-service Mexican dinner while you’re at it (Give a Hoot is located at La Mexicana restaurant, so food and drink is available for purchase). Doors open at 7:00 PM and parking is free. |
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Quincy Carr is an entrepreneur, on-air personality, actor, and philanthropist who has raised over $24,000 for local area non-profits while entertaining audiences across the country. Since 2010, Quincy has presented Virginia’s only monthly live clean adult comedy show, "The Quality Comedy Series," and xMinds is delighted to welcome him.
Only 80 seats are available each evening, so get your tickets early. Give a Hoot often sells out. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door, if available. Purchase tickets here!
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Legislative Highlights MARYLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2024 SESSION COMES TO A CLOSE |
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The Maryland General Assembly wrapped up a busy 2024 legislative session April 8, passing significant legislation impacting people with disabilities. Two noteworthy bills have been sent to the Governor, one providing professional advocacy assistance, the other making disability services more accessible. |
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(1) HB903/SB797 – xMinds was part of an educational coalition that advocated for the passage of the Access to Attorneys, Advocates, and Consultants for Special Education Program and Fund. The legislation passed in both chambers and now awaits the governor’s signature.
Hiring an attorney or a special education advocate to help with IEP disputes can be cost-prohibitive for many families, and the newly-passed legislation will establish a $1 million fund to help families with limited income who cannot afford to hire experts to advocate on their behalf. |
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(2) xMinds was also one of twenty-four Maryland disability organizations that submitted joint testimony in support of HB981, the Individuals With Limited English Proficiency - Access to Public Services. This bill was passed by lawmakers and it seeks equitable access to life-changing disability services for Hispanic and other underserved Marylanders. |
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Data show that Hispanic people are underrepresented among disability service recipients in Maryland. Although 12 percent of Maryland’s population is Hispanic, only 2-4% of people with developmental disabilities accessing housing programs, vocational rehabilitation services, and long-term care are Hispanic.
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xMinds thanks all of its coalition partners and community members for their advocacy efforts and making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. |
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Join Team xMinds for Bike to the Beach, Aug 2!
BIKERS AND NON-BIKERS NEEDED
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xMinds is gearing up for this summer's 2024 DC Bike to the Beach fundraiser on Friday, August 2. xMinds relies on this event to provide more than half our annual budget — money that goes toward hosting speaker events, developing online resources, offering volunteer advocacy services, providing educator grants, and more! |
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Here’s how you can support this critical xMinds fundraiser, whether or not you bike:
If you want to “bike to the beach," sign up here to join Team xMinds and ride with us on August 2. It's a very friendly group, and we span the full range of biking abilities. You can choose a 25-, 50-, 70-, or 100-mile route. To help you prepare for the big event, join other team members for our optional training rides throughout the spring. Many of our cyclists find training together offers a fun way to meet other xMinds families. Find out the details here.
If you want to raise funds without biking, register as a volunteer with Team xMinds, and encourage your family and friends to support you in your fundraising efforts.
If you want to make a donation, please show your support for xMinds by donating here. Your contributions mean a lot to us and help fund all of xMinds’ important work to improve education for autistic children in Montgomery County.
Find out more about this fundraiser on the xMinds website, where we spell out all the details about this fun and important event.
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Stephen Shore Bullying Presentation Now Available
HEAR HIS UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE |
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“What I’ve Learned About Bullying: Autistic Self-Advocate Stephen Shore Speaks Out” is now available on the xMinds YouTube platform. Over 100 people attended the online event live as Dr. Shore told stories of growing up autistic and offered tips on how to respond to bullying and harassment.
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Join Our Team of Volunteer Advocates HELP FAMILIES NAVIGATE MCPS SPECIAL ED |
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Did you know that xMinds provides free consultations to help families navigate the MCPS special education system? We’re looking for volunteers to join the team of advocates who provide these consultations. If you’re passionate about helping others and have some experience advocating for students’ educational needs — even if only for your own children — please consider applying to be a volunteer advocate. Individuals who are selected will receive free training on special education advocacy and law. Our volunteer advocates do not provide specific legal advice or attend IEP meetings, but they do help parents by providing guidance and resources. Training meetings will be online on Tuesday nights from August 6 to September 3. For more information and to apply, click here.
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Wanna Work for xMinds?
WE'RE LOOKING FOR A PART-TIME COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
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Do you have excellent writing skills? Do you enjoy diving into a topic and then sharing it with the public? Are you committed to improving the lives of autistic kids? xMinds is looking for a part-time communications specialist to help us keep our community up to date with information and resources. If you're interested or know someone who would be a great candidate, see the full job description. |
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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:
Raising Orchid Kids, LLC
Washington, DC www.raisingorchidkids.com
Contact: Jen Dryer; raisingorchidkids@gmail.com; 917-696-1155
Services: Educational consulting and advocacy; Academic tutoring; Evaluations of academic achievement
Raising Orchid Kids is a parent education and coaching practice dedicated to helping parents find practical parenting strategies that actually work with neuro-different kids.
Ascend Ed LLC
www.ascend-ed.com
Contact: Anneliese Girson; anneliese.girson@gmail.com; 301-814-4263
Services: Educational consulting and advocacy; Academic tutoring; Evaluations of academic achievement
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.
