April is Autism Acceptance Month XMINDS RECOGNIZED IN COUNTY CEREMONY |
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While we celebrate our autistic children and loved ones every month, April is a special time when the world joins us in embracing neurodiversity. Autism Acceptance Month is all about promoting inclusion, honoring differences, and building community. xMinds has been honored to participate in several events recognizing and celebrating Autism Acceptance Month across Montgomery County.
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April 8 A highlight of the month was xMinds being recognized for its contributions to the autism community during the Montgomery County Autism Acceptance Month Proclamation Ceremony. Held at the Council Office Building in Rockville, the event was led by Council Vice President Will Jawando and County Executive Marc Elrich, who officially declared April as Autism Acceptance Month. xMinds President Sue Keisler was invited to speak at the ceremony, where she delivered heartfelt remarks on the importance of “giving autistic students the same opportunity to thrive at school as any neurotypical kid.”
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xMinds connected with community members at multiple other events:
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April 1 Marriott Headquarters Autism Acceptance Event – xMinds was invited to participate in a special internal event at Marriott’s headquarters in Bethesda. We hosted a table with educational materials and staff assembled sensory kits for autistic children. |
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April 5 The Arc Montgomery County’s Respite Resource & Health Fair – Held in Gaithersburg, this event featured over 100 exhibitors providing a great opportunity for families to learn about available respite care and health supports, including free health screenings and interactive workshops. |
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April 5 Shine Brighter Together – A joyful celebration at Wheaton Regional Park with sensory-friendly story times, arts and crafts, and performances. Montgomery County Parks, Park Police, and Recreation, as well as many other community partners, shared information about services for autistic individuals and their families. |
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We’re so proud to be out in the community this month, deepening public understanding, and sharing resources!
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HOW CAN YOU AND YOUR FAMILY CELEBRATE AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH?
There are plenty of free events — both virtual and in-person, designed to inspire, bring people together, and have fun.
Here are just a few ways your family can recognize the month: World Autism Month Miniseries by Kennedy Krieger (Virtual) New Sessions Every Thursday in April 12 PM EST
Weekly virtual talks on autism-related topics
Sensory Storytime with ReadAbility
Saturday, April 12
11:00–11:30 AM
Gaithersburg Library
Free | Ages 3+ | Space is limited
A welcoming, sensory-friendly storytime for young children
xMinds Playground Meetup
Saturday, April 19
Ivymount School, Rockville — playground behind the school
Connect with other families in a relaxed outdoor setting
And save the date for next month to attend the Ethiopian Eritrean Special Needs Community Autism Walk and Family Fun Day on Saturday, April 26 @ 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. - a day of walking, games, and community spirit! |
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Visit the xMinds website for more ideas on how to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month in your own way. Whether you attend a community event, share a social media post, or simply learn more about the experiences of autistic individuals, your efforts help build a more inclusive world.
Let’s continue spreading acceptance, one joyful moment at a time — this month and every month! |
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Bridging the Divide: Autism Conversations JOIN US APRIL 30 FOR REAL TALK ABOUT ADVOCACY |
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Meghan Ashburn (left) and Jules Edwards (right) |
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You know what they say about judging a book by its cover. Meghan Ashburn and Jules Edwards didn’t get along when they first met. Meghan, a mother of two autistic boys, and Jules, an autistic parent, came to advocacy from two contrasting perspectives. Each of them firmly thought their solution was the only correct one.
Join xMinds Wednesday, April 30, 7-8:30 p.m. for an online chat with the co-authors of the book, I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults, Autism Parents, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World, as they share how they put their differences aside and learned how to get along in the pursuit of progress. Meghan and Jules don’t hold back when tackling tough topics like ABA, racial justice, and why language matters.
