This program is designed for students diagnosed with Autism
Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Students in ASD classrooms receive
evidence-based programming that emphasizes safety, independence, social,
functional, and academic skills. Students are provided with intensive
empirically based instruction delivered throughout the day in various
settings (one on one, one on two and in small groups).
ASD
classes provide intensive systematic use of applied behavioral teaching
techniques and educational programming. The elementary classrooms are
comprised of a lead teacher and at least two assistants with a maximum
of five students per classroom. The middle school classrooms are
slightly larger, but continue to provide intensive staffing and support.
Related service providers consult with classroom staff and
provide direct services to the students. All staff are trained in
evidence-based practices that are designed to address the uneven
patterns of development and deficit areas seen in students on the autism
spectrum: social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication,
repetitive behaviors or interests, distractibility, difficulty
organizing information, difficulty generalizing and maintaining what
they learn, and sensory integration dysfunction.
All students are
involved with typically developing peers during lunch and recess, as
well as in all school-based activities, field trips, assemblies etc.
Students are integrated with typically developing peers in general
education classroom during academic and social activities as
appropriate. Reverse inclusion, where typical peers come to the ASD
classroom to interact and model behavior for the students, is also
facilitated in this program. An ASD Inclusion Team supports students
that are fully integrated with typical peers. The IEP team provides
ongoing assessment and identification of students who are ready for full
inclusion.