Autism Landing Pad

The prevalence of children identified with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) has increased dramatically in recent years. With these increases come the companion need to identify high quality, evidence-based resources for administrators, practitioners, and families. This landing pad highlights research, policies, and position statements (Why Do It?), print materials (Read All About It), videos and DVDs (See for Yourself), and Web resources (Find It Online) to support those efforts. Featured resources are high-quality, readily available, and no-cost or low-cost. A special section (Virginia Guidance) features Web sites, organizations, and other state-specific resources.

Why Do It?

Evidence-Based Practice Briefs

The National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders has identified 24 evidence-based practices for children and youth with ASD. For each practice, the Center’s Web site offers a brief that provides a general description of the practice and how it can be used with learners with ASD, step-by-step directions for implementation, an implementation checklist, and a list of references that demonstrate that the practice is effective. http://autismpdc.fpg.unc.edu/content/briefs

Stansberry-Brusnahan, L, & Collet-Klingenberg, L (2010). Evidence-based practices for young children with autism spectrum disorders: Guidelines and recommendations from the National Resource Council and National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders. International Journal of Early Childhood Special Education, 2(1), 45-56.

he National Research Council has identified goals, areas of need, and basic recommendations for educational programs serving children with autism spectrum disorders. The National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders has identified evidence-based practices for early childhood and elementary programming. Highlighting the work produced by these two organizations, this article provides professionals with guidance in setting up educational programs that use effective, research-based interventions for young children with autism spectrum disorders in early childhood special education. http://www.int-jecse.net/files/S74PH879ULVU2AFQ.pdf

See For Yourself

Autism Internet Modules

The Autism Internet Modules were developed to make comprehensive, up-to-date, and usable information on autism accessible and applicable to educators, other professionals, and families who support individuals with ASD. Written by experts from across the U.S., modules are currently available to download on reinforcement, self-management, pivotal response training, time delay, and visual supports. Each module has a pre- and post-assessment for the content covered, an introductory video, a description of the topic, and information on how to implement the strategy. Case examples, step-by-step instructions, and the evidence-base for the strategy also are included. To access the modules, register for a free account at http://www.autisminternetmodules.org/

Autism Speaks

This website offers videos of young children with ASD and children with typical development so that learners can compare milestones. Videos address an overview of ASD, milestones and red flags, social interaction, communication, repetitive behaviors, sensory systems, and treatments. You must register to access the videos.http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/video-glossary

OCALI Videos

The Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence YouTube channel offers videos on early signs of autism, developmental milestones, using visual supports, advice for parents of children with new diagnoses, etc. http://www.youtube.com/user/ocalivideos

Find It Online

Autism Online

Information, books, and other resources on autism in 18 different languages including Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and Hebrew are available at this Web site. A portion of the income from purchases from this site is donated to other autism organizations around the world. http://www.autismonline.org/ 

Autism Society of America

The Web site for this national organization provides current information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy in both English and Spanish, links to educational resources, and access to the journal Autism Advocate. Members can sign up for a free newsletter. In addition to providing information on autism, there are links to over 200 local autism society chapters which have trainings, social events, and excellent support systems. http://www.autismsociety.org/ 

Autism Speaks: ASD Video Glossary

This Web site provides information for parents and professionals on the “red flags” that indicate a possible diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Video examples of the behaviors that could indicate characteristics of the disorder and comparisons to typical child development are included. http://www.autismspeaks.org/video/glossary.php

Do2 Learn

Children with autism can benefit from visual cues. This Web site includes ready to use picture cards, worksheets and other educationally relevant activities to purchase. The Web site also offers free picture symbols that can be customized and printed for personal use. In addition, the Web site has a link that specifically addresses the creation and use of visual schedules. http://www.do2learn.com

Lord, C., & Bishop, S.L. (2010). Autism spectrum disorders: Diagnosis, prevalence, and services for children and families. Social Policy Report, 24(2), 1-21

A summary of selected recent studies on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis, prevalence, and intervention is provided in this publication. The authors also include strategies for developing social policies to help improve the outcomes and independence of children and adults with ASDs. http://www.srcd.org/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=930&Itemid=99999999

National Autism Center

The National Autism Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting evidence-based practice for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The Center promotes best practices, serving as a vital source of information, training and services for families, practition-ers and policy-makers. The Center is the home of the National Standards Project, an efforst that identified research-validated educational and behavioral interventions that effectively target the core symptoms of ASD. http://www.nationalautismcenter.org

The National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders

The National Autism Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting evidence-based practice for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The Center promotes best practices, serving as a vital source of information, training and services for families, practitioners and policy-makers. The Center is the home of the National Standards Project, an effort that identified research-validated educational and behavioral interventions that effectively target the core symptoms of ASD. http://www.nationalautismcenter.org

The National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders.

The National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders is a multi-university center, funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, to promote the use of evidence-based practices for children and youth with ASD. Available resources include evidence-based practices for children and youth with ASD, internet modules, and online course content. Information for states on how to partner with the Center is also available at this site. http://autismpdc.fpg.unc.edu

Sandbox Learning

This Web site includes child monitoring materials to record behavior and to document progress towards meeting individualized education plan (IEP) goals. Communication skills, academics, social skills, fine motor skills, faily living skills, and behavior skills are covered. The sheets are available online and in Excel so they can be customized to addres each child's IEP goals. A one year subscription costs $29.99. http://www.sandbox-learning.com

Read About It

Autism Spectrum Disorders: From Theory to Practice (2009)

Laura J. Hall’s text describes current approaches to increasing the skills of learners with autism organized by theoretical perspective. Descriptions of typical development in the areas of communication and social skills can be used as a guide to selecting goals, and quotes from professionals, parents and young adults with ASD provide information from multiple perspectives. This book is available from Pearson Education. http://www.pearsonhighered.com/product?ISBN=0132275341

