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Supports
and Services: Autism Program Support Autism
is a severe, lifelong developmental disability that is usually diagnosed
between the ages of two and three years. Autism interferes with
the normal development of the brain in areas that control verbal
and non-verbal communication, social interaction, and sensory development.
Early intervention with intensive behavior, speech, and sensory
therapy may improve and, in some cases, alleviate certain symptoms.
Currently, there is no consensus regarding the cause and there is
no cure.
The Los Angeles Unified School District is dedicated to the belief
that students with autism spectrum disorder need access to a variety
of services and placement options to meet their individual needs.
For the past five years, the Autism Program Support Office of LAUSD's
Division of Special Education has focused on developing new and
innovative education programs as well as providing extensive teacher
training in best practice methodologies and strategies for students
with autism. The following are examples of possible program options:
Pre-School |
- Private School
- State, Head Start, Children's Centers, Pre-School Collaborative,
School Readiness Language Development Program (SRLDP)
- Special Day Classes (SDC) Autism, Mixed, Intensive, Special
Schools
- Special Day Classes (SDC) Intensive Comprehensive Autism
Programs (ICAP) at selected sites
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Elementary |
- General Education with Designated Instruction and Services
(DIS) and Supports
- SDC Autism and High Functioning/Asperger, Special Schools,
and Non-Public Schools (NPS)
- ICAP for students K-1 at selected sites
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Secondary |
- General Education with DIS and Supports
- SDC Autism, High Functioning/Asperger, Special Schools,
NPS, Community-Based Instruction (CBI)
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SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS
Intensive Comprehensive Autism Programs
- Intensive instructional program (27-30 hours per week) for children
ages 3-6 years with autism that addresses the student's sensory,
language, behavioral, and social needs within the context of the
classroom curricular environment
- Bi-monthly staffings and parent training
- Coordination and integration of services in classroom and home
environments
Applied Behavioral Analysis Autism SDC Program
- Support and training provided by Autism Partnership in collaboration
with LAUSD autism staff
- Emphasis on Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT)
- Comprehensive programming
- Matches curriculum to child's learning
High Functioning/Asperger Autism SDC Program
- Program addresses the unique needs of the high functioning student
with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Students are mainstreamed into general education classes for
as much time as they are able to tolerate
- Embedded social skills development is primary focus
STAFF DEVELOPMENT
OPTIONS
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Best Practice Methodologies (e.g., Picture Exchange Communication
System, DTT, Structured Teaching (TEACCH), etc.)
- Social Skills and Social Stories
- Language Development
- Behavior Management and Professional Assault Response Training
(PART)
- Paraprofessional Training
CONTACT INFORMATION
Autism Program Support Office
333 S. Beaudry Avenue, 17th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(213) 241-6701 Fax (213) 241-8499 |
