Autism Awareness in the Greenfield Public Schools

Autism is a "developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction" (http://www.doe.mass.edu/sped/links/autism.html).

Resources:

• Apple Celebrates Autism Acceptance Month With Two New Videos http://www.macrumors.com/2016/04/02/apple-autism-acceptance-month/. "The videos - titled "Dillan's Voice" and "Dillan's Path" - show how...the iPad, has helped a young man with autism navigate a world that doesn't fully understand what he's going through."
• Autism Speaks https://www.autismspeaks.org/
• Autism Live http://autism-live.com/, an interactive web show focused on all things autism. "With nearly 400 episodes and hundreds of other video segments featuring experts and special guests, Autism Live has become a trusted source for parents, teachers, and practitioners to learn, share, and ask questions about autism spectrum disorder (ASD)."
• Autism Live's YouTube page
• Autism Awareness Toolkit containing grade level lesson plans, an Internet guide and book list, a puzzle piece template, and discussion guide: http://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/docs/family_services_docs/liub_educational_tool_kit.pdf
• Light It Up Blue campaign: https://www.autismspeaks.org/liub
• New England Center For Children (NECC):  https://www.necc.org/parent-education-series/
• PBS LearningMedia Autism Resources for parents and teachers http://mass.pbslearningmedia.org/search/?q=%22Autism&selected_facets=&selected_facets=
• Autism Resources for Families
• Sesame Street Autism Resources for Parents
• Reduce the Noise: Help Loved Ones with Sensory Overload Enjoy Shopping
• CDC Autism Links and Resources
• Operation Autism for Military Families
• Academic Accommodation Resources
• Temple Grandin's Teaching Tips
• Estate Planning for Parents of Kids with Autism

• For staff:  All teachers of spectrum students should apply for and secure their Autism Endorsement prior to 12/31/16 when the state intends to mandate coursework and licensure to work with ASD students  Please see Chapter 226 at the DESE website:  http://www.doe.mass.edu/boe/docs/fy2016/2015-09/item5-chpt226excerpts.pdf#search=%22Chapter%22

For more information, please contact:

Special Education Department

(P) 413-772-1320 (F) 413-774-5825