AUGUSTA -- As the 4th annual Maine Autism Resource Fair got under way today, tiny flags of blue, yellow, purple, and red populated a lawn in front of the Augusta Civic Center.

Each flag symbolizes one of the 1,990 Maine individuals, ages 3 to 20, who have autism.

Hundreds of people -- educators, parents, therapists and others -- listened to Vincent J. Carbone of New York's Carbone Clinic, discuss "The Benefits of a Language-based Approach in Programs for Teaching Children with Autism."

Afternoon workshops offer detailed information on programs available in Maine.

The fair is free and open to all. It runs until 5 p.m. today.