Local school district responds to rise in students diagnosed with autism

Greene County Public Schools' Special Services Department is responsible for providing support and services under Federal and State laws to students with disabilities. It strives to make a positive difference in the lives of children and youth so that they will achieve their highest potential. With this commitment as our focus we continuously re-evaluate programs and services to meet students' needs.
Over the last several years the number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has increased significantly; in some states as high 200%. Many authorities in the discipline argue that as many as 1 in 166 children will be diagnosed with ASD. This alarming statistic has necessitated a need for school districts to provide broader and school based programs to maintain students with autism in their community whenever appropriate. This school year, GCPS have opened an elementary classroom dedicated to serving students with autism that need substantially more support than a general education environment alone can provide.
The teacher and staff are trained in the TEACCH methodology which is an evidence-based service, training, and research program for individuals of all ages and skill levels with ASD. The long-term goals of the TEACCH approach are both skill development and fulfillment of fundamental human needs such as dignity, engagement in productive and personally meaningful activities, and feelings of security, self-efficacy, and self-confidence.
Already, the autism program is at capacity; the students are demonstrating clear advances in all academic skills and social areas. With the continued support of the program they will remain with their age appropriate peers and reach their personal best. This is a win-win situation; students are receiving appropriate services, remaining in their community, and the community experiences significantly reduced costs associated with placing students outside of the school district for federally mandated services.
If you are interested in more information on autism or any other disability please contact us: Randy Corpening at (434) 985-5254 rcorpening@greenecountyschools.com or Mindy Shifflett at same number, mshifflett@greenecountyschools.com. Also, Greene County Schools participate in the Piedmont Regional Education Program's Parent Recourse Center (PRC).
The PRC provides a variety of services for parents including a library of books and videos that can be checked out at no cost. It also provides periodic training on topics of interest to parents of students with disabilities. The coordinator, Ms. Blech, can be reached at (434) 975-9400.