Professional Development

Autism Consultant and ASD Lead Teams

Professional Development

The Autism Consultant and members of the ASD lead team provide professional development opportunities for teachers and support staff within the CBVRSB. Professional development opportunities can be provided for school staff (classroom based/school based), small groups (professional learning communities) and larger groups as part of board based initiatives. Professional development sessions are designed to build capacity at school and board levels for understanding and implementation of best practices related to autism spectrum disorder.

School Based Support

Participation in Program Planning/IPP development

Classroom based consultation/collaboration

Classroom based program development/implementation

Classroom based modelling and coaching (programming and strategies)

School/Board based professional development

School/Board based training for teaching and support staff

Transition planning/support

Professional Development

*Full day, half day, after school sessions etc.

PD sessions can be designed to meet the needs of individual schools

Possible Topics

• Introduction to Autism

• Visual Supports/Strategies

• Boardmaker program and “Make and Take” material making sessions

• TEACCH – Principles of Structured Teaching

• STAR Program (Strategies for Teaching Based on Autism Research)

• TTAP (TEACCH Transition Assessment Profile): TEACCH Transition programming

• PEERS® (UCLA Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills)

• Cape Breton Works

• PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System)

• Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems: Technical and non-technical systems

• Supporting/Understanding students with High-Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome

• Social cognition/social thinking/social skill development

• Behavioural principles, practice and programming

• Toilet Training