Project Focus Prior to 2003
The ODE, PSU, and numerous Oregon regional and special education programs
collaborated for five years on the Autism Spectrum Disorders Outcome
Study and Training Project. This project provided training and collected
information on services and outcome data for children with autism spectrum
disorders in Oregon. The information gathered was used to improve educational
programs for Oregon children with autism spectrum disorders.
Current
Project Focus: Regional Autism Model Centers
This project is now focusing on increasing statewide capacity and access
to effective approaches for educating children with autism. To date,
over 30 training sites have been implemented across the State of Oregon.
The model centers are first established in Early Childhood (under 5)
and Primary Elementary (K-3) sites. After these sites are established
in each region, Upper Elementary (4-5), Middle School (6-8), and High
School (9-12) sites will be implemented.
The RPATS sites are intended to provide locations within each region
to provide training in research based practices for children with autism
spectrum disorders using applied behavior analysis and other research-based
techniques. PSU and ODE will provide the needed training to establish
the model sites. The ODE will provide grant money for release time for
model center teachers to participate in the training.
To complement the RPATS sites, a cadre of regional autism specialists
are being established to serve as "trainers" of others. The trainers
are provided release time through an ODE grant to learn to be a "trainer"
and later to train others at each model site.
We are looking forward to developing an outstanding resource for
children, families, and special educators that will better serve children with
autism within each region of the state. If you have any questions, please contact
us and we will be happy to talk with you.
For questions about the model centers, please contact Helen Young, Ed.D.
at (503) 725-5207 or email us at: autismstudy.pdx.edu