LaLa of Hallowell, ME A building is not a program. The idea of putting children with autism in a school just because there is empty space is disturbing to say the least. These children need highly specialized programming, which is why they are going to the programs in Bath and Auburn. Their local districts do not have the programs to meet their needs. If they did, the children would remain in the very districts who are considering this disaster of an idea. Shame on the administrators who are not thinking of the children first!report abuse

Donald Beattie of Winthrop, ME Hi Matt,

Great article/great ideas for the Wayne Elementary School. Lew Collins and his mentors in this field and the superintendent of schools are surely extraordinary thinkers and doers. Best wishes with keeping the little Wayne school and perhaps serving local special needs children. I remember in MA in 1972 when 6 pupil personnel services people came to my office at North Shore Community College in Beverly, MA. They had a proposal from such towns as Beverly, Salem, Ipswich, Danvers and other cities and towns close by. They needed to serv up to a half dozen children with special needs (learning/behavioral in that instance rather than autism)under the then, new 766 Special Education legislation. I started a grade 10-12 high school--within our college within a college (yes, a high school within a college within a college)so that a few kids from each of these school districts could benefit from pooled funds from the several school districts particiating. It worked well until the respective schools could justify establishing their own programs based on this model. By the way, did I read some months ago that there was going to be an Autism Center at UMF? I've not been able to locate it if I read that. Anyone who can help. Thanks. Don Beattie in Winthrop, ME.report abuse