Upcoming Events:

May 14th: 7:30-9pm Howard County Asperger’s Support Group meeting. Guest Speaker is acupuncturist Pat Nordell at the Howard County Autism Resource Center. Contact Elaine McAuliffe, tel: 410-730-0068.

May 21st: 7-9pm Guest Speaker is local author and parent Judith Scott, reading from her book Out Came the Sun: One Family’s Triumph Over a Rare Genetic Disorder. At the Howard County Autism Resource Center.For more information call 410-290-3466

June 3, 2009: Biomedical Group Meeting 7:00-9:00 p.m. Faulkner Ridge Center in Columbia. Contact Jennifer Palmer or Remy Nirschl.

June 11, 2009: Howard County Asperger’s Support Group Meeting 7:30-9:00 p.m. at the Howard County Autism Society Resource Center. Contact Elaine McAuliffe, 410-730-0068.

June 18, 2009: Howard County Autism Society Support Group Meeting Guest speaker is Julie McCready, a RECC (preschool) music teacher, will discuss teaching children through music. 7:00-9:00 p.m at the Resource Center

June 20, 2009: Mega Yard Sale to Benefit HCAS. Donate your household items, toys, clothes, furniture to the Howard County Autism Society. 8:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m. To be held at Ellicott City Assembly of God, 10600 Frederick Road, Ellicott City. For more information call 410-290-3466.

July 9, 2009: Howard County Asperger’s Support Group Meeting 7:30-9:00 p.m. Howard County Autism Society Resource Center, 10280 Old Columbia Road, Suite 215, Columbia.

July 26, 2009: SUMMER POOL PARTY Hosted by the Howard County Autism Society Mark your calendar for this free family fun pool party at Lifetime Fitness for HCAS members. 6:00-9:00pm. Details to come

Parenting a Child with a Disability

By Judith Scott

As her name is called in standard alphabetical order, the little girl careens haphazardly across the stage, blinking in the harsh auditorium lights. Her gait is uneven and her orthotics squeak, but nobody seems to notice or care. Her eyes dart behind the lenses of her glasses, and her hands flap in excitement. A teacher guides the child toward the principal, who holds the diplomas. The child’s blond hair falls over her face as she grasps the principal’s hand in the semblance of a shake. A hush falls over the crowd as the girl progresses to the stairs, feels for the first step, and carefully descends. Despite the earlier statement to hold all applause until the ceremony’s end, this group cannot hold back. The clapping is thunderous, a whistle here and there, an acknowledgement of the gargantuan effort not only today but on all days. A mother’s sniff and gulp, tears not quite held back, will be heard on the video later on. That mother is me.

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Yard Sale!

All Proceeds Going to support HCAS
When: Saturday, June 20 from 8 AM - 1 PM.
Where: Ellicott City Assembly of God Church located at 10600 Frederick Rd. (across from the little league ball fields on Rt. 144)

Breakfast and lunch available.
TO DONATE CALL HCAS for information. Hope to see you on the 20th!

Celebration Abounds at Fourth Annual Pieces of the Puzzle Gala

On April 25, a warm and memorable spring evening, the Howard County Autism Society welcomed 215 guests to the fourth annual Pieces of the Puzzle Gala. Generously cosponsored once again by Dr. John Hussman and the Hussman Foundation, and held at the beautiful Ten Oaks Ballroom in Clarksville, the event celebrated individuals with autism and their families and raised nearly $65,000 in funds to support the Howard County Autism Resource Center.

   “In challenging economic times like this, we were truly humbled by the generosity of our sponsors and our many donors,” said executive director Kim Manning. “We considered canceling the gala this year, but with more than 200 guests turning out, I’m so glad we didn’t. Clearly people wanted to celebrate our organization and come together to acknowledge the families and members that make up the Howard County Autism Society. It was worth every effort to see the enjoyment of all who attended!”

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Autism in Brief

• Autism is a lifelong developmental disability with symptoms typically appearing during the first three years of life
• Autism Spectrum Disorders are neurobiologically-based and encompass a wide range of disabilities that affect communication, social skills, and behavior
• While the Howard County Public School System enrollment has increased 18% since 1997, the number of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Howard County has increased 180%.
• Over 1 in 150 students in Howard County public schools is diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• Research indicates that children with Autism Spectrum Disorders benefit from intensive early intervention.
• Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders want to have friends and fully participate in their communities. They need your support and understanding to do so.