xMindsWire July/August 2024
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Let Us Count The Ways HOW XMINDS SERVED THE AUTISM COMMUNITY IN 2023 - 2024 |
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They
say it takes a village. It’s true when raising a child, especially an autistic child, and it’s even more true when it comes to running a
community organization. Thanks to our volunteers, donors and
professional members, we have truly moved the needle in the 2023-2024
program year. The numbers below show how xMinds is making a difference
in the lives of MoCo families with autistic students. |
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Time to Rev Up for Bike to the Beach 2024 DONATE, GIVE, OR SPONSOR TO KEEP XMINDS ROLLING |
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Just as we look back to last year’s achievements, we can look forward to an opportunity to help make next year even better. Team xMinds hits the road August 2 for the 2024 Bike to the Beach DC fundraiser. Bike to the Beach (B2B) hosts charity bike rides across the country to benefit autism nonprofits like xMinds. Our team is ready but we need your help. With only two weeks to go, we’re at only 25% of our fundraising goal. We still have more than $40,000 to raise and that’s where you come in. |
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Team xMinds taking a break for a selfie on a recent training ride. |
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How can you help? This year, there are multiple ways to show your support for Team xMinds:
#1: DONATE! - Click HERE
#2: JOIN TEAM XMINDS - It is not too late! This fun bike ride caters to all skill levels and you can choose 25-, 50-, 70-, or the 100-mile route. SIGN UP HERE
#3: STOCK OUR REST STOP WITH WATER/SNACKS: Every year xMinds hosts a rest stop on the ride route. Our rest stop captains put together an Amazon Wish List so xMinds supporters can help us out by buying the items we'll need at the rest stop. We will provide rest and refreshments for over 400 riders, so we’ll need a lot of food and Gatorade! Our Amazon Wish List makes it easy to purchase and ship food and supplies directly to our rest stop organizers. DONATE REST STOP SUPPLIES HERE
#4: DONATE! - Click HERE
#5: SPONSOR TEAM XMINDS: If you're an xMinds professional member and want to support the ride from the comfort of your office, silver– and gold–level sponsorships are available with contributions of $250+ and $500+. It’s a great way to show your support for xMinds and MoCo autistic students. You’ll also receive recognition on xMinds’ social media channels, on the xMinds website, and in the xMinds newsletter. If you would like to be a sponsor, please contact executive director Melanie Carlos by July 24 at mcarlos@xminds.org.
#6: DONATE! - Click HERE
Why should you donate? xMinds relies on this event for more than half our annual budget — money that goes toward hosting speaker events, offering free advocacy consultations, funding teacher training, and more! So please, if you've ever benefitted from the resources available on our website, attended one of our playground meetups or watched one of our monthly webinars, give now so we can continue to offer these services for free.
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EXCITING NEWS: WE HAVE A MATCH! Your Donation Can Have 2X the Impact
We are thrilled to announce a special matching challenge that will make your generosity go even further. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of an xMinds supporter, every donation made to xMinds will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $5,000!
To have your donation matched, simply click the donate button below and make a contribution before the $5,000 matching challenge is met. Every dollar you give will be doubled, allowing us to expand our reach and enhance our programs. |
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Beat the Heat at South Germantown SplashPark! STAY COOL AT OUR SUMMER GET-TOGETHER SUNDAY, AUGUST 4 |
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When it’s as hot as it’s been the last few weeks, the best thing to do is stay close to fountains and water slides. Meeting old friends and making new ones is a bonus! Join the xMinds BIPOC Outreach Committee for summer fun at South Germantown SplashPark, Sunday, August 4, 10 a.m. – noon. All local families with an autistic child are welcome.
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Preregister HERE by 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 3, for
a limited number of free passes on a first-come, first-served basis,
courtesy of xMinds. Otherwise, admission is $6 per person, ages 2 and
up. When you arrive, please let the staff know you are with xMinds. The
park is located at 18056 Central Park Circle, Boyds, MD. xMinds will provide snacks and drinks, and a concessions stand is available.
If we need to postpone due to the weather, we’ll email all registered participants and will post any updates here by 9 a.m. on August 4 and on the xMinds Facebook page. Remember to RSVP in advance to receive free admission and to get any email updates.
Not familiar with the xMinds BIPOC Outreach Committee? The committee connects with families in the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community in Montgomery County who can benefit from the fellowship of other families with autistic children and from xMinds resources. Check out the xMinds BIPOC page, and register for the online monthly parent discussion group, which meets next on Monday, August 5, at 7 p.m... |
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Join Our End-of-Summer Playground Meetup
SWING, TWIRL AND JUMP WITH OTHERS ON AUGUST 17 |
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Let it be their last hurrah before going back to school. Little ones love to run around, and bonus for Mom and Dad: they’ll be exhausted by lunchtime.
