Autism in a nutshell. Inclusion discussion. Introduction to middle school
Philosophy and definition of inclusion
Necessary components - Profiles and characteristics. Profile of the typical developing middle school student
Profile of the typical developing middle school student with autism/AS
Where do we find the middle school student with autism/ AS?
Formation of an Individual Educational Plan (IEP). Issues to consider for a middle school IEP
Behavior programming in middle school. Behavior analysis
Positive behavior systems
Academic issues for middle-school students. Middle school academic environment
Functional curriculum vs. academic curriculum
Foreign language requirement
Homework issues and family incentive program
Attendance issues and suspensions
Areas of strength/splinter skills
Social programming. Peer tutor programs
Social skills objectives for the IEP
Direct instruction of social skills
Choosing a social skills curriculum
Extracurricular activities
Collaboration. Program manager
Between regular education teachers
Between special education and regular education teachers
School administration support
Between school and community therapists
Between paraprofessional staff and supervisor
Other programming issues to consider. Teacher exhaustion or burn-out
Transition to high school
Budding sexuality and raging hormones
Fine and gross motor challenges
