Key Components of an Effective School-Based Autism Program

NEW YORK, Aug. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Considering the alarming growth in the prevalence of autism (estimates as high as 1 in 91 (1)) as well as the challenging financial climate, in which 34 states have cut funding for K-12 education since 2008 (2), it is no surprise that public school districts nationwide are struggling to keep pace with a growing autism population. After hosting several oversubscribed sessions earlier this year, web-based educational platform Rethink Autism will again present their free online webinar “Key Components of an Effective School-Based Autism Program” in an effort to help school districts meet the needs of this complex group of learners.

Presented by Jamie Pagliaro, Founding Executive Director of the New York Center for Autism Charter School, and Executive VP of Rethink Autism, the webinar identifies seven key components that research and practitioners agree are necessary to effectively support students with autism. In response to a previous webinar session, Linda W. of California wrote, “He acknowledged that districts need to do more with less funding and offered great ideas for how to utilize the resources we already have … to be more effective interventionists.”

As part of its commitment to the autism community, Rethink Autism invites school district leaders, teachers and parents to join “Key Components of an Effective School-Based Autism Program,” on Thursday, Aug. 4 at 2 PM EDT / 1PM CDT. These key components provide a framework for district leaders to allocate resources, for teachers to coordinate direct services, and for parents to advocate, all in a collaborative effort to improve support for students on the autism spectrum.

This free online webinar is open to anyone with Internet access – parents or professionals – but capacity is limited so registration is required to attend (at http://www.rethinkautism.com). Through the Expert Access webinar series, Rethink Autism connects the autism community with leading experts to share knowledge and perspectives on a variety of important topics.

For additional registration dates and a video archive of other Expert Access webinars, visit: http://www.rethinkautism.com/Community/webinars/default.aspx

For information about live seminars in your area, visit: http://www.rethinkautism.com/community/seminars/proEvents.aspx

Rethink Autism’s unique web-based program provides teachers with a comprehensive evidence-based curriculum through 1200+ video-based teaching steps, parent and staff training modules, an assessment tool, and progress tracking features. The curriculum, endorsed by leaders in the field of autism treatment and research, spans the entire autism spectrum and covers a broad range of skills, including academics, language, social, motor, daily living, and behavior management.

About Rethink Autism (http://www.rethinkautism.com)

Rethink Autism, Inc. seeks to ensure that every child on the autism spectrum has access to effective and affordable evidence-based treatment options by providing professionals, parents, and family members with the tools and information necessary to teach children with autism in a way that is easy to understand and apply. Rethink Autism was founded in 2007 and has its headquarters at 19 West 21st Street in New York City.

Notes:

(1) “The Prevalence of Parent-Reported Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Children in the United States, 2007,” Oct. 5, 2009 issue of Pediatrics.

(2) “An Update on State Budget Cuts: At Least 46 States Have Imposed Cuts That Hurt Vulnerable Residents and the Economy,” February 9, 2011 from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Contact:

Jamie Pagliaro
Executive Vice President, Rethink Autism
[email protected]
ph: 646-257-2919

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SOURCE Rethink Autism, Inc.