On The Record WYPR 88.1 FM Baltimore

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, is typically diagnosed in children by about age five in the U.S., according to the National Autism Data Center. About 1 in 36 American children are affected by autism, up from 1 in 44 from previous data.

April is Autism Awareness Month. But at Zoe’s Just Dezzerts in Baltimore’s Federal Hill neighborhood, autism awareness is part of every day. We visit with Zoe, her mom, Jennifer Goldschmidt, and Kelsey Parker, another employee.

Then Taya Dunn Johnson, from the Autism Society of Baltimore-Chesapeake, tells us about the resources the non-profit provides for people with autism and their families.

Links: Zoe's Just Dezzerts events, Autism Society of Baltimore-Chesapeake, Awareness event Sat. April 27, and Making Autism Work on Sun. April 28th at Coppin State geared toward helping autistic adults navigate job searches, resume building, mock interviews. 
Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Contact On the Record at: Senior Supervising Producer, Maureen Harvie she/her/hers mharvie@wypr.org 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers mgerr@wypr.org 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his sbdawes@wypr.org 410-235-1472

Twelve mattresses are arranged in a circle. Drawn on beds’ white fabric are the outlines of sleeping children. Their hands are curled up by their peaceful faces.

That tranquility is betrayed by the title of the installation: "Dream Refuge for children imprisoned." It is on display through May 18th at the Asian Arts & Culture Center at Towson University. 

Creator Na Omi Shintani founded the Kitsune Community Art Studio in Half Moon Bay and is a teaching artist at Creativity Explored for Disabled Adults and FootHill College.
Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Contact On the Record at: Senior Supervising Producer, Maureen Harvie she/her/hers mharvie@wypr.org 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers mgerr@wypr.org 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his sbdawes@wypr.org 410-235-1472

In honor of WYPR’s Spring pledge, we’re offering up not one but two stoop stories today. First, a stoop story by Rohaizad Suaidi about fierce love, sacrifice, and pledging support for an adopted country.

Then we hear from Gretchen and Warren Hensel, about persistence, timing, and pledging your heart to someone before it’s too late!
Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Contact On the Record at: Senior Supervising Producer, Maureen Harvie she/her/hers mharvie@wypr.org 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers mgerr@wypr.org 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his sbdawes@wypr.org 410-235-1472

Author Brittany Williams grew up in East Baltimore, taking theater classes and performing in the spotlight. Now she’s turned her talent from the stage to the page. In her latest novel, “Saint-Seducing Gold,” Williams brings readers to 17th century London, where a sword-wielding heroine teams up with William Shakespeare to defeat evil fairies and restore peace. 

Williams will join author Molly Horton Booth for a conversation and sword play demonstration at Charm City Books on April 26th. 
Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Contact On the Record at: Senior Supervising Producer, Maureen Harvie she/her/hers mharvie@wypr.org 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers mgerr@wypr.org 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his sbdawes@wypr.org 410-235-1472

Patients in Maryland’s emergency rooms experience far longer wait times than residents of other states. What does this mean for the more than 1.7 million patients served each year by the state’s 48 emergency departments? What solutions are hospital leaders exploring? 

Our guests:

Erin Dorrien, vice president of policy at the Maryland Hospital Association and co-chair of the Maryland General Assembly Hospital Throughput Work Group. 

Dr. Neel Vibhakar is the Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at the University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center and Associate Chief Clinical Officer for the University of Maryland Medical System.

Links:Maryland ER wait times continue to disappoint in new data dropMaryland General Assembly Hospital Throughput Work Group Final Report
Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Contact On the Record at: Senior Supervising Producer, Maureen Harvie she/her/hers mharvie@wypr.org 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers mgerr@wypr.org 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his sbdawes@wypr.org 410-235-1472

For a group of Baltimore middle and high school students, squash is more than a vegetable! They participate in SquashWise. The non-profit melds the fast-paced game with personal development and academic excellence. We hear from Abby Markoe, co-founder and executive director, and visit the courts to hear from some of the coaches and students! 

Links: Community SquashWise sign up, Squash with Your Squad sign up, Greyhound project, Youth Develop Programs.
Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Contact On the Record at: Senior Supervising Producer, Maureen Harvie she/her/hers mharvie@wypr.org 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers mgerr@wypr.org 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his sbdawes@wypr.org 410-235-1472