2012-2013 Building Your Future Intensive Training
CEU Module Narratives
Module 1 -
Orientation & Foundations in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
This module provides participants with an orientation to the START Project and an overview of
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) including current characteristics and definitions; learning
characteristics associated with ASD, etiologies and research in the area of ASD.. The module
also includes information on evidence-based practices for students with ASD, including the
importance of family involvement in educational planning.
Module Goals / Objectives:
1. Gain an understanding of the START Project and approaches for implementation of
effective systems and supports for students with ASD.
2. Gain an understanding of specific characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
along with current research.
3. Identify and understand current evidence-based practices for students with ASD.
AGENDA
8:30-10:00
10:00-10:15
10:15-11:30
11:30-12:30
12:30-1:45
1:45-2:00
2:00-3:30
Orientation to START
BREAK
Overview of ASD
LUNCH
Evidence Based Practices
BREAK
Family involvement in educational planning
Module 2 –
Meeting Mechanics and Guiding Principles
The Meeting Mechanics and Guiding Principles module presents a problem solving format that
can be applied to all team decision making efforts. In the Meeting Mechanics portion, four
interconnected components will be shared including: Meeting mechanics, ABC paradigm for
problem solving, Learning Hierarchy, and Team Accountability. This information can be readily
applied to student planning and behavior plan meetings. Guiding principles will then be
discussed and developed to frame the planning for the remainder of the modules.
Module Goals / Objectives:
1. Gain an understanding of the four interconnected components: Meeting mechanics, ABC
paradigm for problem solving, Learning Hierarchy, and Team Accountability.
2. How to apply the four components to student planning and behavior plan meetings.
3. How to then utilize the guiding principles to develop the planning for the remaining
modules.
AGENDA
8:30-10:00
10:00-10:15
10:15-11:30
11:30-12:30
12:30-1:45
1:45-2:00
2:00-3:30
Overview of Meeting mechanics, ABC paradigm for problem solving
BREAK
Overview of Learning Hierarchy, and Team Accountability
LUNCH
Application to student planning / behavior plan meetings
BREAK
Guiding Principles
Module 3 -
“Stop It” and other Behavioral Strategies
This module explores effective (and ineffective) strategies for addressing behaviors of
individuals with ASD that interfere with success in adult social environments. Participants will
gain an understanding of Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) as it relates to developing
effective behavioral strategies for young adults with ASD in work, home and community
settings. Included are the steps for implementing a number of evidence-based practices
including Self-Management, Visual Supports, and effective teaching strategies for preventing
behavioral issues.
Module Goals / Objectives:
1. Understand the foundations of PBIS for young adults with ASD
2. Gain knowledge of the problem solving process of Functional Behavior Assessment
3. Understand the components of effective behavioral strategies for young adults with ASD
4. Understand the purpose of data collection and how to use data to guide intervention
decisions
AGENDA:
8:30-10:00
10:00-10:15
10:15-11:30
11:30-12:30
12:30-1:45
1:45-2:00
2:00-3:30
Foundations in PBIS
BREAK
FBA Foundations
LUNCH
Effective Strategies for Young Adults with ASD
BREAK
Data Collection & Implementation Fidelity
Module 4 -
Looking at Adults with ASD Differently
This module will assist participants in better understanding individuals with ASD and the
strategies that are most effective for them to be successful in employment, independent living,
higher education, and/or community participation. The intent of this presentation is to provide
adult service providers with an understanding of how to effectively approach people with ASD
with a problem solving focus.
Module Goals / Objectives:
1. Understand and respect the characteristics of ASD and how they are a fundamental aspect
of the individual.
2. Assist service providers with an understanding of the characteristics and complexities
that can impact opportunities for adults with ASD.
3. How to use the ASD as an advantage and creatively match the interests, drives and skills
of the person with ASD to opportunities for employment, higher education, living
arrangements, and community opportunities
AGENDA
8:30-10:00
10:00-10:15
10:15-11:30
11:30-12:30
12:30-1:45
1:45-2:00
2:00-3:30
Characteristics of ASD
BREAK
Using intense interests and needs to their advantage
LUNCH
Behaviors – new way of thinking
BREAK
Behaviors – new way of thinking cont’d
Module 5 -
Asperger Syndrome
This module is intended for participants educating students with Asperger’s Syndrome (AS).
