Announcing MAIER’s Maine Parent Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorders
*Note: The planned November 10th Handbook event has been cancelled due to low expected attendance.
We are happy to announce that our Maine Parent Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorders is now available on our website for families and others interested in learning more about autism and how to access educational and social services in Maine. Print copies will be available to families and professionals very soon. This three-volume set is the product of a year-long collaboration of a group of dedicated Maine parents and the Maine Autism Institute for Education and Research. This project was made possible by the financial support of the Maine Department of Education, Office of Special Services.
Our goal was to develop a parent-friendly guide, a “roadmap” of sorts, to assist families as they navigate the autism journey. In three booklets, the Parent Guide leads families from the initial question of “Does my child have autism?” to steps for obtaining needed assessments, connecting with educational and social services, and finding resources based on their needs. It includes an in-depth description of early childhood and special education services in Maine, a guide for transitioning from high school to adult services, and a Resource Guide that includes contact information for many services and supports across the state.
The Maine Parent Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorders is enriched with personal stories, reflections, and suggestions from our parent group, lending a personal touch that reflects their experiences and knowledge gained from their own journeys. Family photos capture the joys and challenges of raising a child with ASD. We are indebted to these dedicated leaders of our Maine Family Partnership for the time, effort, patience, and perseverance that made this project a success.
You can download copies of the Maine Parent Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorders from our website or contact us for print copies, which will be available soon. If your agency or organization would like to receive multiple copies for distribution, contact us by phone (207-581-2352) or email us to discuss your request.
Join us to celebration the launch and distribution of the Parent Handbook on Tuesday, November 10th from 6-7:30pm at the Buchanan Alumni House, 160 College Ave, University of Maine, Orono. Please RSVP by October 29th by email or by calling 207-581-2352 if you plan to attend.