About Us

We are a diverse coalition of stakeholders who have come together to develop initiatives geared toward improving early intervention in Montgomery County, Maryland.  We advocate for:

• Screening 100% of the County's infants and toddlers for developmental and intellectual disabilities prior to age 24 months.

• Linking 100% of the County's infants and toddlers with developmental and intellectual disabilities with evidence-based interventions by no later than 24 months.  

Our coalition includes leaders of the Maryland Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (“MDAAP”), the Montgomery County Pediatric Society (“MCPS”), Easter Seals Serving DC|MD|VA, the Treatment and Learning Centers (“TLC”), Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children, Inc. (“CSAAC”), the Partnership for Extraordinary Minds (“xMinds”), commissioners serving on the Montgomery County Commission on People with Disabilities, members of the Montgomery County Early Childhood Coordinating Council, parents of children with developmental and intellectual disabilities, and other stakeholders.

There is a growing body of scientific data establishing that early interventions can dramatically improve outcomes for children with developmental or intellectual disabilities when administered early in the child’s development because of the plasticity of the young child’s mind. Nonetheless, most children with serious developmental disabilities in the County either do not receive appropriate early intervention or receive it when they are too old to benefit fully from it.

For instance, one recent study revealed that of the 231,000 children in Maryland ages 0-3, fewer than 20% have been properly screened.  The failure to screen has disastrous consequences as identification of a developmental or intellectual disability is typically a prerequisite to receiving appropriate evidence-based intervention. 

The most detailed study of early intervention for children with autism in Maryland found that most children with autism are neither identified as having autism nor provided with early intervention services prior to age 4. 

Participants in the MoCo Better Beginnings coalition are working together to improve early intervention in the County by:

o sharing and developing policy proposals

o partnering with area of foundations

o educating county officials 

o promoting initiatives to improve the County’s early intervention program

Cochairs

• Avner Shapiro, Parent-Advocate
• Larry Bram, Senior Vice President, Steering Committee Easter-Seals DC-MD VA

Steering Committee

• Patricia Ritter, Executive Director, The Treatment and Learning Centers
• Jane Salzano, Founder, Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children, (CSAAC)
• Dr. Seth Morgan, Former Chair, Montgomery County Commission on People with Disabilities

To learn more about what we can do together to create better beginnings for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities in Montgomery County, please contact us through completing the fields below: