Autism Acceptance Welcomes ALL Experiences!

Did you know the prevalence rate for Autism diagnoses are increasing for both children and adults?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released two new reports from the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) network detailing prevalence rates, characteristics, and screening and diagnostic information. As a CDC partner, the Autism Society of America routinely reviews these reports to disseminate information, educate the greater community, and advocate for critical policy changes that ensure everyone in the Autism community has access to the resources they need to live fully. In late March 2023, the CDC reported a continued increase in the prevalence rate with 1 in 36 children receiving an Autism diagnosis. Read the Autism Society's full press release here: https://autismsociety.org/autism-society-addresses-increased-autism-prevalence-rates-in-2023-cdc-report/

For the millions of individuals with Autism at all stages of life, there is no one approach to supports or services that meet everyone’s needs. Acceptance is understanding that one size does not fit all. We make room for the infinite ways in which people experience life. This Autism Acceptance Month, we #CelebrateDifferences, celebrating the unique individuality of each member of the Autism community, and continue our work to affect meaningful change and increased supports.

This Autism Acceptance Month, celebrate with us and put acceptance into action. Share your own unique story with the #CelebrateDifferences tag on social media throughout the month of April!

When we #CelebrateDifferences, we embrace the diversity of needs, abilities, and experiences in the Autism community through acceptance. Together, we can improve opportunities in inclusive education, employment, and health equity for individuals with Autism, no matter where they are in life’s journey. And we can’t do it without you!

With your support, the Autism Society of Baltimore-Chesapeake can continue to empower everyone in the Autism community to live fully with the connections to resources, information, and supports that meet their needs.

DONATE HERE

The ASBC Membership Fee is now $15 a year!

Don't miss out to enjoy the membership benefits below - become a member TODAY for only $15 a year, sign up here: https://www.baltimoreautismsociety.org/get-involved/become-a-member/

Family membership includes:

• Access to member-only social events
• Up to $100 per family per year to attend Autism related workshops and conferences provided by the Charles J. Fowler, Jr. Memorial Fund
• Access to ASBC grants and funding opportunities (for families living in Baltimore City and County)

Your membership helps the Autism Society of Baltimore Chesapeake:

• Connect people to valuable information and resources through our phone line, website, calendar and info@baltimoreautismsociety.org email
• Provide monthly groups like our virtual discussion groups for adults with Autism, and parents/caregivers
• Provide monthly socials for those in the Autism community

Not a member yet? Don't miss out - become a member TODAY, sign up here: https://www.baltimoreautismsociety.org/get-involved/become-a-member/

Donors: January 1 – March 31, 2023

Making Autism Work in the Community Day: A Not So Typical Resource Fair! April 8th

ASBC is partnering with Coppin State University on "a not so typical resource fair" on Saturday, April 8th from 9:00am to 3:00pm. This event is dedicated to creating spaces for connections and information sharing to facilitate neurodiversity acceptance and inclusion. The fair will highlight job opportunities, resume building, resources, a community forum, and many engaging activities like a VR demo and a softball game!

Register today at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/2y3zfa28

A Relaxing Time for Our Community Parents & Caregivers

What a relaxing and unwinding day! Parents and caregivers of Autistics were invited to share a free yoga session to de-stress and focus on self-care, and we had a great time exploring our boundaries and re-centering ourselves. It's so important to remember that what we do for others needs to start with what we do for ourselves. We look forward to seeing you at our next event!

Our Next By Autistics, For Autistics Event: A Day at The Movie!

Stay tuned for our next event for Autistic Adults: a free movie on May 20th at the AMC Whitemarsh. Information and registration will be forthcoming and sent out via our Autistic Adult mailing list.

If you're interested in receiving additional information when available, please Contact James Orman at jorman@baltimoreautismsociety.org.

In an effort to support our community even more, ASBC has created a searchable resource directory for both local and national organizations and businesses serving the Autism community! We are still testing out some of the features, so please pardon our dust while we continue to improve the directory. Check it out here: https://www.baltimoreautismsociety.org/directory-local-national-autism-resources/

Have an organization you would like to recommend? Contact James Orman jorman@baltimoreautismsociety.org to make a suggestion!

The Autism Hiring Program

The Autism Hiring Program was created by the Howard County Autism Society to advance workplace neurodiversity and acceptance, connecting businesses to an untapped workforce of skilled Autistic adults and targeting jobseekers not supported by existing systems. The program connects businesses to an untapped workforce of skilled Autistic adults and targets

jobseekers not supported by existing systems. The results translate into meaningful

career opportunities for skilled workers; access to talented employees for businesses;

and a more inclusive workforce in Maryland!

To learn more, email linda.hoyt@howard-autism.org or call 410-290-3466.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR SUMMER AND FALL SESSIONS!

Sign Up for R.I.S.E. Arts Center's Arts Programming for Children and Youth and PAID Opportunities for Young Artists Ages 13 to 24 this Summer!

R.I.S.E. Arts Center provides a multidisciplinary arts education to youth in underserved communities and youth and young adults with Autism and/or other intellectual disabilities in Baltimore City. R.I.S.E. aims to strengthen creative skillsets by utilizing art exhibitions, musical theater, art therapy, creative writing, and entrepreneurship education. 

Is your student between the ages of 8 to 21 and love performing arts or visual arts, or do you know a young person between the ages of 13 to 24 looking for a job in the creative arts this summer? Check out all the amazing programs R.I.S.E. has below (use the QR codes to access the forms)! Deadlines are SOON!!!

Spectrum Support

Founder: Joy F. Johnson, M.Ed., M.S., BCBA, LBA

Join The Autism Society of Howard County's Latino/Latina Parent Support Group!

GRUPO DE APOYO PARA PADRES LATINOS

SECAC April Meeting on 4/17

Baltimore County SECAC

NEXT Meeting: Monday, April 17th, 2023

7:00-8:30 PM

Topic: Executive Functioning - Developing Self-Advocacy and Working Toward Independence



Access the meeting via Google Meets: https://meet.google.com/fak-czgt-dvf

If you would like to participate in the meeting by phone please email egalvez@bcps.org.

We hope to see you there!

Click link below to review SECAC's updated Recommendations for SY 2022-2023:

SECAC Recommendations for SY 2022-2023