Resources

Disclaimer - References in this web site to any specific products, services or therapies do not constitute its endorsement or recommendation by The Autism Society of Maine. ASM is not responsible for the contents of any “off-site” web page referenced from this server.

Autism Society of America

The Autism Society of Maine is a chapter of The Autism Society of America. The ASA is a non-profit organization which advocates services for individuals with Autism. This is one of the best places to begin learning about Autism.

Maine Resources

  • Asperger's Association of New England: The Asperger's Association of New England's mission is to foster awareness, respect, acceptance, and support for individuals with AS and related conditions and their families. Click here for information in the AANE Maine Chapter.
  • GEAR Parent Support Network: A network for parents of children with disabilities. GEAR offers support through group meetings and telephone, workshops on topics of interest to parents, local conferences, and the chance to network with people who are raising children under similar circumstances.
  • Maine Learning Disabilities Association: A non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all individuals with learning disabilities and their families.
  • Sweetser Children's Service: Sweetser provides quality treatment, support and hope to children, adults and families through a network of mental health, behavioral health and educational services.
  • Southern Maine Parent Awareness: An organization dedicated to providing information, support, and training opportunities to families who have children with special needs.
  • Community Health & Counseling Services: Community based residential and outpatient programs serving children and their families.
  • Maine Department of Health and Human Services: A State of Maine agency that encourages and assists people with developmental disabilities, mental health disorders, and substance abuse disorders to achieve good health and meaningful living.
  • Maine Department of Education (DOE) Special Services: Provides information on assistive technology, child development, Directors list, Due Process, IEP guidelines, Special Education Regulations.
  • AccessMaine: To help assist Mainers with disabilities, their families, and providers. There is also lots of information here that is useful to employers, educators, researchers, and the general public.
  • The Maine Administrators of Services for Children with Disabilities: MADSEC serves as a resource for Maine schools and agencies, represents special education in Maine and provides support for educators who care for or teach children with any kind of disability.
  • Maine Parent Federation: The Maine Parent Federation, Inc. is a statewide organization that provides information, advocacy, education, and training to benefit all children. It promotes individual aspirations and community inclusion for people with disabilities.
  • Maine Developmental Disabilities Council: A partnership of people with disabilities, their families, and agencies which identify barriers to community inclusion, self determination, and independence, and act to effect positive change.
  • NAMI Maine: NAMI is a nonprofit, grassroots, self-help, support and advocacy organization of consumers, families, and friends of people with severe mental illnesses.
  • J.A.C.K: Justice for Autism with Community and Kindness.
  • Woodfords Family Services - Community resources including help in your home, early intervention services, and information about group homes and foster care.
  • Spurwink - A facility with a network of professionals that provide mental health, residential, and educational services for children and adults on the autism spectrum.
  • The University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies - Maine’s University Center for excellence in developmental disabilities education , research, and service, is a partnership of people that brings together the resources of the community and the University to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families.
  • Waban Projects, Inc. - A non-profit corporation organized to develop and operate programs which promote the general welfare and education of children and adults with developmental disabilities.
  • Respite For ME - Exists to assist families by enabling a much needed break in the responsibility of caring for a child with significant developmental delays, and behavioral or emotional disorders.

National Resources

  • The Autism Society of America: The ASA is a non-profit organization which advocates services for individuals with Autism. This is one of the best places to begin learning about Autism.
  • The Center for the Study of Autism: The CSA provides information about autism to parents and professionals, and conducts research about the success rate of different treatments and therapies.
  • Autism Research Institute: Research and information on "Defeat Autism Now!" (DAN!), treatments and vaccines.
  • Cure Autism Now: A web site dedicated to finding a cure for Autism.
  • OASIS -- Online Asperger Syndrome Information & Support: This is one of the most complete web sites on the internet focusing on Asperger's Syndrome, PDD, and other high-functioning forms of Autism.
  • Stop Bullying Now! - Presenting practical research-based strategies to reduce bullying in schools by Stan Davis, Author of Book "Schools Where Everyone Belongs" and founder of the "International Bullying Prevention Association".
  • Autism Speaks - Dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism; to raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society.
  • ASD Video Glossary - An innovative web-based tool designed to help parents and professionals learn more about the early red flags and diagnostic features of autism spectrum disorders.
  • Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - Online source for credible health information.

Therapeutic Horseback Riding

Serenity Mountain Stables Therapeutic Horseback Riding: Helping individuals with mental, physical and emotional disabilities benefit from the experience of riding on horseback.

Music Therapy

  • Surry Music Center: Services at the Surry Music Therapy Center include assessments, individual and group therapy sessions, music therapy seminars, conferences and in-service training for agencies as diverse as preschool programs to nursing homes.

Weighted Blankets

  • New England Embroidered Weighted Blankets: The deep pressure provided to the nervous system from wearing a weighted vest, lap pillow or blanket provides a calming effect to a sensory disordered child which would allow that child to function in an otherwise over-stimulating atmosphere. To find out more please call, (207) 269-2816.
  • Heavy Hugz - Homemade weighted vests and blankets that can be customized by you with color and fabric or created by Susan. Weights sacs can be added or removed to suit needs. For more information call: Susan King (207)458-0109 or email

Products Made by Individuals With Disabilities, Including Autism:

Service Dogs

  • Service dogs trained for the Handicapped, Specializing in kids with autism.
    Tail Waggin Training Center: Has programs that include: Obedience training, pet therapy training, CGC training and testing, in home training and private lessons, tracking and hunting, presentations and educational programs on service dogs. Fore more information call (207) 884-7017 or email .

Support Groups

There are a number of support groups throughout Maine that are run by individuals and organizations. Visit our Support Groups page for more information.

Assistive Technology / Communications

iAbida is a free service that brings teams together to provide a 360 degree view of special needs individuals. See daily schedules, track daily behavior and graph the progress, receive alerts about any changes, share pictures, videos or audio files and allow parents or teachers to post quick notes to the team or individuals.