About us
The Autism Project, Inc. is a non-profit organization serving students on the Autism Spectrum in southern Maryland. We work with students on all levels of the spectrum upon initial diagnosis through adulthood. We pride ourselves on adapting to the ever evolving needs of our students and offering a variety of services that address all areas of development. Behavior, sensory skills and play are primary concerns for our younger students while socialization, vocational skills and daily living skills are main the focus for our older students. Our programs emphasize social skills, communication, recreation/leisure skills, community skills, daily living skills and the generalization of academic skills.
TAP is not a quick fix type of program. We are an investment in time, energy and resources. Our students enjoy therapeutic activities with us but at the same time this is therapy - hence it is work for them. The skills and lessons that we teach our students are meant to be applied and used out in the world with their family and friends.
Our Mission
To educate, advocate and empower individuals on the autism spectrum, their families, and communities; and to build mutually beneficial relationships among them.
Our Values
As an organization we value:
- Promoting autism awareness
- Thinking outside the box and being different
- Being outside and active
- Forming relationships with community partners
- Participating in meaningful real life projects that expand life skills
- Trying new activities
- Developing a sense of “family” within our groups
- Learning by doing
- Age appropriate activities
- Setting high expectations
Learn more about our mission and our values by contacting us to arrange a tour.
Activities
We have a number of activities and traditions that we have built over the years. These include:
The Redskins Raffle: This is a major fundraiser for TAP in the fall months. Participation can range from organized raffle sales out in the community where our students are handling the entire sales exchange to sorting, counting and wrapping coins.
Bake Sale: Students begin baking projects in March which requires them to bake, package, sort and label items. All students participate in the sales process by either going door to door in neighborhoods to sell their baked goods or by hosting an organized bake sale out in the community.
Dog Biscuits: In a search of opportunities for our transitioning youth select TAP students participate in this “business” with staff members. They make the biscuits from scratch, package them, take them to local vets, stack them into bins, collect the money, sort/stack money and then take it to the bank for deposit.
Community Partnerships: With a desire to have our students participate in real life “Projects” TAP has formed partnerships with many community agencies including: Chesapeake Church, End Hunger, The Lobby Coffee Bar, Chesapeake Cares Food Pantry, Chesapeake Grille, Traders Restaurant and the town of North Beach. Our students learn life skills by working, volunteering and helping others in need. These partnerships are a win/win for both parties.
Locations
The Autism Project is located at 9439 Old Solomons Island Rd. in Owings, Maryland and is situated on almost 2 acres.
Learn more
Meet the staff
The professionals at The Autism Project work under the direction of Angela Gaither-Parker.
Learn more
Our approach
We don't follow any one particular approach rather we employ multiple techniques to suit the individual.
Learn more