Autism Support Groups in Maryland

Autism in Maryland: What’s Really Going On?

The Numbers Game

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is becoming more common in Maryland. Recent stats show about 1 in 54 kids here have ASD, mirroring national trends. This rise isn’t just numbers; it’s about more people recognizing and diagnosing autism, which means more families getting the help they need.

Here’s a quick look at autism rates in Maryland:

These figures highlight why autism support groups in Maryland are so important. They provide crucial help and resources for families. For more details, check out our article on autism in Maryland.

Family Life with Autism

Living with autism in the family can be tough. Parents and caregivers often juggle school systems, healthcare, and finding the right support services. The emotional and financial strain can be heavy, leading to stress and anxiety.

Support groups like “We Got This” Autism Support Group for Parents & Caregivers are lifesavers. They offer a place for families to share their stories and learn from others in the same boat. This group meets monthly, giving parents a chance to connect and talk about the ups and downs of raising kids with autism.

Organizations like Pathfinders for Autism are also key players. They provide resources and info to help families navigate the autism maze throughout their child’s life. Using these support systems, families can build a community that understands and advocates for people with ASD.

For more info on autism services in Maryland, visit our article on autism services in Maryland.

Support Groups in Maryland

Maryland’s got a bunch of autism support groups that really hit the mark for different folks in the community. These groups are like a lifeline, offering resources, connection, and a whole lot of understanding for people on the autism spectrum and their families.

“We Got This” Support Group

The “We Got This” Autism Support Group is a haven for parents and caregivers of kids with autism. They meet every second Thursday of the month from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. It’s a safe space where you can talk about the unique challenges autism brings to families. Share your stories, get advice, and maybe even a few laughs from others who get it.

Weekly Group for Autistic Adults

The Baltimore Autism Society runs a Weekly Group for Autistic Adults aged 18 and up. They meet every 2nd and 4th Thursday at 8:00 PM. It’s a place where adults on the spectrum can hang out, share their experiences, and just be themselves. This group kicked off again on July 11th and is all about building a sense of community. Find out more on the Baltimore Autism Society’s website.

LGBTQIA2S+ Group for Autistic Adults

There’s also a Monthly LGBTQIA2S+ Group for Autistic Adults that meets every third Sunday of the month at 1 PM. This group is on a break until August but welcomes all LGBTQIA2S+ neurodivergent folks or those figuring out their identities, aged 18 and over. It’s a safe, inclusive space to chat about your experiences and connect with others.

These autism support groups in Maryland are like a big hug for families and individuals dealing with autism. For more resources and services, check out our article on autism resources in Maryland.

Online Support Resources

Finding the right support can make a world of difference for families and individuals dealing with autism in Maryland. There are several groups that offer platforms for connection, sharing, and learning.

Parent/Caregiver Discussion Group

Got a kid with autism? Join the Parent/Caregiver Discussion Group! They meet every third Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm ET on Zoom. It’s a safe space where parents and caregivers can swap stories, share challenges, and trade tips on raising a child with autism. You’ll find others who get what you’re going through, creating a sense of community and understanding.

General Session for Adults

The General Session is for all adults, including those on the autism spectrum. They meet on the last Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm via Zoom. This is a place to learn about autism, share experiences, and grow. It’s all about promoting personal growth and awareness.

Resource Sharing Platform

Missed a meeting? No worries! The Baltimore Autism Society has a resource sharing platform where all the tips and resources from online chats are stored. This is super handy for those who can’t join live discussions. You can access valuable information anytime you need it.

By tapping into these online support resources, families and individuals can connect and get the info they need, boosting their understanding of autism and building a supportive community.

Educational Support Programs

In Maryland, there are several programs to help folks with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) hit their academic and job goals. These programs offer resources, mentoring, and training to make the educational journey smoother.

Pathways Program

The Pathways program in Maryland is a lifeline for individuals with autism. It’s a team effort between the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) and community colleges like Anne Arundel Community College, Community College of Baltimore County, Howard Community College, and Montgomery College.

Students in the Pathways program can take credit or certificate classes while getting support from Disability Support Services (DSS) at their colleges. The goal? To help students with autism become more independent and succeed academically. Want more info? Check out our page on autism schools in Maryland.

