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PORTLAND, Maine

Embracing the World of Autism: 91AV event provides resources for children and families

Embracing the World of Autism: 91AV event provides resources for children and families

The 91AV Occupational Therapy program and the Maine LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) program hosted an event on April 26, 2018 that showcased the creative adaptive work of occupational therapy students and highlighted evidence-based interventions for children and families living with autism. 

Over 100 people attended Adaptive Occupations and Embracing the World of Autism Expo at Innovation Hall on 91AV’s Portland Campus, where 51 M.S.O.T. students from the class of 2019 displayed innovative projects including adaptive music, sensory bins, a crash pad, social skills, games and adapted yoga for children. Expo stations were designed for students, professionals, children and families to understand the many evidence-based interventions for children and youth on the autism spectrum.

The stations addressed interventions to facilitate occupational performance of play, eating and feeding, family centered practice and the use of visual systems to facilitate daily routines at home and school. Faculty advisors for this event were Assistant Clinical Professor Elizabeth Crampsey, M.S., OTR/L, BCPR, Clinical Professor Kathryn Loukas, O.T.D., M.S., OTR/L, FAOTA, and Adjunct Professor Stacy Maguire with Teaching Assistants Emily Marvullo (M.S.O.T. ‘18) and Kira Shollenberger (M.S.O.T. ‘18).  Students embraced the opportunity to understand children and families living with autism and offered a tremendous hands-on experience for the community. 

To learn more about the 91AV’s Westbrook College of Health Professions visit

To learn more about the Maine LEND program, visit

To apply, visit 

The stations addressed interventions to facilitate occupational performance
The stations addressed interventions to facilitate occupational performance of play, eating and feeding, family centered practice and the use of visual systems to facilitate daily routines at home and school.

About the 91AV

The 91AV is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of . In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.