Join us for a fascinating dialogue on how to find common ground. |
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Lunchtime Reboot with Magüi Moreno UNWIND AT OUR MONTHLY SELF-CARE SESSIONS |
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The first Lunchtime Reboot in February was so successful, we’ve made it an ongoing discussion group on the fourth Monday of every month. In these 45-minute online sessions, certified mindfulness teacher and parent coach Magüi Moreno will share simple and realistic self-care practices specifically designed for parents of autistic children. Relax, unwind, and learn some methods to beat the stress.
Mark your calendars for these upcoming dates and themes:
Note: If you’ve already registered for any of the previous sessions, you’re set for the series. No need to re-register. |
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Celebrate Spring at xMinds Playground Meetup ENJOY THE SUNSHINE AND PLAY OUTDOORS |
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It’s finally spring. We’re back at the playground because we’ve all had enough of being stuck inside when the weather’s nasty. Join us for our first outdoor playground meetup of the year on Saturday, April 19, 10-11:30 a.m., at the enclosed playground behind Ivymount School, 11614 Seven Locks Rd., Rockville, MD. |
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Our free meetups are geared toward families with autistic elementary and preschool students, and offer a fun way to get your kids moving. We will provide snacks, and will have volunteers on-hand to answer any questions.
Everyone is welcome, including siblings of all ages! Registration is not required, so feel free to just show up. If you would like to receive event reminders and an email if we need to postpone due to inclement weather, sign up here.
Mark your calendars for the spring playground meetups (and don’t miss our special Sunday meetups in May and June):
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Join Team xMinds for Bike to the Beach 2025 GET READY FOR THE NEXT TRAINING RIDE |
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Team xMinds on a practice ride, April 2025 |
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With just two months to go, the xMinds team has started training for this summer's DC Bike to the Beach fundraiser. Now is the time to put on your spandex and join our team!
The big ride will be held on Friday, June 20. The final destination is Dewey Beach, Del., but you can pick legs of 25-, 50-, 70- or the whole 100-mile route. The 100-mile ride starts at Union Station, D.C. and there are other starting points along the route. |
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xMinds relies on this event to provide more than half our annual budget, ensuring that we can continue to host free speaker events, online resources, volunteer advocacy services, playground meetups and more!
If you want to “bike to the beach," sign up here to join Team xMinds and ride with us on June 20. You can invite friends and family to support you with a donation — but you’re not required to raise a particular amount. To help you prepare, join other team members for our optional training rides throughout the spring. Our next training ride is Saturday, April 19, 9 a.m., Shirlington to Vienna & back on W&OD Trail. Drop in and give it a whirl; no commitment required. If you have any questions, please email our Team Captain Patrick Quigley. Many of our cyclists find training together offers a fun way to meet other xMinds families.
Next rides:
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Sunday, May 4 @ 8 a.m. Mt. Vernon to National Harbor & back
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Sunday, May 18 @ 9 a.m. Gravelly Point through Arlington to Bethesda Metro & back Sunday, June 1 @ 9 a.m. Shirlington to Herndon & back on W&OD Trail
There are many ways to support this critical xMinds fundraiser, whether or not you bike: If you want to raise funds without biking to the beach, you can register as a virtual bike rider with Team xMinds, and encourage your family and friends to support you in your fundraising efforts. If you simply want to support xMinds, make a donation 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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Help Your Teen Take the Next Step JOIN XMINDS MAY 31 AT TRANSITION EVENT CO-HOSTED WITH AUSOM |
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Are you wondering if your child will qualify for government benefits after they graduate high school? Navigating the eligibility process can be a maze and we are here to help! xMinds and the Autism Society of Maryland (AUSOM) are co-hosting an in-person Transition to Adulthood Clinic May 31, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., at Montgomery Blair High School, 51 University Blvd E, Silver Spring. |
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If you have attended the xMinds Annual IEP Clinic, this will be a similar format (and the same location) but instead of IEPs, the focus will be helping families apply for state and federal disability benefits such as DORS, DDA, and SSI to support your young adult. Take advantage of this opportunity and get free professional guidance on your transition-to-adulthood questions. |
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To schedule a free individual 25-minute consult appointment you MUST register for a ticket with your preferred time slot. If you would like to attend and do not want a private consultation, you may use the General Admission ticket.
