Driven by
Purpose.
Centered on
Families.
At Abilis Autism in Action, meaningful support starts with understanding the individual, listening to families, and building services around the goals, routines, and experiences that matter most.
Support With
Purpose.
Connection With
Meaning.
Abilis Autism in Action is committed to supporting individuals with autism and their families through personalized services, meaningful relationships, practical resources, and opportunities for greater participation in everyday life.
We believe support should reflect the individual — not a one-size-fits-all model. Our work is grounded in collaboration with families and respect for each person’s needs, preferences, interests, and goals.
Supporting
Every Individual.
Strengthening
Every Family.
Our mission is to provide compassionate support and knowledgeable guidance to Maryland families navigating Autism Waiver services.
Through Family Consultation, Intensive Individual Support Services (IISS), and Respite Care, we work alongside families to provide support that is individualized, practical, and meaningful.
The Values Behind Abilis.
Our approach is shaped by respect, individualized support, meaningful relationships, and partnership with families.
Individualized Support
Services reflect the individual’s needs, goals, routines, interests, and preferences.
Dignity & Respect
Every person deserves to be heard, valued, respected, and supported as an individual.
Family Partnership
Caregivers are valued partners in identifying priorities and supporting meaningful progress.
Community Connection
Support extends into real-life environments where individuals live, learn, and participate.
Families Are Part of the Process.
Families know their loved ones in ways no provider ever could. That’s why collaboration, communication, and caregiver input are important parts of how we approach support.
We want families to feel informed, respected, heard, and confident in the services their loved one receives.
Meet the People Behind Abilis.
Abilis was built from a shared commitment to supporting individuals with autism, strengthening families, and creating thoughtful systems that make quality services easier to access.
Lia
Co-Founder & Program DirectorLia is the Co-Founder and Program Director of Abilis Autism in Action, bringing a decade of experience in autism spectrum disorders. She holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Maryland and has completed post-master’s coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis at Johns Hopkins University. Fully bilingual in Spanish and English and certified in American Sign Language, Lia effectively engages diverse families.
Her professional background includes roles as an RBT, IISS technician, and family consultant, as well as extensive experience with Montgomery County Public Schools, including teaching in the Autism Program. She has also worked as a behavior manager for the Montgomery County Department of Recreation and as a compensatory services provider, developing individualized social, behavioral, and academic groups.
A certified children’s yoga instructor, Lia integrates emotional and sensory self-regulation strategies into her work and has led drama classes to support social-emotional development. Committed to inclusion and advocacy, she provides training to local nonprofits, faith communities, and offers international workshops.
Sujith
Co-Founder & Business OperationsSujith combines his background in Software Engineering and Economics to deliver client-focused solutions at Abilis Autism in Action. His expertise includes building strong relationships with families, understanding individual needs, and supporting systems that help families receive compassionate, high-quality services.
By leveraging his technical knowledge, Sujith helps streamline service processes and enhance client engagement strategies, creating smoother experiences for families navigating the services provided by Abilis Autism in Action.
His focus on thoughtful operations, personalized service, and meaningful connections supports Abilis in its commitment to individuals with autism and their families.
Want to Learn More?
We’re Here to
Help.
Explore our Maryland Autism Waiver services, visit our family resource center, or connect directly with the Abilis team.