Virtual College Autism Mentoring

The Virtual College Autism Mentoring Program (VCAMP) is for students on the autism spectrum who are in college but not in the Pathways program. VCAMP offers virtual mentoring and support to help students adjust to college life.

This program focuses on building self-advocacy and social skills, which are key for thriving in college. It helps students tackle the challenges they might face in higher education.

Pre-Employment Autism Support

The Pre-Employment Autism Support (PEAS) program in Maryland is all about teaching self-advocacy and social skills to students with autism who are part of Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS).

PEAS includes various activities to help participants develop the soft skills needed for the workplace. By focusing on practical skills, PEAS boosts the chances of individuals with autism landing meaningful jobs.

Counseling and Transition Services

Growing up is tough, but it can be even trickier for folks with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Luckily, Maryland has some top-notch programs to help smooth out the bumps on the road to adulthood.

CPSEO Program

The Counseling on Post-Secondary Education Opportunities (CPSEO) program is a game-changer for Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) students with autism in Maryland. This program offers a buffet of options like apprenticeships, job training, direct job placement, and college opportunities. Plus, students get to go on college tours to see what’s out there.

Through CPSEO, students get one-on-one support to help them figure out their next steps. Whether it’s college or jumping straight into a job, this program has got their back.

Driver Education Program

Getting a driver’s license is a big deal, and the DORS Workforce & Technology Center in Maryland gets that. They offer a driver education program specifically for individuals with Autism. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill driver’s ed; it’s tailored to meet the unique learning needs of these students. The goal? To help them become safe, confident drivers.

This program is a huge step toward independence and freedom, making it easier for individuals with Autism to get around and be part of their communities.

Workforce & Technology Center

The DORS Workforce & Technology Center is like a launchpad for careers. They offer hands-on training and skill-building to get individuals with Autism ready for the job market. Think about job readiness, resume writing, and interview prep.

But they don’t stop there. The center also teams up with local businesses to find job opportunities that match the skills and interests of their participants. It’s all about connecting the dots between talent and opportunity, helping folks with Autism find meaningful work and live more independent lives. These services are just a slice of the support available in Maryland.

Community Organizations in Maryland

Community organizations are the backbone for families and individuals dealing with autism. In Maryland, two standout groups are the Baltimore Autism Society and Pathfinders for Autism. They offer a bunch of programs and events that make life a bit easier.

Baltimore Autism Society

The Baltimore Autism Society is all about making life better for people with autism and their families. They run several support groups, like the Weekly Group for Autistic Adults (18+), which meets every 2nd and 4th Thursday at 8:00 PM. It’s a great place for adults on the spectrum to hang out and share their stories.

There’s also a Monthly LGBTQIA2S+ Group for Autistic Adults that meets every third Sunday of the month at 1 PM. This group is on a break until August, but it’s open to all LGBTQIA2S+ neurodivergent folks or those figuring out their identities, aged 18 and over. These meetups help build a sense of community and understanding.

For the parents and caregivers, the Baltimore Autism Society hosts a Parent/Caregiver Discussion Group on the third Tuesday of each month via Zoom at 7:00 PM ET. This group is a safe space to share experiences and tips. There’s also a General Session for all adults on the last Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM via Zoom. This session is all about learning and growing in understanding autism.

Pathfinders for Autism

Pathfinders for Autism is another big player in Maryland, helping individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. They offer a ton of resources, like educational programs, workshops, and events that cater to the autism community.

Their website is a goldmine of information, with access to support groups, articles, and event calendars. Pathfinders for Autism is all about empowering individuals with autism and their families by providing the tools and resources needed to tackle everyday challenges.

Supportive Programs and Events

Both organizations host events that are perfect for the autism community. These events are a great way for individuals and families to connect, share experiences, and get valuable information.

Programs might include workshops on life skills, educational resources, and social skills development. Families can really benefit from these events, as they offer a chance to meet others in similar situations and build a supportive network.

SOURCES:

https://www.mdcoalition.org/support_group/we-got-this-virtual-autism-support-group/

https://pathfindersforautism.org/

https://www.baltimoreautismsociety.org/calendar-of-events/meetings-groups/

https://dors.maryland.gov/consumers/specialized/Pages/autism.aspx

https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2020/us-autism-rates-up-10-percent-in-new-cdc-report