The number of children identified with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) has dramatically increased. For example, in 1993 Maryland’s ASD population was 260 children. That number grew to 5,764 in 2006. These children attend public schools in a variety of educational settings, ranging from inclusion in general education settings to placement in non-public residential school programs. The families of children with autism and the educators, therapists, and physicians who work with this population of children are constantly researching information, data, and effective strategies to inform their everyday interactions and practices.

The McMahan Center-Abilities Activists/ MD State Department of Education Project

With a grant from the McMahan Center-Abilities Activists, the Maryland State Department of Education has moved forward as an innovator and lead education agency in autism information-sharing. The grant funded a newly developed web portal, www.AutismConnectMd.org which will continue to expand. The portal links users to comprehensive autism information, data, resources, research, and practice through key websites that are local, national, and international.  It also features information from advocacy organizations and describes Maryland partnerships with Johns Hopkins Medicine, Kennedy Krieger, and others which were developed to further family and educator understanding and guidance in Autism Spectrum Disorders.  A unique program to engage with pediatricians in identifying and discussing autism has also been developed and discussed on the new site.

In addition to creating a specialized portal, the grant gave the Maryland State Department of Education an opportunity to offer an Autism Conference and public awareness program to announce and launch the site. The Conference engaged specialists, parents, advocates, teachers, and other stakeholders in an active program which featured information sharing, presentations by experts in the field, and discussions among presenters and participants. Over 250 people participated in morning and afternoon programs which included Maryland State Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Nancy Grasmick, international autism expert Eileen Hopkins of Great Britain, and McMahan Center Activists President Yvette Marrin.  Other participants were autism experts from Johns Hopkins Hospital, Kennedy Krieger, and the Departments of Health and Mental Hygiene and Disabilities. In addition, leaders from major autism organizations such as Autism Speaks and Pathfinders for Autism, local directors of special education, parents, and the media were involved.

“Autism is affecting the lives of so many. We believe that answers and ways to combat or cure autism will come from shared information, resources, and expertise. This grant has given us the resources to develop on-line communication which will help many citizens in Maryland and beyond.”                —Dr. Nancy Grasmick

The purpose of AutismConnect is to provide stakeholders in the state of Maryland with an online resource that will assist them in locating and securing resources for individuals with Autism. The website focuses specifically on research, educational resources, and advocacy organizations available to families in Maryland.

Fast Facts about Autism in Maryland:

In 2006, Maryland Public Schools provided services to approximately 5,764 students, ages 3-21, with Autism.

Since 1993, the first year that Autism was available as a specific disability category, there were 260 students in Maryland identified as Autistic.

At this time, Autism is the most prevalent of the Pervasive Developmental Disorders, affecting an estimated 1 in 150 births, and this number is rising at an alarming rate (Centers for Disease Control, 2007).

While the need for early screening identification and services has grown significantly, the need for professional development and training for individuals working with students with Autism has also grown. Administrators, teachers, paraprofessionals, therapists, school psychologists, guidance counselors, and higher education personnel need additional and ongoing professional development to assist in developing programs, supports, and services for children with Autism.

To address these emerging areas of need, the Maryland State Department of Education is collaborating with local programs and interagency partners in a number of initiatives to increase the information about and support for children with Autism. These programs, partnerships, and initiatives are highlighted on this site.