Additional Resources for Families
Autism Spectrum Disorders Fact Sheet:
Developed by MAIER staff, this one-page fact sheet is suitable for the general public or anyone who may want to gain a better understanding of persons on the autism spectrum and promote acceptance and inclusion. [ASD Fact Sheet PDF] [ASD Fact Sheet: MS Word]
Autism Village App
This free, downloadable app is the brainchild of a father of a young son with ASD, designed to help families impacted by autism to find, rate, and review businesses, organizations, and places that are “autism friendly.” See reviews and photos of places ahead of time when you are traveling, or help us develop the listings for Maine by rating and reviewing businesses in your community.
Books
Get out, Explore, and Have Fun! : How Families of Children with Autism or Asperger Syndrome Can Get the Most out of Community Activities. By Lisa Jo Rudy. (2010) London, GB: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2010.
Hints and tips for helping children with autism spectrum disorders : useful strategies for home, school, and the community. By Dion E. Betts and Nancy J. Patrick (2008, 2009). London; Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2008, c2009.
Disclosure Cards
These handy cards developed by “Pathfinders for Autism” are available to purchase or download and print yourself.
From their website, “Meltdowns happen. And sometimes we are strong and offer words of wisdom, sometimes we are quick with witty comebacks, and sometimes we are…. speechless. Sometimes it’s easier to say nothing and to just hand someone a card that explains your situation.”
Oklahoma Autism Network Everyday Strategies for Exploring your Community
Information and tools to support a safe experience for families on outings or when traveling with a family member with ASD, including “Going out into the community” parent resource tool. OK Autism Network offers additional tools and trainings for families and businesses to encourage and support Individuals with autism in their communities. FMI call 918-502-4664 or visit their website.
Online Outdoor Directory (Brunswick area)
Explore the outdoors in the Brunswick & Harpswell area using this handy online tool available on the Curtis Memorial Library website. This interactive map provides offers brief information about each location with web links if available. All places offer free access to explore the outdoors!
Videos
“Introducing your child to others”
This 16 minute video presents a discussion with two parents who developed positive ways to tell others about the unique characteristics of the child with autism while emphasizing their child’s commonalities with their peers. Includes methods to increase others’ understanding of their child’s challenges, offers suggestions of how others can help, and provides an example of a “How you can help” book you can make for your child’s peers. This video is was developed by the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI) and can be viewed on their website.