Programs » Autism Information Specialist Program
Autism Information Specialists contract with the Autism Society of Maine and have varying degrees of expertise. Some prefer to concentrate on attending educational and vocational planning meetings such as Early Childhood Team meetings (ECT's), Pupil Evaluation Team meetings (PET's), Person Centered Planning meetings (PCP's) or participating in developing Individual Educational Plans (IEP's). Others opt to work with law enforcement and corrections professionals who interact with individuals who have Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Some Autism Information Specialists enjoy public speaking and give presentations to various agencies and the community on topics related to autism.
If you feel you would benefit from meeting with an Autism Information Specialist or would like to learn more about the program, please call the Autism Society of Maine at 1-800-273-5200.
We are committed to increasing the understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Schools and agencies will be asked to pay a small fee for Autism Information Specialist services.
Presentations
The Autism Society of Maine is proud of its commitment to provide educational programs for families and individuals affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder and the various agencies, professionals and service providers who interact with them. Many of our presentations are specifically created to respond to the needs of those who request them. In addition, ASM has developed a number of standard presentations that are listed below.
Autism and Strategies
To provide participants the basic understanding of autism along with general strategies, behavioral strategies, social skill strategies, educational strategeies, and classroom strategies.
Presentation Time: 2 hours
Navigating the Transition from School to Adult Life
To provide participants information on the transition from school to adult life for individuals with autism - specifically the eligibility requirments, assessments, and timeframe for accessing services in the areas of post-secondary educaiton, employment, independent living, and guardianship.
Presentation Time: 2 hours
Law Enforcement and First Responder Officials and Autism
Federal Law Enforcement Officer Matt Brown, who is also an Autism Information Specialist with ASM, has developed a training program, approved by the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, for police, fire and EMS on how to recognize autism and how to appropriately interact with individuals with ASD.
Presentation Time: 2 hours
Also visit our Autism and Law Enforcement section for information, tips, and tools for dealing with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Medical Home Model
The American Academy of Pediatrics believes that all children should have a Medical Home where care is accessible, family centered, continuous, comprehensive, coordinated, compassionate and culturally competent.
There are 3 modules to go through: Medical Home Overview, Preparing for Your Visit, and Advocating for Your Child. When completed the audience will have the tools to be able to advocate for their child in a medical setting. Visit the Medical Home Model question and answer page.
Presentation Time: 2 hours
Sexuality
The audience will learn how to teach about sexuality, the responsibilities of the caregiver, and where to find resources specific to autism and sexuality. Presentation Time: 2 hours