Autism Research and Engagement Core

Several MCDD Autism and Research Engagement Core team members are consultants to Simons Powering Autism Research (SPARK), a long-term study of autism spectrum disorder. Those members include Cheryl Cohen, MS, director of online and community programs; J. Kiely Law, MD, MPH, research director; Alison R. Marvin, PhD, research manager; Marina Sarris, MA, web content administrator; and Jaimie Toroney, MHS, research manager.

Sarris recently wrote three article for SPARK’s website. On April 17, she authored “Alcohol, Drugs, and Autism: What Risk Do Autistic People Face?” The article explores the potential effects of drugs and alcohol on individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), discussing how substance use can impact behavior and exacerbate existing challenges associated with ASD. On May 8, Sarris published another article, “Does a Baby’s Gaze Hold a Clue to Autism?” The article discusses how studying gaze patterns in infants can provide early clues for identifying ASD and aid in early intervention strategies. Finally, Sarris wrote “When Dinnertime is a Struggle: Very Picky Eating in Children with Autism,” published on June 10. This article discusses how children with autism are significantly more likely to exhibit picky eating behaviors due to heightened sensitivity to food textures, tastes and smells. Strategies such as structured mealtimes and gradual introduction of new foods can help address these challenges.

The Autism and Research Engagement Core recently produced two SPARK Research Match Summary Reports. The first report, “Psychological Flexibility and Life Satisfaction in Autistic Adults with Mental Health Concerns,” was published on April 24. It examines the concept of psychological flexibility in individuals with autism, highlighting its importance in promoting adaptive responses to challenging situations and improving overall well-being. The second report, “The Effect on Parents of Getting a Genetic Diagnosis for Their Child with Autism,” was published on May 29. This report discusses a study that explores the impact on parents when they receive a genetic diagnosis for their child with autism, shedding light on the emotional, psychological and practical challenges they may encounter in navigating the diagnosis and its implications for their family.

SPARK Research Match, which pairs researchers with people who want to participate in their autism studies, has launched more than 240 studies. Novel studies are being launched once a week. SPARK has invited more than 122,000 families (many more than once) into these new research studies, and almost 58,000 families have participated in studies. Researchers have published 72 articles in scientific journals. The ability to recruit research participants from SPARK’s membership has enabled many research study teams throughout the country to meet their recruitment goals and successfully complete their studies.

People On the Go (POG) Maryland

People On the Go Maryland (POG) continues its advocacy efforts by providing training, collaborating with disability-focused organizations and participating in local events. POG team members include Griffin Clabaugh-Bareford, social media coordinator; Cody Drinkwater, public policy assistant; James Orman, program coordinator; Mat Rice, executive director; and Tracy Wright, deputy director and director of training.

April was a month filled with meaningful engagements for POG team members, as they actively participated in various events to promote autism acceptance and advocacy. On April 2, Rice, Wright and Orman kicked off Autism Acceptance Month by participating in Autism Acceptance Day with the Legislature. Elected officials from the Maryland Senate, House of Delegates and the Maryland Department of Disabilities joined together for a day of celebration and advocacy. POG team members listened to self-advocates and other speakers discuss the importance of supporting the autism community.

Throughout Autism Acceptance Month, POG team members remained dedicated to their advocacy and engagement efforts in the community. Orman delivered an inspiring presentation, “Autism Inclusion and Advocacy,” to Exelon Corporation staff members on April 17, and has been invited to give another presentation in July. On April 19 and April 26, POG team members participated on a panel, “Autism Acceptance in The Workplace,” which was organized by Marcus Whitman from The IMAGE Center of Maryland. Additionally, Orman participated in a panel event about autism at the Middle Branch Fitness and Wellness Center in Baltimore, Maryland on April 27. Orman, along with other panel participants, answered audience questions about autism. Orman, Rice and Wright attended Making Autism Work in the Community Day on April 28 at Coppin State University, where they connected with members of underserved communities and networked with organizations that support autism and neurodiversity.

The POG team’s work continued in May. Wright participated as an exhibitor at the Claremont High School Transition Fair on April 18. There, she engaged with young adults who are transitioning from high school to the workforce. On May 5, Wright ran another table for POG at Adaptive Maryland Day and connected individuals with disabilities to resources in their communities. Rice and Wright gave a plenary presentation about ableism on May 9 at the Maryland Association of Community Services conference in Ocean City, Maryland, and received rave reviews. Orman and Wright gave a presentation from their new curriculum, “Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation,” to Gallagher Services members on May 17, teaching individuals with disabilities ways to protect themselves. In May, Orman and Wright completed training and became certified in The Mandt System, which provides holistic evidence-based training to reduce workplace violence. They will be partnering with SEEC (Seeking Employment, Equality and Community) staff members to provide the perspectives of people with disabilities during future Mandt trainings. POG team members attended The Arc Maryland State Convention on May 30 where they connected with other organizations and listened to various presentations. They exhibited a table for POG, and Rice gave a presentation during a legislative wrap-up micro-session.

POG team members continue to offer training from the Project STIR (Steps Toward Independence and Responsibility) curriculum. The lessons are provided to help individuals with disabilities learn crucial advocacy skills. Each month, multiple trainings are provided to attendees from across the state. In addition to these trainings, POG team members have a series of lunch-and-learn sessions scheduled in collaboration with Service Coordination, Inc. The POG quarterly meeting took place on June 1, where team members discussed the organization’s newly filed articles of incorporation, outlined next steps, announced new partnerships and provided a legislative wrap-up. These trainings and meetings highlight POG’s dedication to advancing inclusion and support for individuals with disabilities across Maryland.

POG is pleased to announce Autism On the Go (AOG), new programming run by and for autistic adults throughout Maryland and beyond. The group will offer:

  • Weekly virtual meetups by and for autistic adults
  • “Bad Anon,” twice monthly virtual meetups led by autistic adults but for everyone
  • Monthly virtual LGBTQ+ meetups by and for autistic adults
  • Monthly virtual neuroinclusive meetups led by autistic adults but for everyone, featuring autistic stories and experiences

AOG is also running an Autistic Leaders program, by and for autistic adults to share and develop talent within the autistic community. All people who identify as autistic are welcome and encouraged to reach out with interest, as all autistic adults can be leaders and deserve leadership opportunities. Interested individuals can contact James Orman at james@pogmd.org. Register here for the email distribution list to be notified of upcoming events.