Autism Awareness, Resources, and Support

April has been designated as Autism Awareness month, an important cause for many local families who are affected by the condition day in and day out.

Autism reportedly affects one in every 110 babies born in this country and nearly one in 70 boys born. This startling statistic was determined from a 2009 report from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and is highlighted on the Autism Society’s website.

The Autism Society describes autism as “a complex, developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others.” 

There is a wide spectrum of autistic-related conditions, from the severe cases where communication is limited to high functioning, where students are able to function in society but have noticeable communication and attention issues.

Diagnosis of autism across the spectrum is now available earlier than ever before and should be performed by a developmental specialist. Though the symptoms vary in severity, generally autism shows itself through

• impairment in social interactions;
• impairment in verbal and nonverbal communication; and
• restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior or interests.

 In Anne Arundel County, there are many resources available for children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and their families.

Anne Arundel County Chapter of the Autism Society of America (AACCASA)

According to its website, meetings are usually on the last Tuesday of every month at Ruth Parker Eason School in Millersville at 7 p.m. For more information about becoming a member, visit the group’s website here.

The Anne Arundel County Asperger’s Support Group
Asperger's is a form of high functioning autism. This group meets at St. Martin’s in-the-Field Church in Severna Park every third Wednesday of the month, according to its website. 

Social Skills Training Groups

Based in Severna Park, Carolyn Huff, an expert in the field of teaching social skills to children with autism, ADD, or social anxiety, provides support groups for various age levels. 

The Autism Project

Located just south of the Anne Arundel County line, this program runs social skills groups, art and aquatic therapy, and summer camps for students with high functioning autism.

Sensory Jump Event

Once a month, Pump It Up of Glen Burnie hosts a “Special Needs Sensory Jump Event” for autistic children and their families. The event takes place on the second Wednesday of every month from 5:30 to 7 p.m., according to the website. Cost is $7 per child, $4 per sibling and free for parents.

Maryland Therapeutic Riding

This nonprofit organization located in Crownsville has a variety of different therapeutic programs in which it partners horses with people “to help individuals seeking physical, mental. spiritual or emotional healing.” According to the organization’s website, it works with children and people of all ages with autism, cerebral palsy, post-traumatic brain injuries and other conditions.