A Starting Point
The nature of a “spectrum” disorder indicates varied levels of strengths and difficulties among each affected individual, making it unlikely that one intervention approach will benefit all subgroups equally.
Therefore, the best plan to begin supporting an individual with autism is to obtain a solid understanding of the core deficits and challenges presented by ASD, along with how they specifically relate to the individual’s learning and communication skills.
The Autism Project offers A Starting Point training series to provide parents and professionals with a foundation of the unique challenges of autism spectrum disorders, theories of practice, and strategies that participants can implement immediately.
Our premier program offers attendees nine weeks of training including:
- an overview of autism spectrum disorders
- visual supports
- communication
- sensory integration issues
- independent work
- communication and social supports
- positive behavior supports
- a parent panel
A Starting Point History
In May of 2000, during the TEACCH conference held at the University of North Carolina, there was discussion about the alarming increase in requests for information and services from parents of newly diagnosed children with ASD. A lack of coordination between home, community and school-based programs and long delays on wait lists to obtain services left many feeling helpless to support their children.
Fortunately, thanks to a financial gift from parents of a graduate from East Greenwich High School, members of The Autism Project were able to develop a program to meet these parents’ needs, which was offered for the first time in October of 2000. Our program has continued to evolve since its inception.
We have proudly offered A Starting Point for the last 11 years and have been honored with invitations to present the program to other experts in the ASD field, including the TEACCH International In-Service conference at the University of North Carolina in May 2001.
