Autism Services

Regional Autism Team Services

A priority for Special Education and Support Services is the development of a comprehensive, interdisciplinary service for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This is delivered by a coordinated, multi-disciplinary team, whose function is to assist staff in supporting students diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. The mission of the ASD Team is partnering with schools to empower school staff to provide effective and appropriate programming for students with ASD. A Central Coordinator for Autism Services provides direction and leadership for the team. Members of the team are aligned with each of the four Learning Centres.

Disciplines represented on the Regional Autism Services Team include:

● Central Coordinator

● Special Education Teacher Consultant

● Psychologist/Psychological Associate

● Speech-Language Pathologist

● Training Assistant

● Physical/Occupational Therapist

● Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Facilitator

● Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA)

● Child and Youth Counsellor

● Social Worker

Requesting Regional Autism Team Services

Requests for the Regional Autism Services Team are decided by the School Support Team and are generally made to address Tier 3 student needs, once all available supports at the school level have been exhausted. Requests to access the Team are forwarded electronically through the Learning Centre’s Special Education Department to the Central Coordinator of Autism Services. When the support being sought is specific to a student, parental permission is required and the school will be provided with the Autism Services Referral Form for parent(s)/guardian(s) signature(s). The completed referral form is submitted to the appropriate Team Consultant and assigned to the Team for follow up.

The Regional Autism Services Team offers a range of consultative services, which may include:

● Modelling of strategies based on Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) principles, as per PPM 140

● Program support to the classroom to promote wellness, equity and achievement

● Individual Education Plan (IEP) and Safety Plan support

● Transition planning as per PPM 156

● Professional development in partnership with special education staff (i.e., consultants, coordinators)

● Liaison with community partners

● Parent(s)/Guardian(s) engagement

● Support with behaviour assessment

● Consultation with Professional Support Services (PSS)

ASD Professional Learning

Tiered E-Learning Opportunities

A selection of professional learning opportunities are available to meet teacher needs, tiered according to differing degrees of teacher experience and expertise in working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Administrators will respond to the needs of staff at their school and support through professional learning accordingly. The Special Education team continues to work to address system capacity building for all staff.

The following e-learning sessions are currently available:

Tier 1 – Suggested for ALL

An Introduction to ASD was developed by Surrey Place Centre and is a 30-minute on-line module available to all staff through the TDSB professional learning website, myPATH (Formerly KEY TO LEARN). This practical session is suitable for all TDSB employees interested in a foundational understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder. The course is a prerequisite for all future ASD Professional Learning sessions and is listed as SpEd Central - Online Course “An Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)”.

Tier 2 – Suggested for SOME

Free e-learning sessions from Geneva Centre for Autism provide multiple offerings under Introduction to Autism: Free Online Series for Educators. Courses include: What is Applied Behaviour Analysis?, Using Reinforcement, Understanding Sensory Needs, Using Visual Supports, Understanding Stress and ASD, Transitions and Transition Planning. Access to these free courses requires registration and an “enrollment key number” available through the Learning Network Special Education Consultant.

Tier 3 – Suggested for a FEW

A small number of advanced professional learning opportunities are available for TDSB staff specializing in working with students with ASD. Online Certificate Courses for Educators provided by Geneva Centre for Autism are in-depth courses accessed through the Central Coordinator for Autism Services. (Cost factors limit their availability.) Courses include:

● Charting a Path to Success in Your Classroom: An Introductory Autism Certificate Course for Educators

● Online Applied Behaviour Analysis Certificate Course for Educators, Part 1 and Part 2

Interested staff should speak to their Learning Network Special Education Consultant for more information.

School-Based Professional Learning

When schools require support to plan and deliver more targeted professional learning sessions based on individual school needs, a request can be initiated by the school administrator through the Learning Network Special Education Consultant, who can collaborate with and involve the Autism Services Team as needed.