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5098 After-School and Extended-Day Services for Students with Autism: Clinical and Legal Perspectives [Social Work Session]

Thursday, July 8, 2010: 3:15 PM-4:30 PM

Cumberland EF (Hyatt Regency Dallas)

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Many students with autism spectrum disorders cannot receive adequate educational benefits within a six-hour school day. This workshop will explore the many types of after-school services that may be secured. Among the options considered will be extended-day programs, 1:1 instruction and behavioral training, community-based instruction, and supported involvement in athletic and other extracurricular activities.

For all children, education continues well after the school bell rings at the end of the day. Children engage in innumerable structured and informal activities after school that continue the learning process. After-school activities range from casual play with neighborhood friends to interscholastic athletic competition, from completing homework to attending intensive after-school and evening tutoring and enrichment programs.

Children with autism spectrum disorders require these opportunities every bit as much as children without disabilities. Indeed, for many children on the autism spectrum, the way in which time is spent outside of school can make or break the overall success of the student's educational program. However, children on the autism spectrum encounter many obstacles to participating in after-school activities, even those that are routinely available to non-disabled students. After-school sports, clubs and other school-sponsored extracurricular activities may be inaccessible due to a lack of appropriately trained staff, refusals to accommodate students' unique needs, or simply as a result of unfounded stereotypes and fears.

In this topic brief, the presenters will explore how educators, families and others can help students on the autism spectrum take advantage of the vast learning environment that is available beyond the traditional school day. Several different approaches to securing after-school services will be discussed. As will be seen, many opportunities exist to enhance children's education through participation in a multitude of after-school activities. By taking advantage of these opportunities, students can acquire the skills necessary to live and work with a significantly greater degree of independence by the time they leave the public educational system than would otherwise be the case.

Learning Objectives:

Workshop attendees will learn how after-school services can be used to foster generalization of skills.
Workshop attendees will learn how to secure necessary supports and services to facilitate students' involvement in after-school athletics and otehr extra-curricular activities.
Workshop attendees will understand when extended school day services are legall required.
Workshop attendees will understand public schools' obligations to accommodate students with disabilities in latch-key and recreational programs.
Workshop attendees will learn how to advocate more effectively for extended-day and after-school services.

Content Area: Education

Presenters:

Anne S. Holmes, M.S., CCC, BCBA
Chief Clinical Officer
Eden Autism Services

Anne Holmes is Chief Clinical Officer for Eden Autism Services and is on the Autism Society’s Panel of Professional Advisors. Ms. Holmes has worked in the field of autism for over thirty years. She has written numerous papers and articles and is the primary editor of Eden’s curriculum series.

Ira Fingles, Esq.
Partner
Hinkle and Fingles Law Offices

Ira Fingles, Esq., litigates for appropriate services for people with disabilities and has expanded his practice to include life planning and estate planning. Currently, Mr. Fingles lectures widely on the rights of individuals with disabilities and argues their cases in state and federal courts.

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