SCHOOL-BASED CONSULTATION
Administrator's Academy
This workshop is geared specifically toward building-level school administrators (e.g., principals and assistant principals) for the purpose of providing information on best practices for students with autism spectrum disorders so that administrators may evaluate programs and provide teacher support. Topics include: characteristics of autism (including diagnostic, cognitive, sensory, and attentional features); functional assessment (including behavior and adaptive skills); instructional strategies (including ABA techniques such as discrete trial training, structured teaching, and incidental teaching); data collection; teaching functional communication; social skills development; best practice for students with autism; IEP development; adapting and administering state assessments; and working with parents.
Collaborative Child-Focused Consultation
TRIAD specialists are available to consult with school personnel who have questions or concerns about specific students with autism. A team approach is employed. School personnel and parents work together to develop a common understanding of the student's strengths and needs, so that optimal behavioral and educational programs can be designed and implemented. Collaborative Child-Focused Consultation must be requested by school personnel and requires a fee for service.
Program Consultation
TRIAD personnel are available to aid teachers and other school personnel in developing and implementing specialized programs for students with autism. Consultation may focus on educational or behavioral issues, such as integrating different teaching methods in the classroom setting, developing a coordinated plan for behavior management, or designing a social skills intervention program. Program Consultation must be requested by school personnel and requires a fee for service.
Transition Planning for Adolescents
TRIAD professionals are available to consult with school personnel who have questions about meeting the transition needs of adolescents with autism. Following an individualized social skills assessment, parents and school personnel will work as a team to determine the student's strengths, interests, and needs, and to develop strategies for promoting a successful transition to adulthood.
TRAINING SERVICES
Integrating Different Methodologies Workshop
This workshop is designed for families, school personnel, and therapists. Participants will learn how to use teaching methods consistent with the principles of applied behavior analysis to create a comprehensive educational program for students with autism spectrum disorders. These methods will include discrete trial training, structured teaching, incidental teaching, and positive behavior supports. TRIAD staff will demonstrate how to integrate different teaching methods to create a program that meets the unique needs of each student.
Make It/Take It Visual Supports Workshops
TRIAD offers workshops designed to help parents and teachers create individualized visual supports to help children learn to accept changes in routines, organize their time, understand and anticipate events, learn new skills, and understand behavioral expectations. Materials are provided so that participants leave with their own visual supports- such as picture schedules or naptime booklets- that can be used at home or school.
Peer Training
TRIAD staff are available to provide information to help students understand their classmates with autism. Workshops are designed to be fun and educational. Activities focus on encouraging acceptance and appreciation of individual differences, as well as teaching specific strategies for fostering interactions and friendships with students with autism.
TRIAD Teacher Training (TTT)
TRIAD offers district-wide inservice training workshops for school personnel. The trainings are hands-on and classroom-based. A variety of topics are addressed, including: the characteristics of autism (including diagnostic, cognitive, sensory, and attentional features), functional assessment (including behavior and adaptive skills), instructional strategies (including ABA techniques such as discrete trial training, structured teaching, and incidental teaching), data collection, teaching functional communication and social skills development. TRIAD Teacher Trainings are offered in conjunction with the Tennessee Department of Education.
Tennessee Department of Education's Special Education Announcements and Training Opportunities
Workshops and In-service Training
TRIAD provides training for parents and school personnel through a combination of lectures and hands-on demonstrations. Topics from past workshops have included: structured teaching, functional communication, behavior management, inclusion, and social skills training. Workshops can be designed for principals, speech language pathologists, teacher assistants, and a variety of other school personnel. Half-day and full day options are available. Separate morning and afternoon sessions can be arranged so that teachers as well as their assistants can participate.
