Since 2003, the New York City Department of Education has developed ASD programs in community schools, currently encompassing more than 50 locations and serving more than 750 children on the autism spectrum. The ASD Nest Program was developed in collaboration with Hunter College and New York University. The ASD Horizon Program was developed in collaboration with the New England Center for Children. Both programs are supported by the Division of Students with Disabilities and English Language Learners: Corinne Rello-Anselmi Deputy Chancellor Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Programs in Community Schools Amy Jones Chief Executive Officer, Professional Development and Accountability Loren Bohlen Executive Director, Special Programs Nancy Frost Director, ASD Programs “If children do not learn the way we teach them, then we must teach them the way they learn.” -author unknown Diane Carnegie Paula Magdalena Jeanne Villani Phyllis Weill ASD Team To inquire please contact: Paul Byas (718) 391–6872 [email protected] Community Based Specialized Curricula Family Involvement Each ASD program is integrated into the fabric of its community school. In addition to the standard academic curriculum: Our goal is to provide support and a therapeutic setting within a gradeappropriate academic environment. Community schools with ASD programs use positive behavioral supports to promote pro-social behavior and learning. ASD Nest A strong home/school component promotes ongoing communication between school staff and family members. This may include parent workshops and trainings and sharing of information and resources. Nest Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) classes serve students with ASD and typically developing students. Nest classes use an integrated co-teaching program model to support higher functioning children with autism to improve social interactions and academic success. Students receive specialized curricula including instructional strategies provided to foster adaptive skills, sensory/ motor integration and language, communication and relationship development. Horizon Small class settings serve students with autism. Specially Trained Staff Classroom teachers are trained in the specialized curricula and instructional strategies used in each ASD program. Staff training is provided both pre- and in-service. Classroom staff and related service personnel work collaboratively with specially trained autism support staff to provide individualized and targeted interventions. ASD Horizon/8:1+1 In our Horizon/8:1+1 classes, students receive targeted instruction and utilize a comprehensive curriculum aligned to the core curriculum and based on the principles of applied behavior analysis. Collaborative problem-solving is used to assess student needs and progress in all programs. Staff meetings to co-plan and conduct case conferences take place regularly. Collaborative planning meetings enhance generalization of skills and strategies taught in school. These meetings take place periodically during the school year and upon family request. Current and relevant topics are presented in workshops throughout the school year, provided and facilitated by our university partners, New York State technical assistance centers, and our New York City ASD Team. We welcome input on upcoming events and topics.