All About ASD

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, regulate, and behave. The range and indicators can vary widely, resulting in unique developmental profiles. Therefore, the AU EPS team is recommending using the terminology of the SCERTS Model to reference and refer to individuals utilizing a continuum of development and communication stages. The SCERTS Model practice principles honor the unique characteristics and challenges of individuals, is student centered, and views all behaviors as purposeful and meaningful.

Social Partner

The earliest stage of social communication where a student is using body language, gestures, and facial expressions to engage with their environment and communicate.

Language Partner

The next developmental stage of social communication where a student is learning to use symbolic language through single words and brief phrases to communicate with a combination of speech, signs, pictures, or AAC. Language partners functionally use between 3 - 100 words or phrases regularly with communicative intent and referentially.

Conversational Partner

The highest developmental stage of social communication where a student is using creative language to communicate and is learning how to succeed in a range of social settings. The student's language is expanding in its complexity and grammatical sophistication. Interactions include multiple turns or communicative exchanges.

Prizant, B. M., Wetherby, A. M., Rubin, E., Laurent, A. C., & C, R. P. (2006a). The SCERTS Model: Assessment. Paul H. Brookes Pub. https://books.google.com/books?id=u8hkRQAACAAJ

Prizant, B. M., Wetherby, A. M., Rubin, E., Laurent, A. C., & C, R. P. (2006b). The SCERTS Model: Program planning & intervention (Vol. II). Paul H. Brookes Pub. https://books.google.com/books?id=rs1KAAAAYAAJ

Report abuse