And while the children play, parents can talk about their hopes and fears for the new school year and how they've kept their kids busy this summer. |
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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 Saturday, August 17 from 10-11:30 a.m. at the playground behind Ivymount School, 11614 Seven Locks Rd., Rockville, MD 20854. Snacks will be provided.
The whole family is welcome -- including older and younger siblings. As always, xMinds staff will be there to welcome you and answer any questions you might have. |
Mark your calendars for the upcoming playground meetups:
- Saturday, September 21, 10-11:30 a.m.
- Saturday, October 19, 10-11:30 a.m.
- Saturday, November 16, 10-11:30 a.m.
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Registration is not required but sign up here for reminders and notifications of rain dates.
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What Heat? FAMILIES STAYED COOL AT AUSOM/XMINDS SUMMER POOL PARTY |
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Thank you to all who came out to our AUSOM/xMinds summer pool party on July 14, with more than 100 community members and staff splashing and swimming. What a wonderful way to cool off on a scorcher of a day. Special thanks to Hillandale Swim & Tennis Association and the Autism Society of Maryland for co-hosting such a fantastic event – a fun time was had by all! |
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August is Summer Sun Safety Month
TIPS FOR AUTISM-FRIENDLY SUN PROTECTION |
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We all know the drill; your family is planning a favorite summer activity. It’s hot as heck outside, but your child hates the feeling of sunscreen and won’t stand still to let you put it on. What's a parent to do? |
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Try alternatives to thick sunscreen creams such as sprays and roll-ons. Many autistic kids dislike greasy formulas and may prefer a dry touch spray. While others fear the "sting" of a cold spray. Give each of them a try to find out what works for your child. But for some kids, the application of sunscreen makes all the difference. Sensory-seeking children might not like a light touch because it feels ticklish. Instead, applying sunscreen might be soothing if applied firmly. “Deep pressure is calming and organizing for kids.” says occupational therapist Lindsey Biel for ChildMind Institute. “It can be a good way to help desensitize a child before going out,” she noted. According to Amaze, an Australian resource for autistic adults, “Sunscreen often feels most greasy when you first apply it so try distracting yourself with a fun video or music while you apply it. It should start to feel better after it’s had a chance to soak in.” Another website collected tips for staying cool from autistic adults. “Whatever the weather, staying cool in the summer should be a priority for Autistic people who don’t want to melt into a sensory overloaded puddle on the floor,” according to a blog post by Emergent Divergence. |
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Sensory-Friendly Summer Activities
Looking for something to do with the kids these last few weeks of summer? We’ve collected some sensory-friendly activities for your kids in our Autism-Friendly Recreational Guide and our Local Sensory-Friendly Venues and Events. Highlights include tennis groups, social hikes and even a facility with a climbing wall. Find something that works for your autistic child and keep in mind our summer safety tips!
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Elopement and Water Safety
WHEN AUTISTIC CHILDREN WANDER AND RUN AWAY |
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In July, xMinds joined with fifteen other autism organizations to form the Maryland Autism Coalition. The group launched a statewide public service campaign to educate families with autistic loved ones about the dangers of elopement or wandering and additionally, water safety. Nearly half of ASD children engage in elopment behavior, and many people with autism are also drawn to water. This can lead to increased risk of injury and even death.
A 2017 study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that autistic children are 160 times more likely to die from drowning than the general population. Given these scary statistics, what can families do to protect their loved ones? If your child wanders away, what should you do? First, the Maryland Autism Coalition urges parents and caregivers to call 911 immediately. Do not wait. |
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To read more about this important topic, take a look at these other valuable resources:
- The Autism Society's Safety on the Spectrum™: Water and Wandering Program, includes wandering prevention strategies, safeguarding the home, and social stories on staying safe at the beach, pool, aquariums and docks.
- Montgomery County Police Department Autism/IDD Unit: Download the Wandering 911 Script and fill it out so you are prepared in the event of an emergency.
- The National Autism Association's Big Red Safety Box: a free toolkit for autism families with educational materials and tools including checklists, first responder scripts, emergency plans, door/window alarms with batteries, one RoadID Bracelet, and decals for car homes and windows.
- Pathfinders for Autism Tips: Wandering and Elopement at School - includes a sample elopment plan, establishing a safe area, data collection sheets for a behavior plan, and suggested IEP goals.
