Family Support
Autism Safety Education & Training (ASET): ASET provides resources for families including downloadable forms and handouts about fire safety, wandering, teaching children about first responders and 911 registration forms. Autism training programs for first responders include police, fire/rescue/EMS, 911 dispatchers, as well as school systems and other interested groups. For safety tips you can use right now, see the “Autism Safety” section of this booklet.
Phone: 207.415.1392; Email: nbrown623@aol.com
Autism Society of Maine: The Autism Society of Maine provides education and resources to support the valued lives of individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, including downloadable information sheets and booklets on a variety of topics, brochures, online referral database, and special programs including Sibshops, support groups, and special events.
Phone: 800.273.5200; Email: info@asmonline.org
Gaining Empowerment Allows Results (G.E.A.R) Parent Network: G.E.A.R. is a parent-run organization for parents of children with disabilities, including emotional and behavioral health needs, offering support through group meetings and phone calls, as well as workshops on topics of interest to parents. Services provided throughout Maine.
Phone: 800.264.9224
Maine Autism Institute for Education and Research/Maine Family Partnership (MAIER/MFP): MAIER institute staff work together with individuals and families affected by ASD to identify issues of concern to Maine families and collaborate on projects to promote greater awareness and understanding, develop tools and resources, address access to services, and support research efforts. Hosts educational and social events to support family-to-family networking, provide information, and strengthen community ties. Contact MAIER to be placed on their mailing list for e-newsletters, event announcements and other items of interest to Maine families affected by ASD.
Phone: 207.581.2352; Email: maineautisminstitute@maine.edu
Maine Parent Federation (MPF): MPF is a community for families of children with disabilities. It provides information and assistance on a broad range of topics, help with referrals, one-on-one telephone support, parent-to-parent connections, and training. MPF will match families with a Family Support Navigator — an experienced parent from their area — to provide support for meetings and help in understanding state laws, accessing services, and identifying resources. An online resource database is available.
Phone: 800.870.7746; Email: parentconnect@mpf.org
National Autism Association/Autism Safety/Bullying: The National Autism Association/Autism Safety/Bullying website is devoted to information on bullying, specifically when it involves children and teens with ASD. It provides parents with tips and resources for preventing and responding to bullying incidents.