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Profound Autism Alliance Maine Advocacy

Now more than ever, advocacy is needed to ensure that autistic people who require lifetime/round-the-clock care are seen, heard, and supported in meaningful ways. 

Maine Legislative and Policy Update

The following developments in Maine may impact services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those with profound autism.

Areas of Concern

Children’s Services (Section 28)
Proposed rule changes could weaken already fragile services for children with I/DD, reducing support for families who rely on these programs.

Case Management (Section 13)
Changes under consideration may reduce case management supports that help families coordinate essential services.

Tracking Unmet Needs (Ages 3–5)
Legislation has been introduced that would eliminate the requirement to track unmet needs for children ages 3 to 5, limiting the state’s ability to measure service gaps during a critical developmental period.

Adult Services – Lifespan Waiver and SIS
Policy developments related to the Lifespan Waiver and the Supports Intensity Scale (SIS) appear increasingly restrictive and may not adequately reflect the needs of individuals with profound autism.

Positive Developments

Two-Person Group Home Vacancies
Legislation extending the timeframe for filling vacancies in two-person group homes has passed, helping providers maintain stable residential placements.

Dental Sedation Funding for Children
Funding has been approved to support dental care sedation for children who cannot safely receive dental treatment without it.

Bills We Are Tracking In Maine

Ongoing Advocacy

The Profound Autism Alliance will continue monitoring these proposals and advocating for policies that protect access to services for individuals with profound autism and their families.