In addition to individual private consultations by appointment, our keynote speaker, Eric Jorgensen, will share what you need to know about how to fill out applications for state and federal funding at 10 and 11:30 a.m. Resource tables featuring community resources will be on display and AUSOM and xMinds staff will be available if you would like assistance filling out applications. No matter where you are in the process — wondering if you should apply, completing the paperwork, or filing an appeal, this Clinic will have something for everyone. |
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Find PDA Support VISIT XMINDS' LATEST RESOURCE |
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In the world of autism research, everyone is talking about PDA. First described as Pathological Demand Avoidance in the UK in the 1980’s, the term refers to a profile of autism characterized by a heightened resistance to any demand. Since then, many providers and parents have preferred to use the phrase Persistent Drive for Autonomy, and the profile has gained wider recognition.
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To help parents make their way through this possible diagnosis, xMinds has put together a new PDA web page of resources including parent strategies, related experts, and personal stories. Find tools and peace of mind by hearing other parents and autistic adults’ experiences. And if you missed it, click HERE to watch the recording of an event in January, which featured PDA North America Executive Director and Founder Diane Gould, LCSW. This presentation is an excellent introduction to the topic. |
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Monthly Series: Autistic Voices AN AUTISTIC ADULT OFFERS HOPE, COMFORT |
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This month in our monthly series, we’re going to focus on someone who was diagnosed as an adult and has turned his advocacy into a career. UK writer and public speaker Pete Wharmby was diagnosed as autistic at age 34 in 2017 and has since written several books, including his latest Untypical: How the World Isn't Built for Autistic People and What We Should Do About It. |
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In the book, Wharmby takes on the commonly held notion that everyone is “a little” autistic. “Neurotypical people recognise just enough autism or ‘spectrum-y’ in themselves to count themselves ‘in the club’ and free to let loose with their opinions about it. What autism is. How it works. What it does. How autistic people need to be treated. And these opinions are usually entirely wrong. Not just wrong – actively harmful and even dangerous.”
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Wharmby's 2022 blog post made us smile: “Though it can be tiring, I like having that strong sense of justice that so many autistic people report. It can create sense out of a nonsensical world.” And for all of us parents who worry about our kids' futures, he offers this: “I like autistic friendships and how they work on such a long timescale without necessarily needing constant tending to thrive. Also the companionship of fellow autistics, whose brains work in similar ways, is a real comfort.” |
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xMinds 2025 Summer Camp Guide THERE’S STILL TIME TO PLAN |
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The daffodils and the magnolias have bloomed, signaling spring is upon us! To help you plan, we’ve put together the xMinds Summer 2025 Camp Guide. Our guide features an extensive list of camps and programs that autistic kids and teens have enjoyed in past years – including day and overnight programs. Some of the deadlines have already passed, so please contact the individual program to find out how to register. |
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Our page features a wide variety of topics, from emotional regulation to sailing skills, from equine training to musical theatre, and as always, surfing. We’ve also added a series of cruises and a Therapeutic Summer Program consisting of language groups for little ones. |
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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:
Cultivate Rehabilitation Services, LLC
https://www.cultivaterehab.com/
5759 Sunset View Ln, Frederick MD 21703
Contact: Nathalie@cultivaterehab.com; 610-220-4748
Services: Occupational therapy
Cultivate Rehabilitation Services is a therapist-owned private practice that offers therapy services in a variety of settings including nature based therapy, hippotherapy, home and clinic based therapy, and occupational therapy sessions. Cultivate primarily serves children, teens and young adults. The services we offer at the farm begin as early as age 2.
