Autism Fall Conference 
Cross Insurance Center, Bangor
November 5, 2022

We are pleased to invite you to be a part of this opportunity to exchange ideas, resources and knowledge that will inspire hope and innovation for those who live and work with individuals with Autism. 

Survey Please fill out at the end of the conference. Thank you!

This event is FREE! Contact hours available! 
Please Note: We will be be following the CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19.

KEYNOTE PRESENTERS:
J. Richardson Collins, Lisa Morgan, M.Ed. CAS, Brigid Rankowski, and Robert Lagos

"Isn't Everyone a Little Autistic?" Autistic Adults Talk About Autism and Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity is the idea that people have unique brains and experience the world differently. The premise being there's no 'right way' to interpret and interact with the world.  A panel of Autistic adults will explore neurodiversity through lived experience and discuss the impact of society accepting people as neurodiverse.

SCHEDULE:

8:00am - Doors open for Registration 

Visit Vendor Tables

9:15 - 11:30 Keynote Presentation

11:30 - 1:00 Lunch: On your own
Visit vendor tables! 

1:00 - 2:30 1st Break-Out Session # I:

A.) Continuation from Keynote Session (Ballroom)

B.) Empower the Learner (Room B)
Presenter: Carrie Woodcock and Cathy Dionne
Maine Parent Federation, The Autism Society of Maine, Empower the Learner, and Maine Developmental Disabilities Council have partnered to offer to parents/caregivers of children with special healthcare needs and disabilities an opportunity to develop a multi-media self-advocacy tool to share with the teachers/professionals in your loved one’s lives.

C.) Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) (Room C)
Presenter: Courtney Angelosante
PowerPoint Presentation
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based, tiered framework for supporting students’ behavioral, academic, social, emotional, and mental health. When implemented with fidelity, PBIS improves social emotional competence, academic success, and school climate. It also improves teacher health and wellbeing. It is a way to create positive, predictable, equitable and safe learning environments where everyone thrives.

2:45 - 4:15 2nd Break-Out Session # 2 

A.) The Intersection of Autism and Trauma (Ballroom)
Presenter: Lisa Morgan, M.Ed. CAS and Mary Donahue
Presentation Slides

This breakout session explores Autism and trauma from a lived experience perspective. When aspects of Autism and symptoms of trauma intersect, an Autistic person is left unsure of which to attend to for self-care. While there is little research to help Autistic people untangle autism from trauma, lived experience does give us a glimpse into what is being experienced.

B.) Children’s Home and Community Based Services: Maine DOJ Findings Letter and Strategies for Advocacy (Room B)
PowerPoint Presentation
Presenters: Katrina Ringrose, Deputy Director and Staci Converse, Managing Attorney
Join Disability Rights Maine (DRM) to learn about key aspects of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) recent findings letter regarding Maine’s children’s behavioral health system and strategies for advocacy.

C.) Focus Group Autistic Youth and Adults Only (Room C)
Presenters: J. Richardson Collins, Robert Lagos, Brigid Rankowski
Autistic adults and youth will come together and have open conversation about services in Maine.  What their needs are and what they would like to see changed.

Register Now! 

 

PLATINUM SPONSORS! 

 

 PENOBSCOT FOUNDATION
FOR DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES

 

GOLD SPONSORS! 

 

NAUTILUS SOLAR ENERGY

 

SILVER SPONSORS! 

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES COUNCIL

 

BRONZE SPONSORS! 

BANGOR SAVINGS BANK

HELP ME GROW MAINE

UCP OF MAINE

HEARTLEAF ABA