AUTISM SUPPORT TEAM

The mission of the Autism Support Team of Cincinnati Public Schools is to provide school-based consultation and assessment to promote best practices in the support of children and adolescents with Autism

Eligibility definitions:

Autism. A student with autism is one who has been determined to meet the criteria for autism as stated above.

The Autism Support Team (AST) can address the following types of referrals:

1. Referrals for the consideration of the educational identification of Autism:

• • The AST should become a part of the team for any student suspected of having Autism as a new educational disability.

  • The AST should be contacted to assist your team in considering available parent-provided reports and determining what, if any, additional information needs to be gathered.

  • School teams must involve the AST prior to convening a planning meeting for a student with a suspected disability of Autism, if the AST’s participation is needed in any phase of the evaluation.

  • Out-of-District student ETRs with existing educational identifications of Autism should initially be reviewed for compliance by a DSS Student Services Manager, rather than the AST.

  • The AST can help plan the next steps for a student exhibiting characteristics of Autism.

2. Referrals to identify appropriate supports for a student with Autism:

• • The AST can review the current FBA and Behavior Support Plan.

• The AST can assist school teams in designing and implementing Evidence-Based Practice

SERVICES

• • Consulting with staff, families, and other professionals

  • Observing students and providing consultative follow-up

  • Modeling instructional techniques and interventions

  • Providing evidence-based practices for the educational environment

  • Assisting with the educational identification process

  • Providing presentations to build awareness and knowledge

A referral to the Autism Support Team (AST) requires the “Referral to Intervention Assistance Team” (CPS-2 referral with AST statement and signed by parents) and the “AST Referral Form"

PLEASE COMPLETE THE CPS-2 AND THE AST REFERRAL FORM. COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE AST BY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING MEANS:

1. FAX to 513-363-4785

2. Scan to AST email at autismst@cps-k12.org

3. Pony to Autism Support Team at Rockdale Academy