LEWISTON — The Great Falls Forum will kick off its 2009-10 series on Thursday, Sept. 17, with a rare, insider’s view of life lived as an autistic, presented by author and educator Deborah Lipsky. Open to the public and free of charge, the event will take place from noon to 1 p.m. in Callahan Hall at the Lewiston Public Library.

Lipsky earned a master’s degree in education and counseling, worked with the homeless and disabled, secured a license as a wildlife rehabilitator and became a registered Maine guide before she was diagnosed five years ago as autistic. This realization changed her life, and she set out on a career as a public speaker devoted to giving the “normal” world a glimpse at life as seen through the eyes of someone with autism and sharing her own unique strategies for coping successfully with challenges.

In her presentations before audiences throughout the U.S. and Canada, Lipsky has gained a reputation as a comedian of sorts, as she approaches her topic with humor and irony.

At her talk, she will share specific techniques from her book “Managing Meltdowns: Using the S.C.A.R.E.D. Calming Technique with Children and Adults with Autism.” Published last spring, the text is designed to be a manual for autism “first-responders,” those who are likely to be closest at hand when an autistic individual becomes so overwhelmed by social stresses so as to be disruptive to his or her environment.

In addition to her work as a presenter and seminar facilitator, Lipsky also serves as a consultant for various agencies and schools. In her spare time, she’s involved with Civil War re-enactments, collecting WWII memorabilia, kayaking and riding the horses which she raises with her husband on their 130-acre farm in Linneus.

Lipsky will take questions from the audience following her presentation. Admission to the event is free, with attendees invited to bring brown bag lunches. Bottled water will be available on site.

Attendees may also take advantage of the forum’s partnership with Guthries cafe and request one of the eatery’s sandwiches or salads to be delivered to the library in advance of the talk. Orders may be placed by calling Guthries at 376-3344. The menu is available at www.myspace.com/guthriesplace.

Partnering with the library as cosponsors of the Great Falls Forum series are the Lewiston Sun Journal, Bates College and St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center.

The Lewiston Public Library is located at 200 Lisbon St., at the corner of Pine Street. More information on the lecture or other upcoming events in the Great Falls Forum series is available by contacting the Lewiston Public Library at 513-3135 or www.LPLonline.org.