Events

Find local events in the Pathfinders for Autism Events Calendar and the Resource Finder at the Kennedy Krieger Institute Events Calendar.

Autism Society events

AMC Theaters and the Autism Society host monthly Sensory-Friendly Films at the AMC Columbia Mall 14, the AMC White Marsh 16, the AMC Rio Cinemas 18 and the AMC MJ Capital Center 12. The auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing - in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is in question.

Recurring events

First Saturdays and First Sundays program for special-needs individuals at the Baltimore Aquarium. Guests with special needs can avoid crowds by visiting on the first Saturday or first Sunday of the month, when they can enter the aquarium 30 minutes before it opens to the general public. For more information, e-mail Special Customer Liaison Jennifer Hamilton or call 410-659-4291; 410-659-4291; 410-727-3022; 410-727-3022 (TTY).

Special Olympics Maryland, Anne Arundel County offers sports at the following times and locations: 

Practice is canceled if schools are closed. For more information, e-mail Gregg Meade or call 410-923-0383, or visit the web site for more information.

Special Olympics Young Athletes Program is currently offered for children with special needs, ages 3 – 6. Practice dates are alternate Wednesdays in 2010: February 10, 24, March 10, 24, April 7, 21, and May 5, 19 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Ruth Eason. Parent participation is mandatory. This program provides motor skills activities that encourage young children to participate in group athletic exercises. A variety of materials and equipment, music, and movement are used to introduce young special needs children to group motor games.  It is also a great socialization time for the children and parents!  The young athletes wear comfortable clothing and sneakers.  There are no fees for the program. E-mail Janis Jank for more information. 

On 2nd Wednesday of each month, from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m., Pump it Up of Glen Burnie, 715 E. Ordnance Road, Suite 101-103, will hold a Special Needs Sensory Jump Event exclusively for families with autistic and special needs children. The cost Is $7.00 per child, $4.00 for siblings and free for parents. For further information, please contact Pump it Up at (410) 637-6547.

On the second Sunday of every month at 4:00 p.m., Our Shepherd Lutheran Church in Severna Park will offer Rejoicing Spirits, an interdenominational worship and fellowship ministry for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The inclusive, accepting and meaningful worship service will be adapted to capture the attention of individuals with special needs, along with their families, friends and other supportive community members.

August

On Wednesday, August 11, from 6-8 p.m., the Ft. Meade EFMP support group will feature a discussion of the difference between an IFSP and an Individualized Education Program (IEP); explain the IFSP Extension initiative for preschoolers; deliver a “who’s who” within the AA County Public School System special education department; discuss AA County parent support groups; give parent lending library listings and helpful websites; and discuss home schooling resources. The group meets at Army Community Service, 830 Chisholm Ave., Ft. Meade, and is open to military (all branches) and non-military. Register by contacting Caraline Someck or calling 301-677-4122.

On Monday, August 16, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., The Parents' Place of Maryland will present "Getting Your Ducks in a Row: Preparing for Back to School" at the Southern Maryland Child Care Resource Center in Charlotte Hall. Participants will learn effective ways to transition their children into their new classrooms, and how to prepare meaningful information packets for their children's teams. Registration is required; contact Missy Alexander at 301-884-4662.

On Wednesday, August 18, from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Susan Howarth and Zosia Zaks will present "When Your Adult Child on the Spectrum Faces Greater Challenges: A Review of Services, Resources, & Strategies for Common Issues" at 1014 W. 36th Street, Baltimore. Accessing programs and services for adults on the spectrum and techniques for responding to common behaviors and challenges will be presented. Registration is $50/individual or $90/couple. E-mail Zosia Zaks for more information.

September

The Autism Relief Foundation is hosting its first annual golf tournament fundraiser on Friday, September 10, at Compass Pointe Golf Course in Pasadena.