A Guide For Administrators Responsible for the Education of Students with Autism
By Kathryn T. Coleman, Trustee
"There
is no one cure for autism. There is no one methodology that meets the
needs of all kids. All methodologies must be considered when working with
autistic kids." Ethel Kozlik spoke these words in an outstanding
presentation at the recent NAPSA conference. Ms. Kozlik is the Director/Principal
of the Developmental Learning Center in New Providence, New Jersey and
is extremely knowledgeable on the topic of autism. The Developmental Learning
Center is part of the Morris Union Jointure commission, a public educational
agency, which provides services and programs for its 24 constituent school
districts. In her presentation, "A Guide for Administrators Responsible
for the Education of Students with Autism," she discussed possible
causes of autism, primary characteristics of autism, various methodologies
used to teach students with autism, and alternative methods for evaluation
treatments and programs.
In this overview of methodologies and approaches to education for autistic students, the strategies discussed included:
- Auditory Integration training which addresses auditory hyperactivity.
- Behavioral Modification techniques (ABA, DTT) for addressing behavior.
- Picture exchange to address communication.
- Social Studies to address social skills and behavior if the child can understand cognitively.
- Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH) to address educational/vocational programming.
Mrs. Kozlik stressed that school districts must be careful when selecting one particular methodology. "Make sure," she said, "the method is appropriate for the child. Each pupil in an individual. Don't forget the "I" in IEP."
In closing her presentation, Mrs. Kozlik provided very good advice about working with autistic children:
- Be Objective
- Be Ethical
- Be Patient