Project Description:
Jumpstart is a project aimed at supporting young children with autism and is based at the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability. In it’s sixth year, Jumpstart provides training and consultant support to families and providers interested in this model.An emphasis this year will be on reaching out to children who have other diagnoses and providing support and technical assistance to providers on person-ceentered planning. It is funded by NH Family Centered Early Supports and Services. A large focus is on early intervention but expansion into preschool has been supported through other projects and a fee-for-service structure.
Jumpstart, modeled after the Individualized Supports Project, draws on strategies from Applied Behavioral Analysis (e.g. functional assessment) but uses a framework of positive behavioral supports, person-centered planning, and teaching effective and functional communication. According to a report prepared for the National Academy of Sciences, "young children with autism are at significant risk to develop problem behaviors, (and) without intervention, problem behaviors are more likely to worsen than improve (Horner, 2000)." Jumpstart aims to prevent problem behavior by using successful intervention strategies (prevention-oriented and effective teaching) to help children find ways to communicate that are more effective and efficient than problem behaviors. For example, opening and shutting doors may be an effective way to gain adult attention or escape from an undesired activity, but learning to ask someone to play or say " I need a break" is a much more useful strategy and helpful for children in everyday play and learning
In a typical ESS scenario, a family might express the desire to implement the model. The EI program would submit a proposal to receive funding from the state and individually tailored consultation from the project. The team members work together to determine the supports the child and family need. A functional assessment, person-centered planning, and an individualized support plan help determine the focus of intervention. Intervention usually consists of several sessions per week totaling 12-15 hours of staff support. Families are integral partners in this approach and are involved extensively, weaving support strategies and learning opportunities into the child’s daily routine.
Jumpstart aims to:
ß enhance child and family quality of life
ß increase opportunities for choice and control
ß be child-directed with child an active learner
ß weave teaching/learning into natural family routines and settings
ß involve family in all aspects – planning, intervention and evaluation
ß increase understanding of behavior as communication
ß use person centered planning techniques
ß be interactive, fun and spontaneous but also strategic and purposeful
ß teach functional communication equivalents
ß use positive approaches to interventions
ß promote acceptance of child and his/her interests
ß reflect research base and evaluate progress
ß listen to feedback from individuals with autism and their families
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A 25 minute video on Jumpstart is now available on loan through the Family Resource Connection, EI programs, area agency intake coordinators, and Parent-to-Parent. For more information, contact:
Ann Donoghue Dillon
Jumpstart: Providing Individualized Supports to Young Children with Autism
Institute on Disability/UCE
University of New Hampshire
Durham, NH 03824
603-862-4320 or http://iod.unh.edu
Core Function(s):
Training Trainees, Performing Technical Assistance and/or Training, Developing & Disseminating Information
