This project will launch an initiative to provide training in evidence-based services to professionals working in the field of autism in under-served communities. The program will provide clinical and administrative support and training to these professionals in order for them to increase the quality and quantity of services for those who need it most. Our aim to is empower communities to rally around their members on the autism spectrum.
Due to the linguistic, cultural, and geographic barriers in under-resourced communities, outreach in autism services has been limited in the past. In these communities, caregivers are forced to rely on instinct instead of evidence based practices, creating systematic problems like ostracism, seclusion, shame and at times, abuse. Without proper treatment, children with autism are not able to reach their full potential and parents and instructors are left without hope.
Through training of local individuals in evidence based instruction, our program for teacher training will enable parents, teachers, and caregivers to see positive behavioral, functional, and academic gains instilling hope and building momentum towards larger community and systematic gains. By working in a sustainable way, we ensure that the local individuals are able to maintain and build upon the training provided so that individuals with autism are able to meet their full potential.
By beginning in larger communities and encouraging further dissemination, we ensure that the training provided is accessible and culturally appropriate. By training in not only treatment for autism but advocacy and awareness for individuals with autism, we will build a systematic and growing movement towards full inclusion and acceptance - abolishing the instinct-based treatment and ostracism, abuse, and seclusion of individuals with autism.
This project has provided additional documentation in a DOCX file (projdoc.docx).
