Maine Autism Institute for Education and Research Benefits from New Funding
A University of Maine-based center that aims to improve outcomes for individuals with autism spectrum disorder through leadership, training, collaboration and research continues to grow with funding from the Maine Department of Education (DOE).
The Maine Autism Institute for Education and Research (MAIER), recently was awarded more than $150,000 from the Maine DOE to advance its work as the state’s first autism institute.
The funds are in addition to the $209,802 the department and UMaine’s College of Education and Human Development contributed to open the institute in January 2014. The collaborative partnership between Maine DOE and the college was formed to create a statewide system of supports for Mainers who serve children with autism and their families.
“Our vision was that parents of kids with autism would say, ‘I’m glad I live in Maine because of the resources available for our family here,’” said Jan Breton, director of special services at Maine DOE. “In a short time, the institute has made incredible progress in realizing that vision and improving the quality of life for children with autism and their families.”
The institute serves as Maine’s primary source of education and training related to evidence-based practices for professionals working with children and families with autism spectrum disorders, and for undergraduate and graduate students aspiring to serve children, families, schools and community service providers. For families seeking assistance, the institute offers services, resources and information; support and guidance; as well as tools to contribute to awareness.
In its first 16 months, the institute has supported hundreds of professionals who work with children with autism and their families.
“We are working to ensure that educators receive the most current, relevant and research-based tools and strategies to support and teach children with autism,” says Deborah Rooks-Ellis, an assistant professor of special education at UMaine and the institute’s director. “This impacts both the individual with autism and their family, and ensures that all children receive consistent and reliable educational experiences, no matter where they live in Maine.”
Autism is a developmental disability with varying degrees of severity that affects a person’s ability to communicate, reason and interact with others. It can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. An estimated one in 68 children is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Much of the institute’s latest funding will be used to expand training in evidence-based practices for teams from Maine school districts to help increase the academic and social success of autistic students. About 9 percent, or 2,776, of the identified children with disabilities in Maine’s K–12 public schools have been diagnosed with autism, according to the Maine DOE.
In response to this need, MAIER provides training to teams that represent educators working with children with autism from Maine Child Development Services sites and school districts. To date, 28 Maine Autism Leader Teams have been established around the state and applications are being accepted to add a dozen more.
The teams focus on students in their district for the purposes of collecting data, implementing evidence-based practices and measuring outcomes.
“The overall goal of these teams is to create sustainable change,” Rooks-Ellis says. “MAIER helps to support this change by providing both districtwide training and team coaching.”
Teams receive six days of advanced training throughout the school year to better prepare staff to work with individuals with autism and their families. Teams also are provided on-site coaching from MAIER staff in between training dates to help as they work through training materials, implement strategies, and develop goals such as creating universal strategies for all children in their schools or raising awareness of autism to staff and students. Success of the training and coaching strategies is based on each team’s goals and goal attainment.
“I consider it a success for schools to recognize the need to put together an autism team and to support the team through the training process,” Rooks-Ellis says.
An additional support to measure progress is being piloted by Maine Autism Leader Teams, according to Rooks-Ellis. MAIER staff developed an autism program assessment tool to help teams review their delivery of services and practices, as well as create action plans for improvements. The online tool and user guide, along with training and technical assistance, will be available statewide to agencies and districts in spring 2016.
Several strategies that have been shown to work well for students on the autism spectrum can be universally beneficial for many students, Rooks-Ellis says.
“Team members are responsible for sharing the training information and teaching others within their agency or district, building the understanding and knowledge of all staff,” she says.
The institute’s Maine Family Partnership, a family-led initiative, is working to create a support system for families affected by autism. The group offers online resources and guides as well as educational and social events. Individuals with autism, family members and caregivers are welcome to join the partnership.
With the Maine Child Development Services, the institute launched an initiative in July 2014 to support young children with autism and their families through the Early Start Denver Model. The model is a home-visiting, early-intervention program designed to promote language, learning and engagement for children ages 12 to 36 months.
Working with UMaine, the institute also established a three-course Graduate Certification in Autism Spectrum Disorders to prepare educators, administrators and related service providers for a leadership role in the development and implementation of educational programs for students with autism. Six students have earned the certification and 14 are currently enrolled. The Maine DOE’s funding will allow expansion of the certificate program.
In the first year, the institute has provided training to nearly 400 people at 13 professional development opportunities around the state. The institute will host the second annual Professional Development Series throughout the 2015–2016 academic year. More information and registration is online.