HAPPY NEW YEAR! Reflecting on 2022 and Setting Goals for 2023

As ASBC reflects on 2022 and prepares for the year ahead, we know that there are plenty of tools and resources out there that can help you and your loved ones set the goals and routines you need for success in 2023. Here are some helpful links from our friends at the Autism Society:

• Best practices in setting goals for neurodiverse (and neurotypical) students
• 5 Best Practices for Setting Goals with Autism in the New Year
• Establish and Maintain a New Year’s Resolution
• Count Me In! ASD and Physical Activity
• Helpful Workouts for Autistic Adults (video)

A Message from Our Co-Presidents:

Thank you for your Donations in 2022! They have gratefully gifted us with the opportunity to successfully serve the community in the following ways as we slowly inched out of pandemic status:

• Hosted Adults with Autism weekly groups, monthly caregiver groups and general group sessions with a combined list of 800 attendees.
• Sponsored/gifted 15 social events for families totaling 600 participants
• Participated and served in 7 community outreach opportunities to raise awareness in our community
• Received and responded to over 200 new requests to be of service

Did you know that your ASBC board members are comprised of 100% volunteers which allow us to funnel our funds directly back to you?

In that spirit we humbly ask that you please continue to share your monetary gifts for 2023 so we can keep serving and expanding our services in the community to all of our families, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

Thank you,

Thairen Greene and John Barnes

Co-Presidents, Autism Society Baltimore-Chesapeake

Donate Here

Make ASBC Your Amazon Smile Charity!

It's so easy to support the Autism Society of Baltimore Chesapeake while shopping for all your necessities and gifts online!

Make us your Amazon Smile charity organization by going to this URL: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/52-1864361 and don't forget to always shop Amazon Smile!

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/

WE ARE HIRING! Part-time Administrative Assistant

Help Wanted! We are looking for a reliable Administrative Assistant that can help keep ASBC supporting the Autism Community in Baltimore! You can work from home and make your own schedule. This is an excellent opportunity for those looking for long term part-time employment (approx. 10 hours/week) and the opportunity to work with a group of dedicated volunteers. Check out job description here: http://www.baltimoreautismsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Job-Description-Administrative-Assistant-November-2022.pdf

If interested in this position, please contact us at info@baltimoreautismsociety.org and include your resume.

A Rockin' Good Time at We Rock The Spectrum!

ASBC families had a great time at We Rock The Spectrum Kid's Gym on Thursday, December 29th! Children loved having the gym to themselves, and the zipline was the favorite of the evening!

January Member Social: Adaptive Ski/Snowboard Lessons for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum

Our ever-popular Adaptive Ski/Snowboarding Lessons are back!

Sponsored by The Roth Family

Date: TBA

Location: Ski Liberty

78 Country Club Trail

Carroll Valley, Pennsylvania

(https://brasski.org/)

You can choose between a Private Ski or a Private Snowboard lesson. Includes: 2 hour lesson with 2 adaptive instructors, skis/board, boots, & helmet.

This is a first come, first served event! Be on the lookout for the event registration email in the next few weeks. If you have any questions, please email Pete Roth at proth@baltimoreautismsociety.org.

See you on the slopes!

By Autistics, For Autistics: An Afternoon at Towson AMF Bowling, February 4th from 1-3pm

Our Autistic adult members will enjoy FREE bowling, FREE food, FREE soft drinks, and FREE arcade gaming! This event is open to all Autistic adults (both independent and accompanied by a supporter) regardless of their ability or status. Please note the availability of food and activities will be limited to our group participants to provide the best experience to our Autistic community members. Supporters are welcome to purchase their own amenities at AMF. AMF will remain open to the general community during our event. For more information, please contact James Orman at: jorman@baltimoreautismsociety.org

Also, a discord server for Autistic adults has been created so the community can stay connected outside of Thursday meeting hours. The invite link is below. Any autistic adult or their allies are welcome to join:

https://discord.gg/YQmXJqacVQ

Towson Tigers vs. North Carolina A&T Autism Advocacy Game on Saturday, February 18th at 4PM

The Towson Tigers will be hosting their annual men's basketball Autism Advocacy game on Saturday, February 18 against NC A&T. Tipoff is at 4 p.m. inside SECU Arena.

This will be the ninth season TU has hosted a game to raise awareness and provide advocacy. In 2014, during his third season as Towson men's basketball coach, Pat Skerry wanted to find a way to honor his son Owen, who was diagnosed with ASD at the age of two.

They are offering half-priced tickets for any of our ASBC community members who would like to attend the game - use the code provided in this ticket sale link:

https://am.ticketmaster.com/towson/ism/MjJNQjAyMTg=?promoCode=QURWT0NBQ1k=

Adaptive Basketball & Tennis Lessons Hosted by So Kids SOAR!

Making AAC More Inclusive: Spectrum Support BLAAC

SECAC February Meeting on 2/6

(No January Meeting)

Baltimore County SECAC

NO JANUARY MEETING SCHEDULED

NEXT Meeting: Monday, February 6th, 2023

7:00-8:30 PM

Topic: Planning Summer Opportunities 

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