The ASD SPECTRUM Project (a grant-funded program) teams up with Gwynedd-Mercy College GMC, a leading college of early childhood and special education to provide a quality program that give our young children with Invisible Challenges an opportunity to thrive in a safe environment in our pre-schools
This is a revolutionary new way of approaching invisible challenges. Together, we provide support in the preschool setting to teachers, parents, and children to help in early identification of ASD Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as teach cutting edge tools and techniques necessary for these kids to reach their potential. Rather than teaching kids to cope or deal with their disabilities, we teach them how to fit in and turn their challenges into strengths, so that they can be ready for today’s classrooms, playgrounds, and then workplace! At the same time, we teach the teachers, parents and the community about their perceptions and prejudices about these children.
The SPECTRUM (Supporting Successful Practices in Early Childhood – Connection, Training, Resources – A Unified Mission) Project has continued to contribute to the success of pre-school students on or at-risk for diagnosis on the Autism Spectrum. Two full day workshops, May and Sept. 2009, were held on the campus of Gwynedd-Mercy College (GMC) attended by representatives of 32 preschools in Montgomery County. The workshops continue to be offered collaboratively with Teamwork Wins Ltd. (TWW) who assembled prominent workshop leaders to meet the needs of first time attendees, as well as those who had received previous training through the Institute by offering a schedule of separate activities.
Teamwork Wins Ltd. who has worked with the School of Education since the inception of the Autism Institute, has been an integral part of the SPECTRUM Project. The four pre-schools that were selected for intensive on-site interventions during the 2008-09 academic year continue to receive support. A total of 192 students were individually observed and discussed at the 4 sites. Of these 192 students, 19 students carried a diagnosis on the autism spectrum of disorders with 47 students demonstrating a significant number of behaviors on the spectrum and were recommended for assessment by a pediatric neurologist. The remaining 126 students “of concern” were considered “at risk” and recommended for continued monitoring since they consistently demonstrated a significant number of the behaviors associated with the spectrum.
School personnel received direct structured program support at the 4 sites for a total of 16 students on the autism spectrum. Monthly full day workshops were held on the campus of GMC, facilitated by Rachael Simms of TWW and Dr. Deborah Schadler, Autism Institute’s Director. At these four sites, mentoring was provided for 60 teachers and the SPECTRUM team members met with a total of 69 parents in order to support them in working with their children. Given that the project is in its second year, feedback from the teachers and parents has been much more direct, significant and specific greatly benefiting the growth and refinement of the program.