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The Autism Consortium provides professional training sessions tailored
to meet the needs and priorities of individual
trainees. Programs are designed for:
- School districts
- Special and regular educators
- Family members
- In-Home ABA trainers
- Mental health professionals
- Psychologists
- Nurses
- Occupational therapists
- Speech and language pathologists
- Behavior analysts
A variety of research-based formats are used to build knowledge
and skills in paraprofessionals and professionals providing services
and support to individuals with autism and their families. These
activities include didactic workshops, as well as job embedded activities
including modeling and coaching in classrooms. The training programs
include 1 to 5 day didactic workshops, 1-week demonstration classrooms,
train-the-trainer sessions, monthly training series to meet the individual
needs of a school district, family education programs, and month-long
training programs located on NSU’s campus. Academic credit for
training programs is available through NSU. Examples of professional
development activities include:
Year-Long Staff Development Programs
A staff development program for the academic year can be built tailored
to the needs of the district. The focus of the training is typically
for working with students of autism, but the strategies are beneficial
for all students, with and without disabilities. Typically training
is offered on-site one-time per month with consultation provided throughout
the year to help staff implement what they have learned. This has proven
to be an effective model of training since it offers an ongoing relationship
with staff and allows them time to try strategies and bring feedback
and questions back to the consultants/ trainers. Contact us for sample
model agendas.
The Demonstration Classroom
he demonstration classroom is a hands-on training and consultation model
in which the consultants spend one week in a self-contained classroom
for students with autism or with multiple disabilities. The consultants
work with the classroom staff to develop the classroom schedule, physical
space, and staff zoning plan. They work as a team to develop classroom
materials, teaching programs for each student, and data collection systems.
On the fourth day of the week, the consultants run the classroom to model
a variety of teaching strategies for the staff. On the final day of the
classroom, the consultants coach the classroom staff in the teaching
strategies demonstrated on the previous day. Monthly follow-up is typically
provided to continue to develop the classroom as a model training site
for the school district.
Development of Training Needed by School Districts
Periodic training series are offered to a district based on the
individual district’s training needs. Training may be one day
to one week in length and typically consists of didactic training followed
by consultation within the district.
Trainings may also be provided
on NSU’s campus regarding
specific topics. Please check back for updates regarding these opportunities.
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