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Eligibility and need for Autistic Support Services are determined through the Multidisciplinary Evaluation and the Individualized Education Program Plan process. Autism is a broad based pervasive developmental disability as a result of a severe neurological disorder. It affects the development of language, communication, social cognition, behavior, and/or motor skills. The disability manifests itself differently in each person and there are no medical tests that can be used to make a diagnosis of autism. Symptoms are typically manifested prior to 36 months of age and shall include the presence of at least two of the following:
- Impairment in reciprocal social interaction
- Impairment in communication and imaginative activity, including verbal and non-verbal skills
- Markedly restricted repertoire of activities and interests, often involving resistance to change and motor or verbal stereotypes
- Abnormal or inconsistent responses to sensory stimuli in one or more of the following areas: sight, learning, touch, balance, pain, smell, taste, posture, and motor behavior
Program Description
Children with autistic characteristics are a diverse group of children with a wide range of abilities and needs. Autistic Support services are provided as a supplemental service to the regular and/or special instructional environment. The indirect services provided consist of team facilitation, training and consultation. This support enables staff members, families, and other support people to meet the goals and objectives of the child. In addition, it provides opportunities for success for the child across settings and in a variety of activities. The program also consists of direct intervention with the student as specified in the IEP.
The teachers who provide autistic support services have received specialized training in the areas of autism and behavioral support. They continue training through professional readings and attendance at conferences. Many of the teachers are members of the Autism Society of America.
Goals and Objectives
Education plays a critical role in the development of children. The Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 Autistic Support Program services children who have been identified as needing an individualized level of intervention beyond what is available in their regular school environments. IU8's program is designed:
1. To provide opportunities for successful participation in activities of the school and community to the maximum extent possible, including:
- Participation with same-age peers
- Participation with family members
- Participation with community members
2. To develop effective and appropriate modes of communication:
- Increase ability to express needs (i.e. distress, fearfulness, attention, stimulation)
- Develop and expand use of language/communication skills
3. To develop adaptive behaviors using an educative approach that will enable the child to be successful and participate in a variety of settings and activities.
- Opportunities for modeling appropriate behaviors of same-age peers by participating in play/recess/socialization activities and in academic settings
- Developing independence and integration of essential life skills across settings
4. To increase the receptivity and capacity for learning.
- Develop school behaviors conducive to academic progress
- Identify curricula to promote acquisition of academic and vocational skills
5. To facilitate and train staff members and families in ways to support the child with autistic characteristics.
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