Autism & Autistic Spectrum Disorders: Definitions and Distinctions
What were the names of Autistic Spectrum Disorders listed under the DSM-IVR?
1) Childhood disintegrative disorder
2) Rett's Disorder
3) Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified
4) Asperger's Disorder
What is the difference between a clinical diagnosis and an eligibility evaluation?
Clinical Diagnosis- A clinical diagnosis is an effort to determine if an individual has a specific clinical disorder, such as autism.
Eligibility Evaluation: An assessment conducted to determine if a student is eligible for special education and related services due to a disability as defined by state and federal statutes.
In Connecticut, what services are available to infants and toddlers who are diagnosed with ASD.
Birth to Three Systems
What are the two different approaches to interventions for children with autism?
The behavioral approach and the developmental/relationship approach
Major transition times children with autism make during their schooling
-For children who receive Birth to Three Services, the transition to the public school system at the age of 3.
-Within the public school system, major program and program location transitions take place from elementary to middle, middle to high school, and from high school to post-secondary services.
Intellectual Disability, Language Disorders, Fragile X Syndrome, William's Syndrome, Landau-Kleffner Syndrome, and Tourette Syndrome.
A child does not meet the criteria for autism, as defined by IDEA, if his/her education is adversely affected primarily because of a:
Emotional Disturbance
IDEA requires school personnel to consider which type of environment for students with disabilities.
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
What is the difference between an intervention classified as an approach and an intervention classified as a strategy?
An approach utilizes a set of organizing principles underlying the rules and procedures used; it describes how the child's learning is approached.
A strategy is a careful plan or method; it is a tool that can be used to support the child's learning.
An approach may incorporate a variety of strategies.
What topics does a transition meeting include for children with autism who have received Birth to Three?
-Sharing of relevant information about the child, including developmental levels, current programming and services and supports being provided, as well as any other pertinent information (e.g., prior evaluations) that can be made available by the Connecticut Birth to Three System.
-Identification of supports that are needed to prepare the child for the transition to the public school program.
-Provision of information, on how eligibility for special education will be determined by the school district and the IEP process in general
-Identification of parent supports and information necessary to facilitate transition to the child's new program and personnel.
-Providing parents written information about their rights under the IDEA prior to and at the child's first PPT meeting.
What is the triad of central deficits in ASD?
Social reciprocity and interaction, communication, and repetitive behavior.
What should a comprehensive evaluation include for a child suspected of having autism?
● Medical/developmental/social history
● Review of medical issues
● Parent and Teacher Interview
● Direct Observation
● Standardized Assessment of: cognitive/academic skills, language (including receptive and expressive language and pragmatics motor skills), adaptive/self-help skills, behavioral issues, including functional analysis of problem behaviors
How many hours of services should a child with ASD receive?
25 hours of educational services per week
Explain the difference between the Behavioral Approach and the Developmental/Relationship Approach to interventions
The behavioral approach emphasizes precision and organization during instruction which includes the adult taking responsibility for structuring the learning environment; utilizing chaining, prompting, and shaping techniques; and using reinforcement contingent upon the child's responses.
The developmental/relationship approach emphasizes the development of skills while engaging in personally meaningful action-based activities within a variety of groupings, and is based on the idea that children acquire skills through interactions.
What does a transition into Preschool Special Education look like for a child who has not been in Birth to Three?
1. The referral source contacts the child find coordinator or the director of special education in the child's school district.
2. The school district contacts the family, discusses the referral, and schedules and convenes a PPT meeting if appropriate.
3. If the PPT recommends an evaluation, an evaluation is conducted, and a PPT reconvenes to discuss the evaluation results and determines if the child is eligible for special education and related services.
4. If the PPT determines that a child is eligible for special education and related services, the team develops an IEP. The shool district must complete the evaluation, determination of eligibility, and development and implementation of a child's IEP within 45 school days of the referral.
5. If a child is referred to the school district prior to age three and the parents opt not to be referred to the Connecticut Birth to Three system, the school district will need to pursue identification, location, and evaluation activities for children under age three for the purpose of determining whether a child will be eligible for special education at age three. Evaluation activities should be taking place that assure that special education is available by the child's third birthday.
Name 5 major strengths seen in children with Autism
Understand concrete concepts very well
Memorize rote material easily and quickly
Recall visual images and memories easily
Have a strong sense of integrity
Have an excellent sense of direction
Be very compliant when expectations are clearly understood
Be very genuine; may not understand the motive behind trying to impress others, and therefore don’t bother
Preschool-aged children may receive special education services based on which classification?
Developmental Delay
All family members, including siblings and grandparents, can benefit from what type of support?
Parent Training
Give 3 examples of interventions classified as approaches.
Applied Behavior Analysis, Developmental Intervention Model (Floor Time), LEAP (Learning Experiences Alternative Program), SCERTS (Social Communication, Emotional Regulation, Transactional Support), TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and related communication handicapped Children), and Verbal Behavior.
What transitions from Elementary to Middle/Intermediate and Middle/Intermediate to High School require the PPT to...
1. Identify specific accommodations necessary to assist the student in transitioning to a new building.
2. Sharing of information between present and future programs.
3. Implementing accommodations and supports necessary for the student to successfully participate in the broader school community.
4. Facilitation of social interaction and friendships.
For an educational classification of autism, IDEA requires that the disability adversely affects...
A child's educational performance
The eligibility process for special education and related services is conducted by who?
A multiple-disciplinary Planning and Placement Team (PPT).
Variables that can be used to provide a supportive environment for students with ASD include:
● The physical arrangement of the classroom
● The teaching strategies used
● The visual/organizational tools used
● The behavioral support strategies used
Give 3 examples of interventions classified as strategies.
Assistive Technology, Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC), Person-Centered Planning, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Pivotal Response Training (PRT), Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support, Relationship Development Intervention (RDI), Sensory Integration (SI), Social Strategies.
When does entitlement to special education end?
At the school year in which the student turns 21, OR when a student receives a regular education diploma.