Autism
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) defines autism as a developmental disability that notably impacts verbal communication, nonverbal communication, and social interaction. Additionally, autism is often accompanied by other traits such as repetitive actions, stereotypical movements, resistance to environmental or routine changes, and atypical responses to sensory experiences. Typically, the signs of autism become apparent before the age of three, but a child who displays these traits after that age may still be identified as having autism if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Autism is a multifaceted neurological condition that manifests in diverse ways in various aspects of daily life for affected individuals. The Autism Supplement outlines eleven strategies that educators can explore to support students with autism.
Following Texas regulations (TAC 89.1055), Annual Review Dismiss (ARD) and Individual Education Plan (IEP) committees are mandated to consider eleven strategies for students with autism during each ARD meeting. Schools are expected to base their considerations on research-backed educational practices, to the extent feasible. Although all eleven strategies must be examined annually, it is not obligatory to implement all of them. Nevertheless, if an ARD committee decides that certain strategies are currently unnecessary, the IEP should provide a rationale for this determination.
For additional information, please visit the Texas Statewide Leadership for Autism Training (T-SLAT) website to keep abreast of the latest research and best practices. Alternatively, you can reach out to your Region 2 T-SLAT representative, for support.
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The Texas Statewide Leadership for Autism Training
(T-SLAT) Network offers training, assistance, and educational materials to educators dedicated to students with autism. Explore a wealth of free resources, online training, downloadable materials, and links to numerous other valuable resources.
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TARGET supports schools in establishing procedures from the initial referral to program development and implementation, with a particular focus on employing strategies that are grounded in research and have been reviewed by peers.
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The Autism Circuit Academy (ACA) endorsement programs are thorough professional development initiatives aimed at assisting Texas educators in gaining and proficiently utilizing evidence-based practices (EBPs) for instructing students with autism. The ACA is a collaborative effort of the Texas Statewide Leadership for Autism Training (T-SLAT) and is funded through a grant from the Texas Education Agency. This training is available at no cost to educators working within local education agencies throughout Texas.
For additional information, please visit the Texas Statewide Leadership for Autism Training (T-SLAT) website to keep abreast of the latest research and best practices. Alternatively, you can reach out to your Region 2 T-SLAT representative, for support.