xMindsWire July/August 2025
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Counting What Matters HOW XMINDS SERVED THE AUTISM COMMUNITY IN 2024-25 |
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Thanks to our volunteers, donors, and professional members, we have truly moved the needle in the 2024-2025 program year. The numbers below show how xMinds is making a difference in the lives of MoCo families with autistic students.
Here are just some examples of our services (and results) over the past year: |
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We attracted over 63,000 visitors to our online resources.
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Our classroom accommodations page remained our most popular, with over 28,000 pageviews during the program year and ranking first in Google search results for “autism accommodations.”
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Our monthly newsletter xMindsWire was distributed to over 7,000 subscribers, with a separate Spanish newsletter to 200 more.
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Our 2025 Summer Camp guide received almost 2,600 pageviews.
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We hosted 320 families at playground and open gym meetups.
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Over 250 individuals responded to a survey which kicked off the start of xMinds' strategic planning for the next three years. We provided 232 free consultations through the volunteer parent advocacy team and two clinics, offering guidance on special education and transition to adulthood benefits and services.
To find out more about our accomplishments, see a comprehensive list of the 2024-25 achievements on the xMinds website. |
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Bike to the Beach DC 2025 in the Record Books
310 RIDERS, $410,000 RAISED FOR AUTISM NONPROFITS IN DMV |
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Congratulations to Team xMinds for raising over $58,000 for xMinds through the Bike to the Beach (B2B) fundraiser, helping us take home the prize as the #1 fundraising team at B2B DC this year! A record 17 team members biked up to 100 miles to Dewey Beach, Del. on June 20 in beautiful weather for the annual fundraising ride. Over 550 donors contributed to the cause! xMinds uses these funds to offer programs and events for MoCo families with autistic kids, develop online resources to help families support their autistic students, award educator grants to purchase classroom supplies, and more. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported Team xMinds on this journey — you are making a difference in the lives of autistic students and their families. We appreciate your donations, your volunteerism, and your pedal power! |
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Thank you especially to our GOLD SPONSOR H2D Counseling and Sumaiya Olatunde.
H2D Counseling provides educational advocacy and school admissions services for all students (K-12, college and graduate/professional school level). They help neurodiverse and neurotypical students with every step of the admissions process, and their students are frequently offered scholarships and admission to honors programs. Their advocacy work involves participating in IEP and 504 meetings, helping to secure nonpublic school placements, connecting families and students with appropriate resources, providing academic coaching for struggling students (grade 8-college), and making referrals to needed supports in education, mental health, and therapeutic treatment as needs arise. Their individualized and student-centered approach balances short-term needs with long-term goals. They are results-driven and aim to ensure student success, offering every student a free consultation.
And we can’t forget our Silver Sponsors: Dr. Jamell White, PhD, LCSW-C, Guiding Exceptional Parents, Ascend Ed, Bass Educational Services, CSahm Foundation, The Stixrud Group and The Law Office of Brian K. Gruber, P.C. |
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Join xMinds Summer Playground Meetup DON'T FORGET THE SUNSCREEN |
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With summer in full swing and your kids enjoying a break, join xMinds at our outdoor playground meetup on Saturday, July 19, 10-11:30 a.m. at the enclosed playground behind Ivymount School, 11614 Seven Locks Rd., Rockville, MD. (Note that we are back to our usual Saturday mornings for the rest of the year.)
Meet other families with autistic elementary and preschool students at the playground and compare notes on summer plans and fall placements.
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We will provide snacks, and xMinds staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. Everyone is welcome; even older siblings who still love to play. Registration is not required but 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 upcoming summer playground meetups:
- Saturday, August 16, 10-11:30 a.m.
- Saturday, September 20, 10-11:30 a.m.
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Lunchtime Reboot TAKE A BREAK FROM THE DAILY GRIND |
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Is the daily routine wearing you down? Join xMinds for a “lunchtime reboot” at our next monthly session on August 25 from 12-12:45 p.m. (Note: There is no session in July.) In this 45-minute online session, certified mindfulness teacher and parent coach Magüi Moreno will share simple and realistic self-care practices. Register here. |
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Make a Splash in Germantown August 10 COOL DOWN WITH YOUR FRIENDS |
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Nothing feels better on a hot summer day than running through a 280-jet fountain maze or standing inside a cool cave with a refreshing waterfall. Meeting up with xMinds friends is a bonus! Join the xMinds BIPOC Outreach Committee for summer fun at South Germantown SplashPark, Sunday, August 10, 10 a.m. - noon. All local families with an autistic child and their siblings are welcome. |
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Pre-register HERE by 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 9, for a limited number of free passes on a first-come, first-served basis, courtesy of xMinds. Otherwise, admission is $6.50 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 10 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 4, at 7 p.m... |
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July is Disability Pride Month
CELEBRATE EVERYONE’S ABILITY |
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While disability advocates have never stopped marching for health care and equal rights, the 35th Anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is still noteworthy. This law, which President George H.W. Bush originally signed July 26, 1990, has been the underpinning of almost all the accommodations we have come to expect for our kids. |
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Celebrate the occasion July 26 at Disability Pride Outside: Celebrating 35 Years of Civil Rights, Access, and Belonging. Join Montgomery Parks and Montgomery County Government for a family-friendly day with adaptive outdoor activities in Black Hill Discovery Center, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds, Maryland 20841. This event is open to all.
