Margaret Gray, Ph.D., Professor Director of Special Education Programs Fontbonne University

Introductions Margaret Gray, Fontbonne University Who are you? “Educators” teachers, paraprofessionals, admin/supervisors- all levels Therapists, clinicians, social workers, interventionists Parents, family, care-takers Community organizations or agencies Others…….

Examples of Best Practice? Examples of Inadequate Practice?

Principles and Practices Collaboration Wrap-around services Early Intervention Career-Transition Inclusion Mentoring Community Education Community Partnerships Partner Schools Self-determination Self- regulation Theory of Mind Sensory processing support

Gaps in service areas : Early diagnosis, accurate diagnosis - rural and poor areas - eligibility determination for services Transition – School preparation – Adult life Work -Supported employment -Competitive employment

Resources, Missouri Based ASD (as focus) and D.D. The following slides contain some limited information on agencies, programs, and services. However, the hyperlinks give extensive information and often have booklets, and other resources available through the connections.

MO FEAT MO Families for Effective Autism Treatment MOFEAT Website Directory of services Organization of parents and professionals throughout Missouri with headquarters in St. Louis. Mission is to provide advocacy, education, and support for families and the autism community and to support early diagnosis and effective autism treatment.

Missouri Autism Guidelines Initiative Sponsored by: 1.Thompson Foundation for Autism; 2.Department of Mental Health (DMH), Division of Developmental Disabilities Guidelines Website …production & dissemination funded by the Missouri Foundation for Health These two project sponsors were brought together by their shared belief that current research and scientific data would help inform professionals’ clinical judgment for earlier, more accurate screening, diagnosis, and assessment of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).

MO Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders This Commission was *created in 2008 and is part of Division of Developmental Disabilities operating under the authority of the Missouri Department of Mental Health. Deptartment of Mental Health / Developmental Disabilities Autism information and services * Senate Bill 768 (passed into law in ’08)

Senate Bill 768, June 2008 became law in August, 2008 and created: A.“Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders” (see previous slide) B.“Office of Autism Services,” is responsible for 1) leadership in program development for children and adults with autism spectrum disorders, 2) establishment of program standards and 3) coordination of program capacity. OAS is housed within the Division of DD of the Department of Mental Health.

Missouri Autism Coalition Mission: to promote collaboration and information sharing regarding autism issues in Missouri. “Autism Buzz” the organization’s Informational link: Autism Speaks Resources Guide, MO Workplace

St. Louis Regional Agencies The listings to follow are also provided on a handout. This will be used only to point out categories and patterns.

To requests electronic copies of my resources from the slides, please me: with subject line : “CEC resources.” Margaret