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Autism Spectrum Program

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ASP Autism Spectrum Program

As one of the leading regional public school programs for autism in Virginia, SECEP’s Autism Spectrum Program (ASP) provides students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) an educational environment that is designed to meet their individual needs.

ASP addresses the core deficits of ASD through the implementation of evidence-based best practice methodologies.

Instruction is based on state standards and life skills. Classroom staff are trained in basic Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) competencies. ABA principles and procedures, as well as other methodologies, are utilized to structure and organize the educational environment to promote learning. By providing meaningful

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opportunities to make choices and initiate communication, we encourage active participation from each student.

Program staff are committed to maintaining a positive, safe approach to teaching and interacting with students. Behavior interventions are designed to teach desirable behaviors and reduce problematic behaviors. Board Certified Behavior Analysts work with classroom staff and students to design, implement and monitor behavior programs.

ASP at a glance:

Our students. ASP serves students age two through 21 who have been found eligible for special education services for students with ASD.

Convenient classrooms. We currently operate more than 90 classrooms throughout the region, and the majority of students are served in public school buildings with access to regular education peers and appropriate grade-level opportunities.

Small class size. ASP classrooms have a typical student to staff ratio of 2 to 1. There are typically five to seven students in each classroom.

A team approach. Teams consist of Parents, a Special Education teacher, an Education Specialist, trained Teacher Assistants and a SECEP Principal. Additional support is provided by: Speech and Language Pathologists, Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA), Reading Specialists, Teacher Specialists, Occupational Therapists, Licensed Social Workers and Assistive Technology professionals.

School, home and community collaboration. Quality of life for our students is the work of community-educators, parents and professionals coming together for one purpose. The instructional team communicates collaboratively with families and appropriate community agencies while linking them to available resources.

Measuring progress. The classroom team uses prescriptive assessments to develop an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) for each student. Progress is continually monitored. Instructional decisions are based on data that is reviewed every 4.5 weeks. Student achievement is reported to families every 4.5 weeks. As appropriate, students participate in state assessments (Standards of Learning Tests or Virginia Alternative Assessment Program).