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During the 1990s the United State’s population increased by 13 percent, disabilities increased by 16 percent, while Autism increased 172 percent.  Educators across America are being faced with the challenges a student with an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis brings to the classroom on a daily basis.  Early diagnosis and intervention have shown the potential to reduce their treatment costs by two-thirds.  With this increase schools are impacted with students’ whose needs have to be met. And schools need to provide ways to meet the unique needs.  Well prepared professional development is one way to help meet educator needs.

The primary goals of this session are to:

•     Provide suggested evidence-based effective strategies.
  
•     Examine delivery methods of training materials.
  
•     Access available training materials.
  
•     Identify resources where additional information. on ASD can be found, and

•     Provide materials for individuals to return to their buildings and provide quality   professional development in the area of Autism.
  

Anyone who works with a student with Autism Spectrum Disorder will benefit with access to information allowing students to access general education.  A student with autism spectrum disorder  presents a unique combination of strengths and challenges which impact their academic achievement and social integration.  Participants will be provided materials that will:

• Explain the characteristics exhibited by students with autism spectrum disorder.
  
• Suggest evidence-based effective strategies for students with autism spectrum disorder in the areas of Communication, Sensory Integration and Regulation, Socialization and Social Skills, Behavioral Issues and Restricted Issues.

The United States Department of Education reported that Autism Spectrum Disorder represents the fastest growing diagnosis  within the disability category of Pervasive Developmental Disorders.  This is a topic that is of interest and need of educators.  During the session it is our goal to provide educators with ways to deliver this information in meaningful professional development.
The following topics will be discussed during the presentation:

• How to provide strong professional development for educators to promote more effective instruction for students with high functioning autism.
  
• What role do IEP team members, especially general education teachers, have in determining goals for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder?
  
• What intervention strategies can be used?
  
• What strategies can facilitate successful inclusion experiences for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder?
  
• What supports can general educators provide to improve organizational, communication, social, and behavioral skills?
  
• What are specific areas for students with ASD that need to be addressed when planning for their transition to post-secondary life?
  
• What resources are available?

Too often educators are given a resource, but it goes untouched.  It is our goal to spend quality time with the resource and sharing how to use the resource, The Puzzle of Autism in schools.  With these tools and materials educators will be able to return to their buildings with a plan for quality professional development using The Puzzle of Autism as a guide.  

This presentation is based upon several quasi-experimental research and evidence-based practice references.This presentation is based upon and evidence-based practice references.