| Abstract: Because the prevalence of autism continues to rise dramatically, school administrators struggle with the needs of children with autism and how best to provide appropriate, data-based programming in their district. This symposium will provide administrators and other district persons with practical solutions to assist in including students with autism into their district and building quality programs that fit their needs and add benefit to their staff. We will discuss the building of a district program by following several case study districts from their inception to their recognition by the state of New York as a quality school district program for students with autism spectrum disorder. Often, administrators find challenges at all levels of program creation, including finding resources, training personnel, and answering tough questions from parents and staff about including students with autism. The presenters will provide participants with answers to difficult questions and practical solutions to the challenges faced by administrators looking to create new programs. For those administrators who have existing programs in their district, this workshop will highlight issues of quality control and how to maintain programs as the district continues to grow. Handouts will include a framework for administrators to use with their district and a quality control checklist. |