Sask Schools Go Hi-Tech to Battle Rising Autism Rates
Regina - Autism is on the rise. According to Statscan and The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, autism rates in Canadian schools have almost tripled since 2003, with 1 out of 150 children diagnosed with an ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). Officials predict this number will continue to climb dramatically over the next five years. This has some school districts proactively working to ensure their teachers have the training and skills to keep up with the special learning and behaviour needs of these students.
"The province has teachers with excellent training and experience in working with students with autism," said Quinton Robertson, Superintendent of Student Services in Good Spirit School Division. "The problem is there are not enough of them to keep up with the growing demand. With 28 schools, in 17 communities, we need an affordable way to train our local staff to provide appropriate support for students with autism."
To address the issue, Good Spirit School Division and Regina Public Schools are implementing cost-effective, high-tech training for their interdisciplinary teams who work with these students. Both school systems are providing their staff with an online, school-based solution called AutismPro®. The "web based" tool is an easy-to-use suite of multimedia, scenario-based courses and resources that offer educators effective tools to help address learning and behaviour challenges in the classroom. AutismPro helps teachers successfully create and implement individualized plans for these students.
AutismPro is the Canadian-based online professional development and resources division of Trumpet Behavioral Health, the largest network in North America of consultants who are Board Certified Behaviour Analyst® (BCBA®) and Board Certified Assistant Behaviour Analyst® (BCBA®) providers.
"Our tools help increase general institutional knowledge around autism and provide school-level practitioners with immediate access to resources and strategies to support this population more effectively," said Dean Hannaford, a product specialist and manager of business development with AutismPro.
School districts already using AutismPro are pleased with the results.
"You can tell which schools are using software solutions and which aren't yet," said Janice Rosa, student services, Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board. "There's a noticeable difference in terms of teacher confidence in classrooms that have students with special needs. When they are using the software training to help, it really shows in how they manage the classroom."
Robertson said he looks to see similar results in Good Spirit, "We are hoping to increase the capacity of our interdisciplinary teams working with our students. We are also hopeful that this increased capacity will translate into increased student achievement."
For more information contact:
Marsha Martin
Martin Charlton Communications
306-359-9854
About AutismPro
AutismPro, a provider of a 21st century response to educating students with autism, works with school districts, early intervention providers, and governments to supplement quality programs. The company's flagship product, AutismPro, allows administrators to build capacity and helps educators to improve outcomes. AutismPro has offices in Denver, Colo., and Fredericton, New Brunswick.
For more information, visit http://www.AutismPro.com/Media or phone 1-866-462-0991.
