Empowering Educators with Knowledge About Autism Spectrum Disorders
Kelly Prestia, OTR (Jan./Feb. 03)

The prevalence of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has dramatically increased over the last decade. Statistics and percentages affirming the number of children with autism may differ; however, they all demonstrate a continual increase. Researchers are searching for answers to determine the cause of autism in hopes of finding an appropriate treatment to reduce or eliminate the difficulties faced by an individual with autism. As the medical community searches for the "why" of autism, the educational community must be armed with the knowledge of "how".

Schools all over the nation are facing budget cuts, which can lead to fewer teachers, fewer materials and resources, and more students per classroom. These issues can be devastating to a school or district, however, the education of all children must continue. Another trend in education is the move toward inclusion of students with special needs, including students identified as having autism. Amendments to federal educational laws have further defined that every student, including students with disabilities, has the right to an appropriate education. Although the debate over "how" and "where" to educate children with autism will likely continue, teachers and educational staff need information on how to teach these students, facilitate learning, and help them to reach their potential.

The following suggestions are inexpensive (or in some cases FREE) ways to bring special education knowledge into schools for the benefit of all staff members:

1. Utilize the knowledge and experience of the special and general education staff members within your building or district for inservices and staff training. Both special education and general education staff have knowledge and experience in many areas that may be beneficial for others.
2. Leave special education journals and newsletters with current information in the staff lounge for staff to review at their convenience.
3. Start an educational library of resource materials for all staff members and parents that can be checked out through the school library. What may be an old, college textbook to you may be new information to someone else.
4. Ask parents of children with special needs to discuss their experiences, knowledge and issues they face at inservices or staff meetings. Many parents do extended research of diagnoses and areas of need that their child may have, and are essentially experts in that specific area.
5. Send a special educator and a general education teacher to special education conferences together. Each educator has a different perspective on the information, and can bring back different points of view to share with the entire school staff.

Just as all children have the right to an education, all educators have the right to be informed about all populations within their school. Providing information about ASD can only empower teachers, facilitate better educational programs and curriculum for all students, and encourage collaboration between staff. With knowledge comes empowerment; with empowerment comes confidence; and with confidence, we all succeed.

Kelly Prestia is an occupational therapist currently obtaining a graduate degree in Autism/Asperger Special Education at the University of Kansas. As a school-based therapist, her background includes working with children with autism and Asperger Syndrome in inclusive settings and special education classrooms in the Midwest. Interests include sensory issues and therapeutic interventions in the classroom, and educating school and community members about the needs, strengths and potential of students with autism/Asperger Syndrome.