Conference

Results of Gwynedd-Mercy College/Teamwork Wins Conference

The Third Annual Gwynedd-Mercy College and Teamwork Wins Ltd ASD SPECTRUM Conference was held at Gwynedd-Mercy College on Sunday March 13, 2010. The conference was sponsored by the Montgomery County Child Development Foundation with a goal of informing preschool teachers in Montgomery County about the latest research and evidence based-practice theories and teachings on Autism.

Experts from a variety of different disciplines came together to share information. As a result, attendees walked away with a deeper understanding of how to identify and work with children on the ASD spectrum.  They received a plethora of resources that many of the attendees reported they would begin implementing immediately. Breakout sessions covered topics such as;  Gaining a Better Understanding of the Early Intervention System, understanding the various methodologies used with children with ASD, The ABC’s of Autism, Pet Therapy, Educational Coaching, Monitoring Internet Use with children with ASD, Phyical Therapy, Undertanding the Hidden Curriculum and training on alternative treatments for preschool students (TWW’s Express Yourself Program).

“The information presented at the conference assists those working with preschool students in becoming aware of the early signs of autism and other Invisible Challenges™. The earlier a child is identified, the greater impact we can make on their development. Early identificiation is the key to assiting these children to obtain awarenss and to assit them in reaching their greatest potential. In the formative years, each day is critical in the development of any child, escpecially those with invivislbe challenges like ASD,” said conference presenter Rachael Simms, Director of Educational Consulting–Autism Services with Teamwork Wins.

The ASD SPECTRUM Project will continue to hold this annual event, bringing in the latest research and knowledge of Autism and bringing about awareness of Autism.

About the ASD Spectrum Project

The ASD SPECTRUM Project (Supporting Successful Practices in Early Childhood – Connection, Training, Resources – A Unified Mission) has continued to contribute to the success of pre-school students on or at-risk for diagnosis on the Autism Spectrum, especially in Montgomery County. In 2009, we held two full-day workshops on Gwynedd-Mercy College campus that were attended by representatives of 32 preschools in Montgomery County. The workshops continue to be offered collaboratively with Teamwork Wins, which assembled prominent workshop leaders to meet the needs of first-time attendees, as well as those who had received previous training through the Institute.

Teamwork Wins, which has worked with the School of Education since the inception of the Autism Institute, has been an integral part of the SPECTRUM Project. Teamwork Wins researches and employs a variety of strategies to help children on the spectrum. The goal of Teamwork Wins is to teach children effective, lifelong skills to interact with others and to become free thinking and self-directed individuals.

The four pre-schools that were selected for intensive on-site interventions during the 2008-09 academic year continue to receive support. These pre-schools are: Vale Genaurdi Hobbit House of Gwynedd-Mercy College; Bright Beginnings Pre-school of McNeil Laboratories in Spring House; Salford Mennonite Child Care Center in Harleysville and Tiferet Bet Israel Preschool in Blue Bell.

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.

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.

Each of the 4 sites completed a survey reflecting its perspective on the first year program. All 4 sites felt that they had achieved the 3 specific goals, which were established at the beginning of the program for each site. The strengths of the program were cited as: the education of the staff; the behavioral consultations for all the students; and the support in conversations with parents. The only weakness cited by 2 of the sites was limited training for parents.

The support for these educational venues has been re-designed for the 2009-2010 academic year. Building on the skills sets established within the programs during the previous year, each site is working on a specific multi-faceted project which will be monitored by the SPECTRUM through monthly full day workshops held on the campus of Gwynedd-Mercy College facilitated by Rachael Simms of TeamWork Wins and Dr. Deborah Schadler, Autism Institute’s Director.

Two additional sites have been added to the four for the 2009-2010 academic year. Penn View Christian School and the preschool at Montgomery County Community College. They too are working to establish an inclusionary setting for students on the autism spectrum within its existing pre-school program and has requested special permission to join the program. The Director of Penn View Christian School has attended the large workshops provided by the SPECTRUM project. The Institute feels that the addition of Penn View Christian and the preschool at MCCC to the SPECTRUM Project is a positive move in the growth of the Institute.

Thank you for all who have participated.

Adele Saccarelli

Founder and Director