The module explores characteristics of students with AS and effective practices identified in the
literature to support students in their school environment. Relevant theories are covered,
including social attribution theory and theory of mind, which are critical to supporting the social,
emotional and behavioral development of students with AS. The Path A / Path B strategy is used
to teach participants how attributions impact decision-making and responses to the behaviors of
students with AS.
Module Goals / Objectives:
1. Understand the characteristics associated with students with AS
2. Understand social attribution theory in relation to students with AS.
3. Understand social attribution theory in relation to staff behavior.
4. Understand Theory of Mind and its relevance to AS.
5. Learn effective practices, including the Path A / Path B strategy, for educating students
with AS.
AGENDA
8:30-10:00
10:00-10:15
10:15-11:30
11:30-12:30
12:30-1:45
1:45-2:00
2:00-3:30
Characteristics of Asperger’s Syndrome
BREAK
Effective practices within the school environment
LUNCH
Social Attribution Theory
BREAK
Theory of mind
Module 6 -
Peer to Peer and other Natural Supports
This module will teach participants the steps needed to develop a peer to peer or natural supports
for a person with Autism Spectrum Disorder in an employment opportunity. This module will
include the concept of medium of exchange or how you connect an employee to a person with
ASD. The term case conference is the meeting mechanics process: the meeting mechanics
process is used in both the educational and business world. This module will also introduce
“The 7 Phase Sequence for Balancing Naturalness and Individual Needs” by Michael Callahan.
Module Goals / Objectives:
1. Participants will leave with an understanding of the medium of exchange
2. Participants will leave with the crucial elements when recruiting natural supports in the
work place
3. Participants will leave with the crucial elements needed when training the natural
supports in the work place.
4. Participants will leave with the crucial elements to maintain the natural supports in the
work place.
AGENDA
8:30-10:00
10:00-10:15
10:15-11:30
11:30-12:30
12:30-1:45
1:45-2:00
2:00-3:30
Developing peer to peer / natural supports in an employment opportunity
BREAK
Medium of exchange
LUNCH
Utilizing the Meeting Mechanics process in the business world
BREAK
7 phase sequence – “Balancing Naturalness & Individual Needs”
Module 7 –
Discovery and the IEP
This module will assist participants in understanding the discovery process and how to assure
the information gathered through the process is embedded in the IEP. Additionally, this module
focuses on the process of developing an IEP that incorporates the legal requirements of LRE
(Least Restrictive Environment) and addresses the unique needs of young adults with ASD to
ensure access and success in employment, independent living, higher education and community
involvement. Participants learn how to write an effective Present Level of Academic
Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP) statement as well as develop observable
and measureable goals and objectives related to the student’s success in post-secondary
transition. Strategies for implementing the IEP with fidelity and data collection procedures for
monitoring progress toward goals and objectives are also covered.
Module Goals / Objectives:
1. Gain an understanding of the discovery process and how it relates to the legal
requirements of LRE (Least Restrictive Environment).
2. Learn to write a Present Level of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance
(PLAAFP) statement in relation to the discovery process and post-secondary transition
outcomes.
3. Gain skills in developing observable and measureable IEP goals and objectives based on
post-secondary transition goals.
4. Gain skills in data collection that focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of the IEP.
AGENDA:
8:30-10:00
10:00-10:15
10:15-11:30
11:30-12:30
12:30-1:45
1:45-2:00
2:00-3:30
Foundations in Special Education Law & the Discovery Process
BREAK
Using Discovery to write a relevant PLAAFP statement
LUNCH
Writing measurable goals and objectives
BREAK
Data Collection & IEP Implementation Fidelity
Module 8 -
Systems Change
This module explores the structures and processes needed to increase the capacity of local
communities to embrace individuals with ASD and ensure their successful transition to
adulthood. Included in these processes is the planning for ongoing training opportunities for
three primary community partner groups: Providers (including MRS, CMH, school personnel,
etc.), Employers & College / Tech School personnel, and Community (including doctors,
dentists, hair salon providers, etc.).
Module Goals / Objectives:
1. Gain information on the purpose of post-secondary transition (PST) systems changes for
students with ASD.
2. Learn the structure of developing and implementing a local PST coaching model.
3. Gain skills in serving in a variety of coaching roles and responsibilities.
4. Learn strategies for addressing systems level change and assisting others in the change
Process.
AGENDA:
8:30-10
10-10:15
10:15-11:30
11:30-12:15
12:15-2:00
2-2:15
2:15-3:30
Why Systems Change
BREAK
Developing a PST coaching model
LUNCH
Coaching Roles & Responsibilities
BREAK
Making Change Happen