National Center for Inclusive Education
Project Description:
More children than ever before are being identified as having Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Related Disabilities. ASD and Related Disabilities are the second most common developmental disability after mental retardation/intellectual disability. CDC?s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network released data in 2007 that found about 1 in 150 8-year-old children in multiple areas of the United States had an ASD and Related Disability (Centers for Disease Control, 2007). Despite the policy and research-based support for inclusion of students with ASD and Related Disabilities, IDEA data show that students ages 6-21 with ASD and Related Disabilities received their education outside regular education classrooms more often than many other categories of students with other disabilities. The national data are in contrast to placement trends in NH. These data suggest that NH offers a unique opportunity for future educational leaders to gain experience with students with ASD and Related Disabilities who are educated primarily in general education classrooms. Based on these increasing numbers and the need for comprehensive systems of education and support, in New Hampshire and nationally, this proposal provides the planning and development activities for a National Center on Inclusive Education for Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Related Disabilities at the University of New Hampshire Institute on Disability.
PLANNED NATIONAL CENTER IMPACTS
20 State/national model-demonstration sites (Inclusive Professional Development Schools) will be identified and provided technical assistance.
100 Ph.D., M.Ed., M.S., and continuing education students will be recruited and enrolled into appropriate university graduate and certificate programs.
Online e-learning courses and webinars for educators will be developed on the topic of supporting students with ASD and Related Disabilities in general education classrooms
An ASD and Related Disabilities Evaluation and Clinical Services program will be developed providing technical assistance in evaluations and clinical consultations provided by a multi-disciplinary team for 100 children with ASD and their families.
500 parents and professionals will be trained via a Leadership Series on topics related to leadership strategies to support students with ASD and Related Disabilities and their families in inclusive schools and communities.
Keyword(s):
Center for Inclusive Education for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Core Function(s):
Training Trainees, Performing Technical Assistance and/or Training, Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information
Area of Emphasis
Education & Early Intervention
Target Audience:
Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees), Community Trainees / Short term trainees, Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN, Legislators/Policy Makers, General Public
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Specific Groups
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
National
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
