The Autism program is designed to serve students who have been identified as having an educational diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Students who are served by the Autism program have diverse needs and programming. Our students in the ASD program typically have access to a variety of accommodations and modifications in both special education and general education classes. These supports may include communication and language supports, social coaching, visual supports, verbal and gestural redirection; and the opportunity for sensory integration activities, as needed. Students who access general education classes may also receive support from Autism program special education assistants who push-in with the students to prompt, guide, and modify instruction alongside the general education teacher.
A variety of classes are taught by licensed special education teachers in the Autism program. These classes include language arts, social studies, mathematics, social skills, and foundations. These classes feature a lower student-to-teacher ratio with modified pacing and curricula to meet individual student needs.
Related services including speech/language, occupational therapy, and adaptive physical education are also provided based on individual need.
Characteristics of Students
The Southwest High School Autism Program serves Minneapolis Public Schools students from grades 9 to grade 12 with diverse educational needs related to an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Individuals appropriate for this program are those who require direct instruction in social communication and functional academic skills, as well as those who require support and modifications from a special education staff member in order to access general education curriculum.
Typical characteristics demonstrated by students with Autism Spectrum Disorder may include:
• Difficulty relating to people, objects, and events
• Difficulty engaging in reciprocal conversations
• Restricted repertoire of activities and interests
• Over-reaction or under-reaction to sensory stimuli
• Rigid or rule-bound thinking
• Lack of social connections; difficulty making and maintaining friendship
Curriculum
Special education teachers have access to and are trained in a variety of evidence-based interventions. Curricula will be selected based on individual student need and IEP team discussion with consideration of curriculum being utilized in general education. Citywide Autism program staff, alongside the greater Special Education department, provide teachers with information and training on a variety of curricula that have been found to be appropriate for students with ASD. Ultimately, continuous progress monitoring of individual goals and objectives will guide educational and curricular decisions.