Heroes unite! Because of YOU, we’ve already smashed our $100,000 goal for the Every Step Counts Walk & 5K. But superheroes don’t stop when the mission is complete — we push further. Join the mission: buff.ly/OnJIcZh

We’re just 5 days away from the Every Step Counts Walk & 5K, and our mission is clear: raise $5,000 in 5 days to fuel acceptance, inclusion, and support for the autism community. Every hero counts—whether you walk, donate, or share our cause. buff.ly/dOQ1LUH

Starting at 5:00 TODAY! Pick up your t-shirt(s) and bib(s) (for runners only) in advance! Packet Pick-Up #1 – Every Step Counts Walk & 5K Run Monday, September 30 | 5:00–7:00 PM AUSOM 9770 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD 21046 (Lobby – please park and enter from the rear)

Every Step Counts Walk & 5K is THIS Saturday! Know Before You Go! buff.ly/BYekn9m 9:00 AM – Event Village opens (arrive early for easy parking + fun!) 10:00 AM – 5K Run begins 10:05 AM – 4K Walk kicks off, led by the SuperPooch Parade! 10:10 AM – 1K Stroll begins

With no school tomorrow it is a great time to check out our "What to do During a Traffic Stop" program. There are still time slots available: buff.ly/11ynbDl. This program is available for all drivers & passengers! Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 9 am - Noon Hammond High School

School Avoidance Webinar Wed, Oct 29 | 7–8:30 PM | Virtual via Zoom Simultaneous Spanish translation provided Join Drs. Dalton & Schulmeyer to learn about school avoidance in autistic students, strategies for support, & partnering with schools. Register: buff.ly/V3UQlxJ

Dads Night Out – Venue Change! Our next Dads Night Out will now take place at Kelsey’s Restaurant on Tuesday, November 12 @ 6:00 PM. Kelsey's Restaurant 8480 Baltimore National Pike Ellicott City, Md 21043

Join us TONIGHT! School Avoidance Webinar Wed, Oct 29 | 7–8:30 PM | Virtual via Zoom Join Drs. Dalton & Schulmeyer to learn about school avoidance in autistic students, strategies for support, & partnering with schools. Register: buff.ly/V3UQlxJ

Major Dept. of Ed layoffs have gutted the Office of Special Education Programs—putting IDEA & disability rights at risk. 📢 Tell Congress to reverse these cuts: buff.ly/xpoA7dk Read more: buff.ly/CDIcdTB

We want to hear from you! Your feedback helps shape AUSOM’s programs and priorities for the year ahead. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts in our 2025 Annual Survey — your voice truly makes a difference! Take the survey: buff.ly/ZvD5sMQ Thank you!

👔 AUSOM Dads—This One’s for You! 👔 Join us for Dads’ Night Out this Wednesday, November 12 from 6–8 PM at Kelsey’s Restaurant! buff.ly/1RX6KfJ No registration needed—just show up and ask for Brad when you get there! #AUSOMCommunity #DadsNightOut #AutismSupport

🎅✨ Drive-Thru Santa Visit – Sensory-Friendly! ✨🎅 Kick off the holiday season with a special Drive-Thru Visit with Santa — a sensory-friendly event designed for comfort and joy! 🗓 Saturday, November 15 🕑 2:00–3:00 PM 📍 10805 Hickory Ridge Rd, Columbia, MD 21044

🎉 AUSOM Bingo starts THIS Wednesday! 🎉 Join us for our new weekly fundraiser supporting the Autism Society of Maryland. 📅 Nov 26 • 5:30–9 PM 📍 Ridgley’s Run Community Center ✨ Players must be 18+ buff.ly/ijUZdr9 Let’s make our first night a great one!

Research opportunities are open for teens & families in our autism community! Children’s National seeks teens in their final 2 years of high school to study the transition to adulthood. Participants may receive diagnostic/IQ reports & are compensated. buff.ly/thj4hOI

Start your holiday shopping now! ONE show only! 🎪 Omnium Circus comes to DC on March 1, 2026 at 3 PM. 🎟️ Tickets: buff.ly/Ph6d7uG

This #GivingTuesday, you can help protect autistic children and adults across Maryland. A gift of $25 provides essential safety tools that reduce the risk of wandering emergencies, and supports vital water-safety programs that teach life-saving skills. buff.ly/zXf2G3D

Dads’ Night "In" Social (In-person) 12/17/2025 A group member is hosting December's gathering, a bourbon & beer tasting, at his home. Feel free to bring your own libations to share. Heavy appetizers & snacks will be on the menu. Email [email protected] to RSVP 6 - 8pm

Thank You! To everyone who donated to our Wandering Prevention & Water Safety campaign—thank you for giving the gift of safety. Your generosity helps provide lifesaving safety bags, water-safety instruction, trained swim instructors, and swim scholarships for autistic children.

Brown Bag Webinar: Alternatives to Guardianship Dec 10 • 12–1 PM Learn about health care directives, powers of attorney, and other supportive decision-making options. James Silver, Esq. will share examples and answer your questions. Register: buff.ly/3nRtyDK

Looking for a fun way to spend your Wednesday night? Join us for AUSOM Bingo on Wednesday, December 10! 🎉 Play bingo 🗓 December 10 ❗ Must be 18 years or older to play. 💲 Cards starting at $17 for 12 cards For more information please visit ohttps://buff.ly/adm97P9