AUTISM

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It is important to remember that one child living with Autism is not the same as another child living with Autism. If you had a challenging experience with a previous student, do not lump a new student in with the same symptoms. When giving consideration to welcoming a student, ask the following:

What level of individualized support will this child need?: 

   - Understand that each student with autism is unique. Collaborate with parents, teachers, and specialists to develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or equivalent that addresses the student’s specific needs. Needs could range from modified curriculum across the board to virtually no academic accommodations needed. This is a difficult area to consider, especially for schools whose resource education programs are limited in staffing or funding. Don't over-promise to parents--we must to be responsible and ethical--but don't sell yourself short, either. It's not impossible to provide meaningful accommodations or even modifications to a child. Look into Title funding, utilize classroom aides, recruit parent volunteers to support teachers with small groups and special activities, and reach out to colleagues for ideas.

Are there behavioral needs or concerns?

  - One consideration to give to behavioral needs is whether a child's behaviors are manageable with basic interventions, or they will be challenging for other students. Young children may benefit from having a Behavioral Interventionist present in the classroom to conduct Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy and redirect non-preferred behaviors, and this could be covered by the parents' health insurance. Some children with autism do have more substantial behavioral outbursts that are physical and/or verbal, and the school needs to determine if they are equipped to carry out a behavior plan in those instances. Again, though, it's important to remember that not all autistic children have extreme outbursts, and outbursts that do occur are usually a default means of communication when frustrated or upset over something that happened.

Any Sensory Sensitivities?: 

   - Be aware that students with autism may have sensory sensitivities to lights, sounds, textures, or crowds. Create a school environment that minimizes sensory overload, offering quiet spaces if needed. Grant a student permission to utilize headphones when needed, or to step outside to a designated reset space. Many students with autism appreciate pressure, like a hug, to help calm down their nervous systems when overwhelmed--who doesn't? Avoid strong fragrances or powerful air fresheners. Use natural light as much as possible. 

To what degree will the child depend on a structured environment: 

   - Provide a structured and predictable environment, as students with autism often thrive with routines and clear expectations. Use visual schedules and consistent classroom routines to support their learning. Have predictable behavior management plans in the classroom that all students can count on. Every child benefits from having a structured, dependable, and predictable classroom environment, not just students with ASD.

Does this student require any social skills support: 

   - Offer social skills training or support or ask parents to pursue opportunities outside of school, as students with autism may struggle with social interactions and understanding social cues. Facilitate peer mentorship programs to help integrate the student into the school community. Use real-time experiences to calmly help redirect or educate the student on a more appropriate way to communicate next time.

Is the family on board with frequent and open communication?: 

   - Ensure open and ongoing communication with parents or guardians to regularly review the student's progress and adjust strategies as needed. Parents are key partners in understanding and supporting their child’s needs. Without parent-school collaboration, inclusion does not work as intended.

What training opportunities can I provide for my staff?:

   - Provide training for teachers and staff on autism and inclusive practices to create a supportive and understanding school environment. This helps in better accommodating the student’s learning and social needs, and it helps teachers feel more confident and capable. The training available on autism is beneficial in general and should be used toward teaching and working with all children, not just children with ASD.

How does this impact the integration of faith at our school?: 

   - Emphasize the Catholic values of compassion, respect, and inclusion. Ensure that the student with autism feels welcomed, valued, and included in all aspects of school life, including religious activities. Invite your priest, deacon, or DRE to join trainings and meet the family of your student. 

Will there be good collaboration with specialists?: 

   - Work closely with available professionals from the student's medical or therapeutic support team to provide comprehensive support. Collaboration ensures that the student’s academic and social-emotional needs are met effectively. Again, not all students with ASD require frequent specialist care.

By focusing on these areas, administrators can create a welcoming and supportive environment for students with autism, aligning with the school's mission of inclusion and care for all.

Online Professional Development Opportunities:

1. Autism Certification Center - Autism Internet Modules (AIM)

   - Offers free online modules covering various topics related to autism, including communication, social skills, and behavior management.

