Read the latest updates from our Autism Research and Engagement Core and People On the Go Maryland.
Autism Research and Engagement Core
The Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities (MCDD) Autism Research and Engagement Core team members are consultants to SPARK (Simons Powering Autism Research), 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 contributed an article to SPARK’s website, “When It’s More Than Autism: Bradley’s Story,” posted on February 4. In it, she shares the story of Bradley, a young boy diagnosed with autism at age 4, who later received a bipolar disorder diagnosis. His family navigated complex educational and medical systems to ensure he received the support he needed. In her article posted on March 9, “Rocky Road: The Career Paths of Autistic Adults,” she explores the diverse career paths of autistic adults, highlighting their unique strengths, workplace challenges and the importance of supportive work environments for success.
The Autism and Research Engagement Core recently produced two new SPARK Research Match Summary Reports, which provide valuable insights into critical topics related to autism. The first report, “What Might Explain the Link Between Camouflaging and Anxiety and Depression in Autistic Adults?” examines a study that found autistic adults who camouflage their traits experience higher levels of anxiety, depression and stress, with difficulties in emotion regulation contributing to these mental health challenges.
The second report, “How Do Special Interests Compare in Autistic Boys and Girls?” examines a SPARK study on gender differences in special interests among autistic children. The study found that while boys and girls share many interests, such as TV and movies, boys are more drawn to construction and mechanical topics, whereas girls are more likely to be interested in animals and arts and crafts.
People On the Go 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.
The last few months were filled with meaningful engagements for POG team members, as they actively participated in various events to promote disability acceptance and advocacy. On January 21, Rice and Wright gave a presentation, “Advocacy Skill Building Session,” to trainees of the Maternal and Child Health Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Other Related Disabilities (LEND) program. This presentation, part of Kennedy Krieger’s core course, provided valuable insights into effective advocacy techniques and strategies. On January 31, self-advocate Rosanna Tufts and Wright attended Connections Over Coffee, an event for women who want to live a purposeful life, hosted by On Purpose Woman Global Community.
Throughout February, the team remained dedicated to advocating for the disability community, participating in key events and sharing important updates on their ongoing efforts. On February 3, Rice and Wright participated in the Rally to Save Our DD Services event, advocating for Developmental Disabilities Administration budget support alongside The Arc Maryland. On February 13, the POG team proudly released the third volume of its newsletter, “The Wheel Deal,” delivering the latest updates on disability advocacy efforts. That same day, team members took their advocacy to the state level at DD Day at the Legislature, where they spoke passionately at the event, met with legislators and championed policies that support the disability community.
In February, several team members led a series of impactful training sessions focused on raising awareness and promoting disability inclusion. On February 4, 12 and 19, Orman and Wright delivered “Sex Abuse and Awareness” trainings for individuals supported by SEEC (Seeking Employment, Equality and Community for People with Developmental Disabilities). On February 21, Orman hosted an event, “Speed Connections,” for adults with autism and neurodivergent people, in collaboration with Autism On the Go. On February 26, Rice and Wright gave a presentation about ableism at Bello Machre, educating staff on disability inclusion and awareness.
In March, the team hosted and participated in a variety of events and workshops. On March 1, Orman, Rice and Wright hosted the POG quarterly meeting, where they provided updates and fostered discussions on advocacy initiatives. On March 6, Orman and Wright led a testimony writing workshop for The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region’s People First advocacy group. On March 8, Orman and Wright delivered a seminar presentation about abuse prevention during the Jubilee Association of Maryland’s Client Council Retreat. On March 11, Wright hosted a table at the Hispanic Outreach Through Positive Engagement (H.O.P.E.) meet-and-greet event, organized by The Arc Prince George’s County, where she connected with individuals with disabilities and the Spanish-speaking community. On March 18 and 25, Orman and Wright delivered training from the Project STIR (Steps Toward Independence and Responsibility) curriculum to LEND trainees, where they equipped participants with self-advocacy skills. On March 27, Wright was a featured speaker at The Arc Prince George’s County March Brunch Bunch event, where she discussed self-advocacy and the power of personal storytelling in shaping disability rights.
On April 6, Wright represented POG at the Road to Independence Resource Fair, hosted by the Montgomery County Transition Work Group, where she connected with attendees and shared resources for individuals with disabilities. On April 15, Orman, Rice and Wright gave a presentation about the history of subminimum wages and federal advocacy at The Arc Maryland’s event, Federal Laws and Advocacy in Action. Their discussion highlighted the importance of fair wages and policy changes that support equitable employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. These engagements underscore POG’s commitment to advancing disability advocacy through education, resource-sharing and policy discussions.