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It’s Back to School Time
GET ALL YOUR DUCKS IN A ROW BEFORE THE FIRST BELL RINGS |
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Every year it feels like you blink and the summer is over. As MCPS students go back to school August 26, now’s the time to reacquaint yourself with your child’s IEP and get your questions answered with a free xMinds team consult. |
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For parents who are new to the system or who need guidance or support in implementing an IEP with a new school team, we offer the support and expertise of other xMinds parents who have both experience and training navigating the MCPS special needs system. |
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Return to School with One Less Worry TEACHERS, APPLY NOW FOR XMINDS EDUCATOR GRANTS |
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As the summer ticks by, kids aren’t the only ones looking toward the new school year with a mix of excitement and nerves. Teachers are wondering how they will provide all the school supplies and resources they’ll need for their classrooms.
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To help with that worry, xMinds is again offering educator grants to help motivated Montgomery County teachers, para-educators, administrators, and related service providers to purchase such materials.
The xMinds Educator Support Committee will award individual grants of up to $100 for classroom and curricular materials and up to $250 for trainings on a rolling basis. Apply now by filling out this short xMinds educator funding application 2024 - 2025: Back to School Kickoff. |
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Dungeons & Dragons Group SIGN UP FOR FUTURE TEEN SOCIAL EVENTS |
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In
one of our first forays into teen social events, xMinds organized a
Dungeons & Dragons campaign this summer for high school-age
students. The dark elves, paladins, and lizardfolk fighters are playing
weekly for 5 weeks, on Sunday afternoons, and each session has lasted
for 1 1/2 hours (complete with Oreos!). While this campaign is full, if
you’re interested in learning about future teen social events, email info@xminds.org or fill out this form. |
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Bullying & Autism Wrap-Up SERIES CONCLUDED WITH ADVOCATES PANEL |
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In the conclusion to the xMinds and the Autism Society of Maryland's four-part Bullying & Autism series in June, we put a human face to the statistics as we heard from autistic self-advocates themselves. Three autistic adults, along with moderator and autistic therapist Jennifer Glacel, LCSW, RPT-S, discussed their life experiences involving bullying in school, the workforce, and their community. Our panelists spoke about the long-term effects these events had on them and discussed candidly what steps could have been taken to keep them safe and supported. One of the ways the advocates felt less alone was to find books, movies, and TV shows that feature autistic main characters or authors on the spectrum. During the panel, the speakers and moderator volunteered some of their favorites. One book that our moderator, Jennifer Glacel, recommended for all ages was Good Different by Meg Eden Kuyatt. For autistic adults, she recommended the romance novels of Chloe Liese and Helen Hoang, two neurodivergent authors themselves.
For more information about bullying and autism, go to our Anti-Bullying Resources web page. |
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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:
Rebecca Resnik & Associates
Executive Office: 6125 Executive Boulevard, North Bethesda, MD 20852
Old Georgetown Office: 11510 Old Georgetown Rd, Suite F, North Bethesda, MD 20852
www.resnikpsychology.com
Contact: Rebecca Resnik; drresnik@resnikpsychology.com; 301-581-1120
Services: Psychological counseling; Educational consulting; Educational testing; Neuropsychological testing
For 15 years, we have offered exceptional psychological assessment, psychotherapy, medical/dental desensitization, educational advocacy, psychiatry, and training/continuing education. Our highly credentialed licensed clinicians provide all services personally in a sensory friendly environment (including testing). Unlike other practices where inexperienced grad students learn by practicing on your child, our clinicians are fully licensed, highly experienced professionals with excellent credentials. Our clinicians are highly committed to evidence based practice and scholarship. We personalize all services around your goals so you or your child can achieve your full potential.
Vista Choice Supports
1500 Pointer Ridge Place, Unit 1721 Bowie, MD 20716
www.vistachoice.org/ Contact: Linda Stringer; Linda@vistachoice.org; 240-472-2846 Services: Coaching; Support Brokerage
Vista Choice Supports provides Support Broker 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 is paid out of the individual's Budget. |
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Upcoming xMinds Events
XMINDS EVENTS, RESOURCES, & SERVICES ARE ALWAYS FREE
Wednesday, July 24, 7–7:45 p.m.
Let's Talk Transitions -- Parent Discussion Group
Online discussion group for MoCo parents of an autistic student in middle or high school. Register here.
Friday, August 2 Bike to the Beach Donate or sponsor to xMinds' annual fundraiser.
Sunday, August 4, 10–12 p.m.
SplashPark Get Together
Swim, play, and mingle with the autism community at the South Germantown SplashPark. Find out more here.
Monday, August 5, 7–7:45 p.m.
People of the Global Majority Discussion Group
Online discussion group for MoCo parents/guardians of autistic children who are Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). Register here.
Wednesday, August 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.
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Saturday, August 17, 10–11:30 a.m.
Elementary and Preschool Playground Meetup
Meet other elementary and preschool families with autistic children. See the details here.
Monday, August 26, 7–7:45 p.m.
Small Steps Together
Online discussion group for MoCo parents/guardians of an autistic elementary or preschool child. 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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