Teaching Social Communication to Children with Autism: A Manual for Parents (2010)

This user friendly manual, by Brooke Ingersoll and Anna Dvortcsak, provides information on how to use interactive teaching techniques (follow child’s lead, communicative temptations) with a young child with ASD. Based on knowledge of typical child development and the principles of applied behavior analysis, this manual supports an approach that builds the foundational skills needed for successful social-communicative interactions. This resource is available from Guilford Press. http://www.guilford.com/cgi-bin/cartscript.cgi?page=pr/ingersoll2.htm&dir=edu/speced

Teaching Social Communication to Children with Autism: A Practitioner's Guide to Parent Training (2010)

Grounded in developmental and behavioral research, the Practitioner's Guide, by Brooke Ingersoll and Anna Dvortcsak, provides step-by-step guidelines for conducting parent training individually or in groups. It takes proven techniques for promoting the social-communication skills of young children with autism (up to age 6) and breaks them into simple yet effective steps so parents can learn how to do them. The DVD, for use in the training sessions, features video clips of parents implementing the techniques with their children, as well as PowerPoint slides. The Practitioner's Guide also features 30 reproducible handouts and forms. This resource is available from Guilford Press. http://www.guilford.com/cgi-bin/cartscript.cgi?page=pr/ingersoll.htm&dir=edu/speced

Behavioral intervention for young children with autism: A manual for parents and professionals. (1996)

A growing body of research shows that many young children with autism and pervasive developmental disorders can derive significant, lasting, and sometimes dramatic benefits from early intervention based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. This manual by Catherine Maurice, Gina Green, & Stephen Luce was inspired by research and provides practical information for parents and professionals. It gives the reader concrete information on how to 1) evaluate treatment options and differentiate scientifically validated interventions from fads and “miracle cures”; 2) assess children’s skills, needs, and progress objectively and systematically; 3) teach children a wide variety of important skills, ranging from basics such as listening and looking, to complex language and social skills and 4) determine who is competent to deliver and supervise behavioral intervention. http://www.proedinc.com/customer/productView.aspx?ID=1054

Topics in Autism Series

Woodbine House has published a number of relevant and practical publications that address different aspects of ASD. Examples of titles in the series include 1) Reaching Out, Joining In: Teaching Social Skills to Young Children with Autism, 2) A Picture’s Worth: PECS and Other Visual Communication Strategies in Autism, and 3) Teaching Conversation to Children with Autism. The publication Activity Schedules for Children with Autism: Teaching Independent Behavior may be of particular interest to families who are interested in fostering independent engagement with toys and activities at a young age. A list of titles and topics is available at http://www.woodbinehouse.com/autism-table.asp

Virginia Guidance

Autism in Infants & Toddlers: What Every Early Interventionist Needs to Know.

This free online learning module provides an overview of Autism Spectrum Disorders in infants and toddlers, including definitions, prevalence, and early signs and symptoms of ASDs. http://veipd.org/elearning/

Commonwealth Autism Service.

The Commonwealth Autism Service (CAS) mission is to provide leadership in the implementation of a statewide system of services to maximize the potential and quality of life of each Virginian with autism across the lifespan. CAS offers information and referral, consultation, and training opportunities. http://www.autismva.org

Communities of Practice in Autism (CoPA).

The Communities of Practice in Autism (CoPA) share knowledge and information about evidence-based strategies in natural environments, focusing on infants, toddlers, and young children diagnosed or suspected of having Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and their families, to enhance supports and services in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The CoPA Web site is a rich resource, highlighting activities across Virginia. It also provides resources and information, including PowerPoints and handouts from CoPA conference presentations on topics related to autism.
http://www.infantva.org/pr-ITC-CoPA.htm

Supporting Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their Families.

This guidance document from the Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia provides information for families and service providers about: early signs and symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD); VA's early intervention process; referring young children for further diagnostic testing; VA early intervention supports and services; evidence-based practices for working with young children with ASD; screening & diagnostic tools for toddlers with ASD; and information on focused practices and comprehensive intervention models. http://www.eipd.vcu.edu/pdf/IandTCVA_ASD-Jan%202012_FINAL_5-11-12.pdf

T/TAC Online / Autism Resources Page.

This site highlights an array of online resources related to autism spectrum disorder. Each entry includes a description of the resource and a “hot” URL to make connecting as easy as possible. http://www.ttaconline.org/staff/s_resources/s_resources_subcontent.asp?dis=2

Virginia Autism Council.

The Virginia Autism Council is a state-supported council of autism experts seeking to define needed skill competencies and to advance higher education, training and educational opportunities for personnel and caregivers supporting individuals of all ages with autism. The Council’s Web site is a clearinghouse on best practices and research-based education and training opportunities to advance personnel development and knowledge regarding autism in Virginia. Listings range from competencies and professional development opportunities to support groups. http://www.autismtrainingva.org

Virginia Autism Resource Center.

The Virginia Autism Resource Center (VARC) at Virginia Commonwealth University is a statewide resource center dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families. Through research, outreach and collaborative initiatives, VARC promotes and facilitates best practices for those diagnosed within the autism spectrum. Information, resources, and professional development help parents, educators, service providers and medical professionals provide effective support from early childhood through adulthood. http://128.172.18.193/index.html 1-877-667-7771

Virginia Early Intervention Professional Development Center

Virginia Commonwealth University
Partnership for People with Disabilities
www.eipd.vcu.edu

Integrated Training Collaborative
Infant and Toddler Connection of Virginia
Partnership for People with Disabilities

This professional development activity is supported by the Integrated Training Collaborative (ITC), with funding support from the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Copyright © 2011