   - https://autisminternetmodules.org/

2. National Autism Center - Evidence-Based Practice Online Course

   - Provides an online course on evidence-based practices for individuals with autism, focusing on practical strategies for educators.

   - https://www.nationalautismcenter.org/

3. Autism Society - Online Webinars and Training

   - Offers webinars and online training sessions on various autism-related topics, including classroom strategies and inclusion practices.

   - https://www.autism-society.org/

4. RELIA Learning - Autism Spectrum Disorder Training

   - Offers comprehensive online courses for teachers and administrators on understanding and supporting students with autism.

   - https://www.relias.com/

5. Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) - Online Professional Development

   - Provides webinars, courses, and workshops on special education, including autism-specific strategies.

  - https://www.cec.sped.org/

In-Person Professional Development Opportunities:

1. TEACCH Autism Program - University of North Carolina

   - Offers in-person training programs focused on the TEACCH approach, which includes structured teaching strategies for students with autism.

   - https://teacch.com/

2. Autism Speaks - In-Person Workshops and Training

   - Hosts workshops and training sessions for educators on autism awareness, intervention strategies, and inclusive practices.

   - https://www.autismspeaks.org/

3. STAR Autism Support - Professional Development Workshops

   - Provides in-person training on the STAR (Strategies for Teaching based on Autism Research) program, focusing on evidence-based instructional strategies.

   - https://starautismsupport.com/

4. Pyramid Educational Consultants - PECS Training

   - Offers in-person workshops on the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) to support communication skills in students with autism.

   - https://pecsusa.com/

5. Autism Conference and Exposition of Texas

   - An annual conference offering in-person sessions on the latest research, strategies, and practices for working with individuals with autism.

   - https://www.texasautismsociety.org/

These opportunities provide educators with valuable knowledge and skills to better support students with autism in their classrooms and schools.

The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing Disorder by Carol Stock Kranowitz

   - This book helps educators understand sensory processing issues often associated with autism, providing practical strategies for the classroom.

The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism by Naoki Higashida

   - Written by a young boy with autism, this book offers valuable insights into the thoughts and experiences of students with autism.

Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism by Barry M. Prizant

   - This book challenges conventional views on autism and offers a compassionate approach to understanding and supporting students.

The Autism Helper’s Guide to Applied Behavior Analysis by Sasha Long

   - A practical resource that provides educators with strategies grounded in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for teaching and supporting students with autism.

Inclusive Programming for High School Students with Autism or Asperger's Syndrome by Sheila Wagner

   - Focused on inclusive education, this book offers practical advice for adapting curricula and teaching methods to support students with autism in high school settings.

"Understanding the Spectrum: Educating Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder" by Sarah Ward and Kristen Jacobsen

   - This article provides an overview of the characteristics of autism and offers practical strategies for teaching students on the spectrum.

   - Available through professional journals or educational resource websites.

"Supporting Students with Autism: 10 Ideas for Inclusive Classrooms" by Paula Kluth

   - This article offers practical tips for creating inclusive classroom environments that support the diverse needs of students with autism.

   - Available on Paula Kluth’s website or through educational publications.

"The Impact of Sensory Processing Challenges on Learning and Participation in the Classroom" by Lucy Jane Miller

   - This article explores how sensory processing issues can affect students with autism and provides strategies for accommodations in the classroom.

   - Available in journals such as the Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention.

"Differentiated Instruction: Strategies for the Inclusive Classroom" by Carol Ann Tomlinson

   - While not exclusively about autism, this article outlines strategies for differentiated instruction that can be beneficial for students with autism.

   - Available in educational journals like Educational Leadership.

"Technology Tools for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Using Technology to Improve Academic Performance" by David F. Cihak

   - This article discusses how technology can be used to support the learning and communication needs of students with autism.

   - Available in the Journal of Special Education Technology.

These resources provide educators with a mix of theoretical knowledge, practical strategies, and personal insights to better support and include students with autism in their classrooms.