Autism Spectrum Disorder
Maine Resources
The Autism Society of Maine (ASM) - A nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families through education, advocacy, and community engagement. ASM offers programs like Autism Information Specialists, support groups, scholarships, and community events such as the Walk for Autism. They also provide resources on autism education, safety, and legislative advocacy, fostering inclusion and understanding.
Autism Care - MaineHealth Behavioral Health - MaineHealth's Developmental Disorder Care services provide specialized care for individuals with autism and other developmental disorders. The program focuses on personalized treatment plans using evidence-based practices to address emotional and behavioral needs. It offers both inpatient and outpatient services, including family support, therapy, and educational resources. The center works with professionals to improve quality of life and foster community inclusion.
DHHS - Services for Adults w/Autism or Intellectual Disability - The Maine DHHS offers services for adults with intellectual disabilities and autism, providing support to promote independence and inclusion. This includes access to individualized care plans, community resources, and funding assistance for eligible individuals. The program aims to improve quality of life and ensure integration into the community. For more details (and how to apply), visit the website.
Health Services for Children with Autism - Spurwink provides a range of services for youth with autism and intellectual disabilities, including outpatient therapy, community treatment, case management, and consultation for families and schools. They also offer specialized programs such as day treatment, vocational services, and public school counseling. Their approach emphasizes individualized care and support, helping children and families develop coping strategies and skills. For more information, visit their website.
The Glickman Lauder Center of Excellence - MaineHealth - The Glickman Lauder Center of Excellence in Autism and Developmental Disorders offers specialized care for individuals with autism and other developmental disorders. Its multidisciplinary team includes psychiatrists, pediatricians, behavioral psychologists, and therapists, providing tailored services for emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. The center focuses on both child and adult care, offering a variety of therapeutic treatments to improve quality of life.
Regional Resources
The Autism Asperger's Network (AANE) - Provides a variety of resources, programs, and services for autistic individuals, families, and professionals. They offer coaching, support groups, social activities, and workshops aimed at improving understanding and promoting community engagement. AANE also offers specialized resources for parents, partners, and autistic adults, and provides opportunities for networking and personal growth. To explore more, visit their website.
Autism Support Center - Northeast Arc - The Autism Support Center, part of Northeast Arc, provides a range of services for individuals with autism and their families. These include support groups, behavior analysis, community resources, social skills development, and advocacy. The center aims to improve quality of life through tailored programs, offering support at various stages of life.
National Resources
Sesame Workshop (Sesame Street) - Provides resources for children with autism and their families, emphasizing acceptance, understanding, and inclusion. Through engaging videos, activities, and tips, the program promotes social-emotional learning, communication skills, and daily routines. Characters like Julia, a Muppet with autism, help foster empathy and normalize differences. The initiative supports caregivers, educators, and healthcare providers with tailored guides and tools. Learn more by clicking through to the website.
Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) - A nonprofit organization run by and for autistic people. It advocates for the rights, inclusion, and empowerment of individuals with autism through public policy initiatives, community programs, and educational resources. ASAN focuses on systemic change, ensuring equal access to services, and challenging stereotypes about autism. They provide advocacy toolkits, policy reports, and peer-support networks aimed at fostering acceptance and promoting self-advocacy.
Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN) - A nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting autistic women, girls, nonbinary individuals, and other marginalized genders. It focuses on advocacy, community building, and education through peer support, webinars, and accessible resources. AWN promotes neurodiversity acceptance and amplifies autistic voices through initiatives like publishing books, providing guides, and organizing community events.
A Weekend Called Motormorphosis - The blog post "A Weekend Called Motormorphosis" discusses an event focused on movement, communication, and advocacy for nonspeaking individuals. It highlights personal experiences, workshops, and community-building activities that promote understanding of alternative communication methods. The event, based out of Virginia, fosters empowerment and raises awareness about the capabilities and rights of nonspeaking people. Learn more by reading the full post.
Foundations for Divergent Minds - A nonprofit focused on supporting and empowering neurodivergent individuals, particularly women and nonbinary people. Their initiatives include advocacy, education, and leadership development aimed at fostering an inclusive society. They provide workshops, mentorship programs, and resources designed to uplift neurodivergent voices while promoting equity and systemic change. Click through to find out more about their mission.
International Badass Activists - A grassroots organization amplifying the voices of disabled and neurodivergent individuals through advocacy, storytelling, and activism. The platform highlights social justice issues, disability rights, and personal experiences, emphasizing the fight against ableism and discrimination. It features articles, campaigns, and resources designed to promote awareness, inclusion, and systemic change. Their website has information and resources for people in multiple locations.
Nonspeaking CommUnity Consortium - The Nonspeaking Community Consortium advocates for the rights, inclusion, and communication access of nonspeaking individuals. It focuses on education, research, and public policy initiatives to promote communication methods like spelling and typing. The organization works with families, professionals, and policymakers to ensure equitable opportunities and reduce barriers faced by nonspeaking individuals.
The Autistic Advocate - An online platform dedicated to promoting autism awareness, advocacy, and support. The website offers a range of resources designed to empower autistic individuals and their families, including information on rights, educational strategies, and self-advocacy tools. It emphasizes a neurodiversity-affirming approach, advocating for the inclusion, acceptance, and understanding of autistic people in all aspects of society. The organization provides articles, guides, and community resources to help individuals navigate life with autism, as well as to educate the broader public about the needs and strengths of the autistic community. Through its content and outreach, The Autistic Advocate seeks to amplify the voices of autistic individuals and promote systemic change for better accessibility and support.
The Autistic Cooperative - A Facebook group dedicated to fostering connection, support, and advocacy within the autistic community. It serves as a platform for autistic individuals and allies to share resources, experiences, and insights while promoting acceptance, empowerment, and inclusivity. The group focuses on raising awareness and supporting the rights of autistic people through collective action and dialogue.