Elevated Learning Solutions
www.elevatedlearningsolutionsllc.com
Contact: ElyseDworin, elyse.dworin@elsmd.com
Services: Educational consulting; Educational testing; Academic tutoring/coaching; Neuropsychological testing; Special and General Education; grades Pre-K to 12; Private tutor Pre-K; Social skills therapy
ELS is a holistic educational support company dedicated to fostering independent, self-aware learners by addressing the whole child. All of our academic coaching services emphasize building executive functioning skills and fostering awareness of physical and social-emotional wellness, helping children develop strategies to grow in these essential areas. In addition to academic coaching, services include parent coaching, IEP/504 support, psychoeducational testing, intensive interaction, and summer enrichment. NeuroPossible: Post-Secondary Transition Planning
2013 Rosemont Avenue NW , Washington, D.C. 20010
Contact: 202-212-9147; liz@neuropossible.comServices: Educational consulting, Academic tutoring/coaching, College placement assistance, Special Education Grades 9-12, Transition ages 18–21+
Liz Sokolov, founder of NeuroPossible, provides post-secondary transition planning for neurodivergent students who need a path after high school other than a traditional 4-year college. NeuroPossible can help you find inclusive vocational training programs, short-term residential therapeutic programs, transitional life skills programs, non-degree programs on college campuses, or colleges with embedded support programs for students whose profile is ASD, ADHD, or LD. Liz Sokolov also has a private practice providing academic tutoring and executive function coaching to neurodivergent students.
Naomi Rubinstein LLC North Potomac, MD
Contact: Naomi Rubinstein; naomirubinsteinllc@gmail.com; 301-509-9181
Services: Direct developmental support services, parent coaching, collaboration with schools and outside practitioners, case management, inclusion support, special education navigation, and professional development. Serving infants through 12 years old.
Naomi Rubinstein, M.Ed. partners with parents, schools, and outside practitioners to support children as they develop the tools to be resilient, social, independent and cognitively flexible teens and young adults. Naomi’s collaborative approach ensures strategies are in place throughout the week-from school to play dates to daily routines at home-thus, setting up the child for success. Areas of support: Social/emotional development, executive functioning, play, behavior, cognitive flexibility, and sibling relationships. Shefter Law, PA
shefterlaw.com 110 N Washington St, Suite 350, Rockville, MD 20850
Contact: Frances Shefter; frances@shefterlaw.com; 301-605-7303
Services: Special education law; Educational consulting
Shefter Law, PA is a law firm dedicated to helping families have a Stress-Free IEP experience. Parents of Children with Special Needs have a ton of demands on their time and energy. Learning the complexities of how to get your child’s school to meet his or her unique needs is just one more thing you do not need on your plate. As a former Special Education teacher, Frances Shefter is uniquely able to mix Education and the Law to help take the stress out of the IEP or 504 process. She aims to empower families with the knowledge and resources needed to help bring peace and harmony to their home. |
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Upcoming xMinds Events
XMINDS EVENTS, RESOURCES, & SERVICES ARE ALWAYS FREE
Saturday, April 19, 9 a.m.
Bike to the Beach Training Ride Join the xMinds team for a 24-mile ride. Starting point: W&OD Trailhead, Shirlington Rd. & S. Four Mile Run Dr., Arlington, VA 22206. Register here. Future rides: May 4, May 18
Saturday, April 19, 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, Rockville, MD. See the details and register here.
Monday, April 21, 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.
Wednesday, April 23, 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, April 28, 12-12:45 p.m.
Lunchtime Reboot
Relax, unwind and learn some methods to beat the stress of parenting. Register here.
Wednesday, April 30, 7-8:30 p.m.
Bridging the Divide: Controversial Conversations About Autism
Autism advocates Meghan Ashburn and Jules Edwards host a candid discussion about issues that often divide the autism community. Register here.
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Monday, May 5, 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, May 7, 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.
Saturday, May 31, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Transition to Adulthood Clinic
xMinds and AUSOM event offering free professional guidance on applying for disability benefits for your autistic teen or young adult. 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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