Staff members are provided inservice training sessions on specific topics as well as opportunities to visit other programs around the state. Improve ability to function independently in a variety of developmental areas. Improve ability to benefit from typical instructional models. The program is innovative because it is one of the few public school programs for young children with autism which follows the Applied Behavior Analysis Model of Instruction. The program promotes high student achievement by providing intensive, direct instruction aimed at issues which typically interfere with learning within the autistic population.
Students are prepared for learning by mastering prerequisite learning behaviors.
Once students have mastered these prerequisite skills and behavior challenges have been reduced or eliminated, they are able to achieve developmental and readiness skills at a higher rate. The program, which has developed over the past six years, has proven to be highly successful with some students enrolling in regular education classes at the kindergarten or first grade levels. Others have been placed in special education classes which utilize a more typical, small-group model of instruction while being mainstreamed for part of the school day. Training is available throughout the state by a variety of agencies. Due to the rapid increase in the number of students diagnosed as autistic and lack of placements in established programs, school districts can meet the needs of these student in such a program.