Discover Autism Schools in Maryland

Autism in Maryland: What You Need to Know

If you’re a parent or educator in Maryland, understanding autism rates and resources is key to helping kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) thrive. Maryland offers a variety of support services and schools to meet these kids’ needs.

Special Education Private Schools

Maryland has 67 special education private schools serving around 4,929 students. These schools are designed to meet the unique learning needs of children with autism and similar conditions. They provide a controlled, supportive environment with personalized teaching methods.

Want to know more about the autism services in these schools? Check out our page on autism services in Maryland.

Inclusive Higher Education Transition Programs

Maryland also offers Inclusive Higher Education (IHE) Transition Programs through 19 Local School Systems (LSSs). There are 13 programs spread across 22 campuses, helping students with intellectual disabilities and autism transition to post-secondary education. These programs teach independence and essential life skills.

These programs are vital for helping students move smoothly into adulthood and higher education. For more details and resources, visit our article on autism resources in Maryland.

Maryland is committed to providing quality education and support for individuals with autism, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed.

Top Autism Education Programs in Maryland

Maryland offers some fantastic education programs for kids on the autism spectrum. These programs are all about giving students the support they need to shine both in school and in life.

The Autism Project Inc.

Since 1998, The Autism Project Inc. has been a game-changer in Southern Maryland. They work with kids across the autism spectrum, helping them go from frustrated and struggling to calm, cooperative, and socially engaged. There are tons of success stories here—kids who were once aggressive are now calm, those who were uninterested have become leaders, and the fearful are now open to new experiences.

The program tailors its approach to each child, understanding that every kid has their own set of needs and strengths. Want to hear more about their success stories? Check out The Autism Project Inc..

Comprehensive Autism Preschool Program (CAPP)

The Comprehensive Autism Preschool Program (CAPP) in Maryland is all about giving kids aged 3-5 a strong start. They focus on boosting language, learning, and adaptive skills to get these young ones ready for school. CAPP creates a nurturing environment where kids can pick up the essential skills they need for their educational journey.

The curriculum is customized for each child, making sure they get the right level of support and encouragement. Parents and educators can find out more about what CAPP offers by visiting Montgomery County Public Schools.

These programs are a big part of the autism schools in Maryland and play a crucial role in helping kids with autism and their families.

Support Services in Maryland

Maryland has a bunch of services to help kids and folks with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These services are all about making life better and ensuring everyone gets the education they need.

Autism Waiver Program

The Autism Waiver Program is a Medicaid initiative in Maryland that offers home and community-based services for children with autism. This program provides crucial support, including therapeutic integration, respite care, family training, and intensive individual support services.

Maryland Autism Laws and Regulations

Maryland laws say that public schools must give free and appropriate education to all kids, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The Maryland State Department of Education makes sure that students with ASD get the support and accommodations they need.

Plus, private health insurance companies in Maryland have to cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism. This includes behavioral health treatment, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy .

Maryland’s special education laws, which work alongside federal regulations like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), ensure that public schools provide a “free appropriate public education” (FAPE) to all eligible kids. These laws also require the creation and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) tailored to each child’s unique needs.

These services and legal protections are key to creating an inclusive environment for individuals with autism in Maryland.

Transition Services for Students

Transition services are a lifeline for students with autism as they gear up for life after school. In Maryland, there’s a bunch of programs ready to help make this shift smoother.

DORS Transition Services

The Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) is like a trusty sidekick for students with disabilities in Maryland. They offer Transition Services that get students ready for what comes next. DORS has a special program called Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) for students aged 14 to 21. This program lets students dip their toes into the job market and gain some real-world work experience.

DORS services are all about what each student needs. Every student can have their own transition team, which might include DORS counselors, family members, school staff, and community rehab providers. This team effort makes sure students get all the support they need during their transition.

Student Employment Services

Student Employment Services are for students with disabilities who want to join Pre-ETS and get ready for future jobs. These services help students pick up the skills they need for meaningful work and successful careers. There are some eligibility rules to access these vocational rehab services, making sure students get the right support.

DORS also helps students aiming for college or other post-secondary education under the Student Employment Services program. This support comes with a team effort involving students, families, school staff, and other important folks in the student’s life. The goal is to make the jump into the workforce or further education as smooth as possible, while keeping each student’s unique needs in mind.

Students and families in Maryland can ask for DORS services, including Pre-ETS and Student Employment Services, by filling out a Request DORS Services form. Plus, individuals aged 18 to 21 who aren’t in school can get DORS services tailored for Job Seekers with Disabilities.

Early Help and Therapies

Getting a jumpstart on support for kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can make a world of difference in their growth and future. In Maryland, there are a bunch of therapies and interventions to help children with autism thrive.

Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)

Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is a go-to method for kids with ASD. Think of it as a mix of skill-building and behavior tweaking, usually clocking in at least 15 hours a week. A solid ABA program zeroes in on what the child likes, sets clear goals, and keeps tabs on progress, all while looping in the parents.

ABA’s got the science to back it up, showing big wins in various skills. Here’s a quick rundown:

Developmental Relationship Interventions

These interventions are all about boosting a child’s communication and social skills through fun play. They help kids learn to talk better, handle their feelings, and get along with others. Studies show these methods can really help with ASD symptoms, especially in social attention.

Naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions (NDBIs) mix ABA with developmental relationship strategies. They focus on child-led learning and natural chances to pick up new skills, with clear goals and progress checks. One example is the Early Start Denver Model, which has shown good results in boosting IQ and cutting down problem behaviors.

Using these early interventions and therapies, families can give their kids with autism the best shot at reaching their full potential.

Getting Involved: Parents and Autism

Being a parent to a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is no walk in the park, but your involvement can make a world of difference. By diving into your child’s therapy and education, you can help them thrive and feel more supported.

Parents as Autism Coaches

Believe it or not, with the right guidance, you can become your child’s best therapist. There are programs out there that give you the skills to weave therapy into everyday life. Imagine turning playtime into a learning session without your child even realizing it.

Take JASPER (Joint Attention, Symbolic Play, Engagement, & Regulation) for example. This program is all about boosting social communication through play and interaction. By getting involved in such programs, you can become a stronger advocate and supporter for your child.

Tried-and-True Parent Training Programs

There are some rock-solid training programs that can arm you with the know-how to help your child. These programs teach you how to encourage communication, social skills, and manage behavior.

These programs don’t just give you tools—they help you understand autism better. By being hands-on in your child’s therapy, you create a nurturing environment that’s crucial for their growth.

They offer a range of programs to meet the unique needs of families dealing with autism.

SOURCES:

http://www.theautismprojectmd.com/stories/index.html

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/special-education/programs-services/autism/

https://dors.maryland.gov/consumers/specialized/transition

https://childrenshcmd.com/ASDs-Family-Handout-Intervention-Approaches-Used-f

https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/therapies-guide/jasper