During Autism Acceptance Month
Autism Society honors a legacy of inclusion, support, and advocacy while addressing critical challenges
This April, the Autism Society of America celebrates Autism Acceptance Month alongside its 60th anniversary by fostering meaningful connections, empowering individuals, and advocating for the rights of the Autism community. As the organization commemorates this milestone, it also reaffirms its commitment to evidence-based approaches in an era when misinformation threatens progress for the Autism community. To learn more about what we’re up to for our 60th anniversary and how you can participate, visit Autism Society of America
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex, lifelong developmental condition that typically appears during early childhood and can impact a person’s social skills, communication, relationships, and self-regulation. The Autism experience is different for everyone. It is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is often referred to as a “spectrum condition” that affects people differently and to varying degrees. While there is currently no known single cause of Autism, early diagnosis helps a person receive resources that can support the choices and opportunities needed to live fully.
Learn more about Autism
One in 36 children are diagnosed with Autism. As the fastest-growing developmental disability in the US, you or someone you know and love is a part of the Autism community. Be the connection this April by supporting the Autism Society of Maine in our quest to educate, advocate, and support the Autism community.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “Learn the signs. Act Early”
Please Note: This page will be updated frequently during the Month of April so keep coming back!
Let us know if you have an event that we can add: [email protected] ASM: 1-800-273-5200
Events & Fundraisers
ASM Online Calendar
Check out what is happening in April and all year long!
Fun events, Autism learning and informational opportunities.
See Calendar Here!
Walk For Autism At Two Locations
April 27th – Bangor Waterfront Park
May 4th – Riverbank Park, Westbrook
Each location will be a unique, energizing and supportive environment. Plans are in the works for games, entertainment, prizes, and much more!
Learn more and register (before April 11th to get your t-shirt!)
Facebook Fundraisers
Do you want to create a Facebook fundraiser for ASM? It’s easy! Just go to the ASM fundraiser link or to the tab or your own Facebook page to get started!
This is a fun way to host an online fundraiser and share your friends and family!
Heart Campaign
Businesses or Agencies – sell puzzle piece paper hearts for $1 each to your customers or clients. They would put their name on the heart and your agency could display them.
Call ASM if you would like to participate at 1-800-273-5200.
We will provide you with the hearts and a shout out Facebook to all businesses or agencies that participate.
Learn more here
Resources Explaining Autism
General Resources
Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation (CASSI™) is pleased to host the World Autism Month Miniseries. Experts share valuable insights during four pre-recorded sessions.
Register now to learn best practices and effective strategies as you absorb the information shared speakers including parents, self-advocates, educators, clinicians, along with other experts in the field of Autism. Learn more here!
- Understanding Autism Autism Society of America
- Autism Spectrum Disorders: Centers for Disease Control
For Kids
- Kids Health: a website that explains autism in simple language for kids.
- Kohl’s Autism Awareness Community Hub is a virtual community containing resources for children with ASD, family and community members.
- Sesame Street and Autism “See Amazing in All Children” a nationwide initiative aimed at communities with children ages 2 to 5.
Printables
- ASM Brochure Happenings & Programs
- Autism Acceptance Month Flyer Autism Society of Maine
- Brochures on Autism Autism Society of Maine
- ASM 101 Flyer Autism Society of Maine
- Autism Brochure Autism Society of America
Kits For Kids
Educators, would you like to have a presentation done in your classroom around autism? Teaching kids about autism will help them better understand their classmates who might appear odd, or different. The Autism Society of Maine is offering to send an Autism Information Specialist to your school and present to your class, second grade through eighth grade.
Depending on the grade level the presentation can be anywhere from 20 minutes to 30 minutes. ASM will provide materials. Reach out to ASM [email protected] if you’re interested.
Books For Everyone Regarding Autism
The Organization for Autism Research offers a curated library of autism-related ebooks and audiobooks through the Libby app, by OverDrive. The library includes popular fiction and non-fiction books, clinical texts, guidebooks, kids’ books, and more for community members to borrow for free from their personal devices for leisure or educational reading. Learn more here.
The ASM Lending Library is a collection of books, cd’s, dvd’s regarding Autism. We can send to you at no cost, library material and even give you return postage to send back to us! Need help picking out a title? Let us know what you are looking for and we can suggest a title for you!