Resources for Autistics ages 5-21

This guide will be updated monthly with resources specific to the autistic community. If you have events or resources to add, or if you have any questions, please reach out to Partners for Success Resource Center. We are here to support the success of all students with differing needs.

What is “Partners for Success”?

Partners for Success centers are available to parents as a resource and information center. Specifically, we provide information about community services, assist families in resolving concerns, and increase parental involvement in the special education decision-making process.

Where is Partners for Success Located?

Roye-Williams Elementary School

201 Oakington Road, Havre De Grace, MD 21078.

410-273-5579

e-mail: partners.success@hcps.org.

Office hours are usually Monday, Wednesday, 9am-3pm, and Friday, 9am-1pm, by appointment.

Do you have questions about your student's education plan? Could you use some support?

Please remember we are here to help address any needs you have regarding special education and community resources.

Click here to read Maryland's Strategic Plan for Autism Related Needs from the Maryland Department of Disabilities: https://mdod.maryland.gov/.../MDOD_MDAutismStatePlan_fin...

The Autism Hiring Program advances workplace neurodiversity and acceptance, connecting businesses to an untapped workforce of skilled Autistic adults and targeting jobseekers not supported by existing systems.

Created in 2021 by the Autism Society of Maryland, it addresses the needs of Autistic adults who have high-level, marketable skills but have struggled to secure and maintain desirable employment. On the businesses side, it connects employers to this competent, capable workforce, improving their bottom line while creating a more inclusive and neurodiverse work environment.

Impactful: These results translate into meaningful career opportunities for skilled workers, access to talented employees for businesses, and a more inclusive workforce!

The need:

The need for this program and others like it is massive with 700,000+ Autistic individuals transitioning into adulthood in the U.S. in the next decade. However, the overall rate of unemployment for those with Autism remains higher than those with other disabilities. And 85% of college graduates with Autism are unemployed or under employed.

Focus on the individual:

Our candidates are high school graduates with certifications, some college or college degrees. They engage in a 10-week program of group and individual sessions designed to build independence, social and essential workplace skills, assessing interests and encouraging self advocacy. We focus on the person with the goal of securing employment that fits candidates’ skill sets and interests. Ongoing peer support meetings are an essential piece of the program.

Supports for employers:

The Autism Hiring Program engages employers to ensure a good fit for candidates AND add to their bottom line. We provide training for managers and staff on Autism, neurodiversity, ADA compliance, inclusivity, and natural supports, creating a sustainable system through which they can hire and retain great candidates. Modeled on hiring programs run by large corporations, it’s a great fit for those who could not or would not create a hiring program on their own.

The Fall 2026 session runs September 21st- December 7th.

The application deadline is Thursday, September 27th.

Learn more:

Interested in joining us as an Employer or Candidate? Contact the Autism Hiring Program, Towson University at khubscher@towson.edu or 410-704-4021.

Click here to check out their website!