School Community Tool Kit Introduction

The Autism Speaks School Community Tool Kit is a broadly based support, envisioned for use by staff in all areas of a school population, with learners from kindergarten through graduation, who present with the highly variable skills and challenges characteristic of the spectrum that represents autism. As such, some of this information will be more necessary—and more relevant—to some users than others.

It is anticipated that interdisciplinary school personnel, such as administrators, case managers and school psychologists, would become familiar with the breadth of the information included in this kit. Similarly, special education teachers, behavior specialists and autism consultants might find additional perspectives, resources and supports that might be used to implement strategies and programs for their students. Links to websites and lists of suggested reading are included in the Resources [2] section at the end, offering access to further depth in particular areas of concern and additional opportunities for specific learning. In the Appendix [3], downloadable examples, forms and handouts are included for further reference and distribution (with necessary permission, as noted.)

For others with more limited interactions with a student, such as bus drivers and cafeteria staff, key information on autism and Asperger's Syndrome and (mostly) universal strategies are set forth in two-page Autism Basics and Asperger's Syndrome Basics summaries. In addition, specific considerations that might be useful in preparing and supporting staff and peers are included in the For Specific Members [4] section. If extended training opportunities are not available, it is anticipated that a brief introduction from a parent, special education teacher or behavior specialist about the child, coupled with the appropriate Autism/Asperger's Syndrome Basics summary, the relevant For Specific Members [4] section and the About Me form completed by the student or his family should provide a start to building understanding and support. Ongoing training, trouble-shooting and increasing expectations will help to increase competence and success for everyone involved.

Sections have been broken into modules, so that they might be digested or delivered in short units, such as at a staff meeting or in-service. Examples and visual supports have been included, since we allbenefit from the use of pictures. Links to additional training opportunities, websites, video clips and examples have been inserted, and it is envisioned that these will be added and updated over time. The Appendix [3] includes forms and articles that can be used in training sessions or as handouts to reinforce or implement perspectives and strategies outlined in the tool kit.

Since learning is enhanced when it is applied, it is suggested that training with this tool kit be employed in a fashion as hands-on as possible: role play, create examples, apply a technique to a current student's needs, discuss and compare. In addition, the Appendix [3] includes a section with brief assessments and case studies, and websites in Resources [2] offer on-line training tools that can be used for reinforcement of learning principles.

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