older woman standing behind younger man who is sitting down eating something and he is wearing glasses and smiling

WESTOVER, MD, April 28, 2023 – Somerset County Public Schools (SCPS) Special Education Department Family Support Services team recently hosted an autism awareness family workshop featuring a guest presentation “Building Home and School Connections Around Autism” provided by representatives from The Parents’ Place of Maryland. Families received information about the autism diagnosis and practical experiences and strategies to help their child with autism. The event was held at the Somerset County Technical High School. Guests were served dinner and community partner agencies attended to provide information and resources for families. 

SCPS Family Support Services helps to meet the needs of families with children from birth to 21, with developmental delays or disabilities through providing information to families regarding community services, referrals to local support groups and educational workshops. SCPS’ Family Support Services team also assists families in resolving concerns and making informed decisions regarding their child’s education through advocacy and support through a variety of resources.

Supervisor of Special Education, Brandy Brady (Left) and Family Support Program Coordinator, Melissa Heavenridge (Right) serve food to guests at the recent autism awareness family event. 

  Woodson Elementary School Parent Liaison, Lupita Olivares (Left) staffed the family autism awareness event alongside her son, Alex Olivares (Right), providing translation for Spanish speaking families in attendance. 

 Representatives from The Parents’ Place of Maryland, Rosa Rivera-Lily (left) and Audri Levering (center) are introduced by Woodson Elementary School’s Community School Liaison, Sherri Allen (right), before providing the family workshop “Building Home and School Connections around Autism.”