On Sat., March 28, Spurwink Services and Pine Tree Society will host the first annual Southern Maine Autism Conference at the Wyndham Portland Airport Hotel in South Portland from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This one-day conference will provide practical information and valuable support for families, parents, and other caregivers of children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Participants will have the opportunity to share stories, network, exchange information and gain meaningful insight.
The conference is free to attendees, but pre-registration is required. Please register online at www.maineautismconference.org.
Participants will be treated to an inspirational kick-off to the day featuring Jason McElwain and his parents. Jason, or J-Mac, is a young man with Autism who was thrown into the spotlight while managing his school basketball team in 1996. In the final home game of the season, Jason was put in for his first and only appearance on the varsity team. A video of Jason’s incredible performance the last four minutes of the game circulated on YouTube and in no time everyone was talking about his triumph. Jason also co-wrote his memoir, “The Game of My Life.”
Following the morning presentation, participants will have the opportunity to attend breakout sessions featuring a variety of topics including communication and social skills, behavioral challenges, safety, sensory strategies, feeding strategies and strategies on transition. In addition, the exhibit hall will feature about 30 vendors and organizations. A panel of case managers will be available to provide individualized support and connect you to community resources.
The Southern Maine Autism Conference is made possible by Spurwink Services and Pine Tree Society with support from Time Warner Cable of Maine, Bath Savings Institution, Spring Harbor Hospital and Spectrum Medical Group.
Spurwink Services is a nationally accredited non-profit serving children, adults and families who are facing emotional, behavioral and developmental challenges. To learn more, visit www.spurwink.org.
Pine Tree Society has been helping Maine people with disabilities lead richer, more socially connected lives since 1936. To learn more, please visit www.pinetreesociety.org.
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