If you’re willing to cross the county line, another event will be held in Laurel on Thursday, July 24, 9-11:00 a.m., featuring keynote speaker Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown. This will be held at the Laurel Beltsville Senior Activity Center, 7120 Contee Road, Laurel, MD 20707. |
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DORS Hosts Summer Program Tours TAKE A LOOK AT THE BALTIMORE WORKFORCE FACILITY |
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If your child is currently receiving DORS services, make sure to check out DORS' Workforce & Technology Center (WTC), a comprehensive workforce readiness facility. They are hosting two tours for students with disabilities at their Baltimore facility on July 25 and August 13. Registration is not required. WTC is located at 2301 Argonne Drive in Baltimore. |
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These tours will give you a chance to learn about available WTC programs and services before, during and after high school. Services include: pre-employment job readiness; job training; apprenticeship; drivers education; occupational and physical therapy assessment; counseling support; academic tutoring and dormitory services. Email wtc.dors@maryland.gov for more information.
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Prepare for the School Year FIND UPDATED MCPS PLACEMENT INFORMATION |
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You’ll find information about discrete programs where autistic students are most commonly placed, including details about the type of students each program is geared toward, the learning environment, the staffing ratio, the location(s), and more. You’ll also find an interactive, searchable map. It isn’t easy to find this information on the MCPS website, and due to budget cuts, the information changes often; this guide is a convenient way to see all the MCPS offerings in one place.
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Monthly Series: Autistic Voices
AUTISM IN FULL COLOR — TWO LOCAL ARTISTS SHINE |
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This month, we’re celebrating the boundless creativity of two autistic artists whose paintings, poetry, and powerful stories open a window into their unique ways of seeing — and feeling — the world.
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Justin Valenti is an autistic artist, author, and advocate who has exhibited his fluid painting, digital artwork, and animation in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. In addition to art, Justin has written seven books and is the drummer in a band called Neurodiversity. “I enjoy making art because it allows me to express how I feel emotionally in a productive way, and I want to share the joy that I have with others,” he says on his website.
Justin will lead an Artist Workshop at the VisArts VisAbility Art Lab in Rockville on Thursday, July 24 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm! (Note: this is not a free event, see ticket information here.) He is currently the featured artist at Main Street, an inclusive apartment building and a membership-based community center in Rockville. |
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Charles Lunn is a non-speaking autistic artist whose work was featured at the Lost Origins Gallery in DC this spring. For each piece of art, Charles spells out original poetic messages with the assistance of a Communication Partner from Reach Every Voice.
According to a Facebook post, “he matches these messages to each painting he creates, offering a window into the emotion and philosophy behind his abstract art.” See (and purchase!) some of his artwork and poetry on his website: https://www.cllunn.com/gallery |
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Autistic Voices on Community & Connection HEAR EXPERIENCES OF EXPLORING OUR NEIGHBORHOODS - JUNE 20 |
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Thanks to all who participated in our Annual Autistic Self-Advocates Panel, Welcome to the Neighborhood: Autistic Voices on Community & Connection on June 10 to learn about the importance of community integration. The event was moderated by licensed autistic social worker, Steven Isaacson, LMSW.
This year’s panel featured diverse autistic young adults who shared their real-life experience navigating their communities. Some funny, some nerve-racking, all of the experiences taught lessons about taking steps to get to know their neighbors.
A recording of the webinar is now available on our YouTube channel in English and Spanish. The slides used in the presentation are also available to view here. |
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Star Wars Teen Social PARTICIPANTS SAVED THE UNIVERSE |
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Thank you to all the Han Solos, Yodas and even Darth Vaders who partied with xMinds and Slush & Krust Productions during our Teen Jedi Night in June. More than 50 teens enjoyed a Star Wars-themed evening of fun in a galaxy not so far away. As always, thank you to our volunteers who helped the cast of characters socialize and create a plan to save the universe from dark forces.
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Call for Volunteers LEARN HOW TO HELP OTHER PARENTS NAVIGATE MCPS |
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Have you learned to advocate for your autistic child in school? Share your experience to help other families!
xMinds is looking for new volunteers to join our Parent Advocacy Team, which guides parents through the special education system in Montgomery County. With supervsion from a professional advocate, volunteers offer guidance, answer questions, and connect families to resources.
No formal advocacy experience is needed — just your lived experience and a willingness to help. Volunteers commit about 5–6 hours per month during the school year and receive free training from a professional advocate.
Our next training begins August 6 and runs just one hour per week for five weeks, all online — the perfect time to get involved!
Interested? Learn more here. |
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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:
Law Office of William B. Jaffe, PLLC
Washington, DC wjaffelaw.com Contact: William B. Jaffe; 202-290–0454; wjaffe@gmail.com
Services: Special education law
Education law firm representing parents in special education matters.
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; 301-581-1120; drresnik@resnikpsychology.com 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
Saturday, July 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 in Rockville, MD. Register here.
Wednesday, July 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, July 28, 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
Monday, August 4, 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, August 6, 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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Sunday, August 10, 10 a.m.-noon
Splash Park Get Together
Annual summer social at South Germantown SplashPark. Register here.
Monday, August 25, 12-12:45 p.m.
Lunchtime Reboot
Relax, unwind and learn strategies to beat the stress of parenting. 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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