Autism Demonstration Site

Anne Hathaway Public School
77 Bruce Street
Stratford, ON N5A 4A2
(519) 271-8576

Background

Within the Avon Maitland District School Board, there is an increasing incidence of students with Autism Spectrum Disorders.  As a result, the decision was made to create an opportunity to highlight best practice in the education of these children through the establishment of a demonstration site. Anne Hathaway Public School has a high enrolment of students with Autism Spectrum Disorders, within the District. For this reason, it was selected as the Autism Demonstration Site.

The staff of the Anne Hathaway Public School Autism Demonstration Site, located in Stratford, is committed to maintaining an environment that builds on individual strengths of children within the Autism Spectrum Disorders in a manner that will accommodate the whole child and provide a model for the District.

Focus for the Autism Demonstration Site

The programming is meant to address the following areas of need:

  • communication
  • social skills
  • behaviour
  • independence
  • self regulation of sensory needs
  • academics

During a visit to the Autism Demonstration Site, participants will have an opportunity to view:

  • classrooms designed for children of varying ages and abilities
  • alternate programming
  • specialized communication techniques
  • (e.g. Picture Exchange Communication and Augmentative Devices)
  • visual aids (work schedules, work strips, choice boards, etc.)
  • social stories
  • sensory diet
  • relaxation techniques
  • equipment
  • exemplary Individual Education Plans (I.E.P.s)
  • resources and reference materials

In addition, an allotted time for dialogue with Autism Demonstration Site Team members will be provided. However, questions specific to individual students, will not be addressed by members of the Team. Visitors will have the opportunity to visit two types of settings – a self-contained setting, and a regular classroom setting.

Accessing the Autism Demonstration Site

Access to the site is available by completing the “Autism Demonstration Site Visit Request” form from a Special Education Consultant or by calling the Principal or Vice-principal, Anne Hathaway Public School (1-519-271-8576).

The Request should then be faxed to Anne Hathaway Public School (1-519-271-8516)

Confirmation of your visit will be forwarded to your First Class personal mailbox or Internet e-mail address.

Visits to the site will be scheduled the third Thursday of each month (unless otherwise specified).

A maximum of 6 participants will be accommodated on each visit.

A resource package is available for a small fee designed to cover the school’s material and duplicating costs.

Protocols While Attending the Autism Demonstration Site

Visitors should be punctual; check-in at the school’s office; wear a “Visitor” badge provided. An Autism Demonstration Site Team member and/or the Special Education Consultant will accompany the visitors throughout the maximum two (2) hour visit. The Avon Maitland District School Board is pleased to provide a professional learning opportunity for Teachers, Educational Assistants, Administrators and others interested in acquiring more knowledge and a deeper understanding of students with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Basic, vital information regarding the teaching and support for these children is available in a 7 module, “user friendly” format entitled:

“Autism Spectrum Disorders: Putting the Pieces Together”

Topics include:

  • Definitions
  • Communication

The modules also offer:

  • quick links to related websites
  • a list of the “Top 10” ASD resource books
  • examples of visual communication ideas eg. schedules, task strips, etc.
  • Sensory Issues
  • Transitions
  • Putting It All Together
  • Social Skills
  • Behaviour

Find informationregarding module access at: http://amdsb.mycourses.ca