Jean Hickey, M.Ed.
Kensington, MD
Contact: Jean Hickey; jhickeyllc@gmail.com; 240-460-5306
Services: Individual educational therapy; academic tutoring/coaching; parent training and support
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).
Naomi Rubinstein LLC
Contact: Naomi Rubinstein; naomirubinsteinllc@gmail.com; 301-509-9181
Services: Social skills therapy; Educational consulting; Academic tutoring/coaching; Behavioral support coaching; Special education Pre-K language therapy educational consulting; Behavioral therapy educational consulting; Grades K–5; Grades 6–8
Naomi’s methodology: Naomi Rubinstein, M.Ed. partners with families, educators and therapists to create and execute individualized developmental plans to support goals. She focuses on the whole child and family unit as she believes that understanding family dynamics is crucial for progress. Her practice is built on various research-based methodologies, and utilizes children’s strengths and interests to support challenges.
Direct developmental support services: Naomi provides developmental support services to children in the environment that is best for the child. Often, she meets with the child individually in the educational setting, or in the classroom, providing “real-time” assistance amongst peers. At other times, she provides support in the home setting.
Parent coaching: Naomi problem solves with parents and provides practical, research-based strategies to support parents in meeting their child’s needs in various environments. She offers parents an array of tools to meet the needs of their child in a variety of situations. She recognizes that a child's needs are constantly changing, and she seeks to empower parents to feel confident in managing the “roller coaster ride” of parenting.
Collaboration with schools and outside practitioners: Naomi partners with all members of the child’s team to ensure that strategies and accommodations are implemented in all settings. She problem solves with team members and provides strategies and recommendations to support success across all environments.
Special education navigation services: Naomi helps guide parents as they navigate the world of special education services. This includes guiding them through the process of obtaining an Individualized Family Service Plan or Individualized Educational Program. In addition, Naomi works with parents to locate appropriate private therapeutic support for their child.
Professional development services: As a Maryland State Department of Education approved trainer, Naomi creates and executes trainings for educators.
Areas of support: Social/emotional development, executive functioning, play, behavior, cognitive flexibility, academic learning and sibling relationships
Jamell White, Ph.D., LCSW-C
Montgomery County, MD
Contact: Jamell White; drjamellwhite@gmail.com; 301-613-1766
Services: Psychological counseling; Social skills therapy; Behavioral support
Dr. Jamell White is a therapist specializing in working with children, adolescents and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other (neuro)developmental disabilities. She has over 25 years of experience providing individual and family therapy, social skills intervention, and care coordination and consultation for individuals and their families. Dr. White is also a PEERS Certified Provider.
Dr. White has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Maryland, a master’s degree in social work from The Catholic University of America, a master’s degree in special education from Johns Hopkins University and a doctorate in Human Development and Quantitative Methodology from the University of Maryland. Dr. White is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry (Child and Adolescent) at Georgetown University School of Medicine as well as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Sondra Wolff, LCSW
MD, DC and VA https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/sondra-wolff-mclean-va/253091
Contact: Sondra Wolff; sondrawolff@me.com; 703-597-6977
Services: Psychological counseling
Offering individual and group neuroaffirmative psychotherapy to Autistic Women on-line and in-person, residing in MD, DC & VA. I work with adults and teens using interpersonal and cognitive-behavioral therapies. My clinical interests include: 1) Women with anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties 2) Peer and romantic relationship issues 3) ADHD & learning differences 4) Autistic Women
I offer a sensitive and nonjudgmental manner for reflection on areas where you feel hurt, lost, and stuck. Together we will build on your strengths and internal resources to manage intense emotions, cope with difficult situations, build confidence, and improve relationships. With greater clarity and confidence, it is possible to lead a happier lifestyle.
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Upcoming xMinds Events
xMinds events, resources, & services are always FREE
Wednesday, April 17, 7:00 – 7:45 PM
Let's Talk Transitions
Online discussion group for MoCo parents/guardians of an autistic child in middle or high school. Register here. Sunday, April 21, 2:00 – 3:30 PM
Elementary and Preschool Playground Meetup
Meet other elementary and preschool families with autistic children. See the details here.
Monday, April 22, 7:00 – 7:45 PM
Small Steps Together
Online discussion group for MoCo parents/guardians of an autistic elementary or preschool child. Register here.
Wednesday, April 24, 7:00 – 8:30 PM
My Autistic Child is Being Bullied: What Can I Do?
Online presentation by psychologist Christine Waanders and educational attorney Ashley VanCleef. Register here.
Wednesday, May 1, 7:00 – 7:45 PM
Hablemos Educación Especial
Online discussion group for Spanish-speaking MoCo parents/guardians of autistic students. Register here.
Friday and Saturday, May 3 & 4, 8:00 PM show (doors open at 7:00)
Give a Hoot Comedy Fundraiser
Comedy night benefitting xMinds.Tickets required. Register here. |
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Saturday, May 4, 7:00 – 7:45 PM
May the Fourth Be With You Teen Party
Free in-person Star Wars-themed party for autistic middle and high school teens. 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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