AUGUSTA -- Autism, a disorder that state education officials estimate affects some 2,000 Mainers aged 3 to 20, will be the focus of a conference at Augusta Civic Center on Saturday.

Hundreds are expected for the Maine Autism Resource Fair, a free event that runs 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and includes a keynote address by Vincent Carbone, recognized as an expert in designing learning environments for people with autism.

The fourth annual fair also will feature a series of workshops on autism.

"The fair is designed to help educate citizens about autism by offering six workshops on various aspects that affect children and adults with autism," Heidi Bowden, of Augusta, said in a news release

Bowden is founder and coordinator of the resource fair and the Maine Autism Education Project.

Autism generally refers to autism spectrum disorder, a neurological disorder that influences the development of language, social interaction and play, according to the news release. Not all children exhibit the same characteristics or to the same degree.

Workshop topics include "Transition Out of the Public School," "Special Education Rights," "Asperger's Syndrome" and "Autism 101."

Exhibitors will offer information about services and merchandise available to benefit people with autism.

Bowden said the fair is open to all people interested in learning more about the latest resources, treatments and products available concerning the Autism spectrum. She said she expects between up to 700 attendees, many from out of state attracted by Carbone's reputation.

Carbone, a board-certified behavior analyst who operates the Carbone Clinic in Valley Cottage, N.Y., will deliver the keynote address at 9:30 a.m.

Bowden, who is the mother of a 9-year-old girl with autism, received the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism's "Person of the Year Award" for her dedication to improving the lives of those with autism.

Bowden said the fair is free for attendees because she goes out and solicits sponsors and exhibitors who pay a fee to participate. She said she has been to Carbone's clinic a number of times.

Sponsors include the Carbone Clinic, Autism Speaks and Autism Society of Maine.

Registration information is available online at www.maeproject.org; walk-ins are welcome, Bowden said.

Betty Adams -- 621-5631

badams@centralmaine.com