STAR Autism Program: Strategies for Teaching based on Autism Research
http://www.starautismprogram.com/star-autism-program
The STAR Program uses research-based instructional strategies and curriculum. It uses
short 1:1 sessions to teach new skills. The program works to develop generalization of
skills and teach independence through planned group activities. The program includes
three instructional levels to meet a range of needs. STAR is based on the following Applied
Behavioral Analysis (ABA) instructional strategies: discrete trial, pivotal response training,
and functional routines. The STAR Program is designed to address each of the following
areas for students with autism: impairments in communication, impairments in social
interaction, restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior and/or interests, unusual responses
to sensory experiences, and difficulties with change of routine/schedule.
The STAR Program targets six curriculum content areas that specifically relate to the
needs of children with autism: expressive language, receptive language, spontaneous
language, functional routines, pre-academic skills, and play and social interaction concepts.
Student learning profiles and curriculum-based assessments show the overall scope
and sequence of The STAR Program. The student learning profiles and assessments also
provides guidelines for determining which lesson to focus on for each student, shows
instructional strategies that are most effective for each lesson, shows which lessons can be
taught simultaneously, and establishes baseline and summarizes student’s instructional
progression.