Provide support to pre-service and practicing professionals as well as parents and families of children and youth with autism spectrum disorders.
The Autism Spectrum Institute has the following objectives and priorities:
- Teach preservice and practicing professionals from the fields of speech language, special education, and educational psychology the skills necessary to meet the needs of individuals with Autism Spectrum and related behavioral disorders (ASD) through practical, "hands-on," outcome-based instruction. Instruction provided at the Institute will focus on developing competence in evidence-based practices for children and youth with ASD.
- Expand knowledge of the ways in which a coordinated effort within the fields of speech language, special education, and educational psychology can be used to enhance the quality of life of individuals with ASD and their families through classroom-, home-, and clinic-based collaboration.
- Conduct classroom-, home-, and clinic-based research in an effort to identify and empirically validate intervention strategies for individuals with ASD and their families.
- Disseminate information to increase the awareness of a wide range of professionals of the potential benefit of evidence-based practices for individuals with ASD.
- Support families and schools and agencies that serve individuals with ASD through establishing a multidisciplinary network of consultants that can provide assistance in identifying, selecting, and implementing effective programs.
- Provide a lending library to assist parents and professionals to obtain timely information related to evidence-based practices for individuals with ASD.
- Provide educational options that would include a multidisciplinary experience to current students and community professionals seeking further training and certification, including but not limited to Learning Behavior Specialist Certification and Behavior Analyst Certification.
Family Focus Support for Autism Spectrum Disorders Services
Families of children with autism spectrum disorders in Illinois may apply to receive intensive training and support for teams of individuals caring for and working with their children for a period of three to twelve months. This pilot model is being offered by the Illinois Autism/PDD Training and Technical Assistance Project (IATTAP). There is no cost to the family or school system for Focus Family Support for Autism Spectrum Disorders. A small number of families will be selected this first year through an application process. Get more information about the model and download an application (pdf).
