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SEPTEMBER 2023 NEWSLETTER

Keeping Our Families Healthy: Both Physically and Mentally!

A Focus on Health & Wellness

The Autism Society of America is focusing on the well-being of our communities this September with plenty of info on everything from vaccines to future planning. In honor of September being National Suicide Prevention Month, the Autism Society will also be sharing mental health resources throughout the month:

Keep your whole family safe by staying up-to-date with your routine vaccines. For more information on vaccines and the Autism Society’s Vaccine Education Initiative, visit: https://bit.ly/44dH7xy
Research found that children with Autism have reduced immune system regulation, resulting in an increased risk for contracting Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). For more information on RSV and vaccines, visit: bit.ly/3KxhoJM
The Autism Society created a resource to empower Autistic individuals, families, and their community to plan for future transitions throughout different life stages. https://bit.ly/3KcNTMP
Here is a detailed overview of the 988 National Suicide Prevention Hotline with more mental health related links at the bottom of the webpage: An Overview of the 988 number for National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

ASBC wishes everyone a happy and safe Labor Day weekend!

ASBC's Business Repository and Financial

Support Fund

Do you have a business that provides services to Baltimore City Autistics and their families?

Are you a Baltimore City resident who receives Autism related services or provides them for others?

The ASBC is establishing a repository of trusted, legitimate businesses who provide support to Autistics. Please use the following link to submit business information for consideration: Submit your business using this form!

You will be notified within 30 business days if your business is officially added.

If you receive services and would like to be considered for up to $500 in reimbursement, please use the following link to submit your information: Apply for funding now!

The ASBC is here for you!

Become an ASBC Member for $15 a Year!

The ASBC Membership Fee is only $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: ASBC's Membership Page

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: ASBC's Membership Page

Local Events & Programs

Go Back in Time with Us at the Maryland Renaissance Festival on Saturday, September 9th!

Join us for a fun-filled day of mead, mirth, and merriment at the Maryland Renaissance Festival on September 9th at 10am! All Autistics 16 and over are welcome to attend. Only ASBC members may register for a ticket at this time. Supporters and non-members may also join, but they must purchase separate tickets.

Members will get a registration invite via email. Not a member yet? Become one today!

Summer Fun During ASBC's Tubing Adventure!!

Families enjoyed tubing down Big Gunpowder Falls during one of the last weeks of summer! Everyone attending loved our August 18th social, enjoying both a sunny day and the natural beauty of our local area!

Virtual Groups, Meetings, Workshops

& Other Resources

_{Upcoming ASBC Virtual Groups}

Click the group name to register and receive the email reminders and login information.

General Session

An inclusive space for all adults to learn and grow in their understanding

Tuesday, September 26th, 2023, at 7:00pm

*Be on the lookout for our Spotlight Series guest announcement!

Parent / Caregiver Discussion Group

A supportive environment to meet other parents and share

Tuesday, September 19th, at 7:00 pm

Autistic Adult Discussion Group

Every Thursday @ 9:00pm

For Autistic Adults (18+) Only

A casual, neurodiverse space to connect and share

Check Out Our NEW Resources Directory

(A Work in Progress)!

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: ASBC's Resources Directory

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

Hire Autism: Support for Autistic Job Seekers

Finding jobs just got easier with Organization for Autism Research’s Hire Autism program! Hire Autism is a free program led and run by the Organization for Autism Research. With an active jobs board, and by offering resources for employers and job seekers alike, Hire Autism aims to expand opportunities for autistic individuals and serve as a continuing resource for them in their workplaces.

Visit Hire Autism's Webpage HERE!

GET ON BOARD for Sensory Sunday at the B&O Railroad Museum on October 1st from 10am-4pm!

The B&O Railroad Museum dedicated the first Sunday in February, April, June, and August to Sensory Awareness, and October 1st will be their last Sensory Sunday of the year! These days include environmental accommodations (no music, low lighting, quiet areas, increased signage for areas with sound effects) as well as sensory-friendly events (kids, craft, train ride and tour) and resources (sensory kits, social stories, and community table).

Come to the B&O for their Sensory Sunday on October 1st from 10AM - 4PM! Register online using this link and you can also purchase tickets at the door. The B&O Railroad Museum is located at 901 W. Pratt Street in Baltimore, MD.

Become a Recurring Donor and Support

Our Mission!

Join the growing family of donors who generously give automatic ongoing monthly donations in support of ASBC’s efforts to serve the Autism community in Baltimore.

To set up a sustaining gift, go to our "Donate" page on our website here and then click on the yellow donate button. Once on the donate screen check the “Make this a monthly donation” box. Donors can give with PayPal or with a debit or credit card. The amount you select will automatically be charged to your credit card each month and it continues until you tell us otherwise.

We are grateful for all our donors and their commitment to the Autism Society of Baltimore Chesapeake!

LEARN MORE ON OUR WEBSITE!