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.

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. 

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.

1. View module #32 called, “Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder” written by Dr. Cathy Pratt from the Indiana Resource Center for Autism.
    

2. Study the narrative section of the module.  Visit websites within the narrative section.
    

3. View materials that are available through your local autism team, public library, or at the library at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community.
    
4. 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.