Author Spot Light:

Cathy Pratt, PH.D., and Melissa Dubie, MS, Indiana Institute on Disability & Community

Training for Paraprofessionals to Work with Students Identified with an Autism Spectrum Disorder
Module Description - Instructional Outcomes - Instructional Events
Instructional Evaluation - Discussion List
MODULE DESCRIPTION:
This module is a tool to obtain information about the role and responsibilities of being a
paraprofessional. Due to the increasing number of students identified with an
autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the challenging nature of their disability,
more paraprofessionals are needed to give individuals with ASD support
throughout their school day. It is imperative to get to know the individual’s
abilities and difficulties in the areas of academic skills, social interactions,
methods of communication, and sensory issues. The responsibilities of a
paraprofessional will include collaborating with professionals, delivering
instruction, and collecting data to show progress on individual goals and
objectives.
IPSB INSTRUCTIONAL PROFICIENCIES:
IPSB Standard [TS.SS.3.12] 2.
value and encourage the use of mental maps at local, regional, national and
world scales both to foster understanding of relative location, direction,
size, and shape and to serve as a spatial foundation for all knowledge.
IPSB Standard [TS.HP.3.20] 6. believes that the safety of learners is the
first priority in any movement setting.
IPSB Standard [TS.EC.4 .13] 3. Understands how to highlight basic concepts,
make connections, and guide the mastery of fundamental skills.
IPSB Standard [TEC.12.S.T.1] Identify the most direct route (roadways)
between two cities or from home to a remote vacation spot.
Indiana State Academic
Standards:
[1] Demonstrates awareness of body planes, inclines, declines and lateral
slopes.
[5-8] Refines movement skills through applying movement concepts and
principles.
[2] Utilizes techniques that provide for efficient movement.
INSTRUCTIONAL OUTCOMES:
At the completion of this module the learner
will:
-
Gain an understanding of autism spectrum
disorders;
-
Understand strategies that work best for
individuals with autism spectrum disorders, including those related to
behavior;
-
Understand their role in working with
students on the autism spectrum; and
-
Understand the importance of the IEP
document and their role in data collection.
INSTRUCTIONAL EVENTS:
- View module #32
called, “Introduction
to Autism Spectrum Disorder” written by Dr. Cathy Pratt from the Indiana
Resource Center for Autism.
- Study the
narrative section of the module. Visit websites
within the narrative section.
- View materials that
are available through your local autism team, public library, or at the
library at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community.
- Develop a list of
proactive strategies in the areas of communication, social, sensory,
organization, and behavior that would be helpful for anyone to know about
the individual student(s) you are working with.