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Future meetings will be held at our new location, 10280 Old Columbia Road, Columbia Maryland 21046
(Get Directions) on the third Thursday of every month. (Entrance and parking lot at the rear of the building)
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Annual Gala Event is a Festive Evening of Celebration, Raises Over $90,000
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Upcoming Events:
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April 16th: Howard County Autism Resource Center Open House 12-2pm and 4-7pm
Please visit us in our new office location, 10280 Old Columbia Road Suite 215.
Call Kim Manning at 410-290-3466 for more information
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April 12th: Howard County Autism Society and AMC Columbia Present a special sensory-friendly showing of Nim’s Island. (Details).
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April 17th: (First Meeting at New Location!): Featuring Director of Special Education, Dr. James Walsh, Instructional Facilitator Linda Flanagan, and Teacher, Sheila Dawyer. Topic: Preparing
for IEP Meetings: Understanding the New State IEP Format.
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April 29th: 10th Annual Special Education Community Advisory Committee (SECAC) Staff Recognition Evening at Oakland Mills High School. Submit Nominations by April 15th - form available at SECAC Website http://www.howardsecac.org
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Autism in Brief
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- 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.
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With a festive spirit and much to celebrate, the Howard County Autism Society welcomed 300 guests to the third annual Pieces of the Puzzle gala on Saturday, April 5. Generously cosponsored by the Hussman Foundation, the event was held at the beautiful Ten Oaks Ballroom in Clarksville. The society’s largest fundraiser of the year
netted over $90,000 in funds to support the newly expanded Howard County Autism Resource Center and to offer programs and services to its membership.
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Beth Benevides Hill and Stephanie Maric, co-presidents of the Board of Directors, presented Chief William McMahon and the Howard County Policy Department with the President’s Award and Marianne Ross
with the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award.
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Congratulations To Paul Maric, Winner of the Harley Raffle!
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Congratulations to Paul Maric, winner of the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle raffle! The winning raffle ticket for the FXD Dyna Super Glide Motorcycle
was selected on April 5th, 10 p.m., at our 3rd Annual Pieces of the Puzzle Gala, by Mrs. Tina Ice, owner of Harley-Davidson of Maryland. Mrs. Ice has graciously offered Mr.
Maric riding lessons, so that he can enjoy his new bike! Many thanks to everyone who purchased tickets for this worthy fundraiser!
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Service Dogs Aid People With Autism
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By Merope Pavlides
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There is a Native American legend that says that after creating humankind, the Spirits created a chasm between their world and ours.
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And although Dog had the opportunity to return to the spirit world, at the last moment, he leapt over the widening gap to remain with us. Scientifically speaking, archeological records confirm that the
relationship between humans and canines dates back at least 14,000 years. Since the beginning dogs have been not just companions but workers as well, helping us hunt and driving other prey animals away
from human encampments. Throughout history they have farmed with us, fought with us, and played with us. It’s no surprise that humans would turn to dogs for assistance in managing
disabilities.
Adapted From Merope’s book Animal-assisted Interventions for Individuals with
Autism
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