Need in NJ
New Jersey has the highest rate of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in the country, at approximately 1 in 94 children. From 2000 to 2007, the number of children with autism ages 3-21 who received special education services in New Jersey increased 157%.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides a Federal mandate that assures each child with a diagnosed learning deficit free and appropriate public education. It is crucial that educators and professionals working within school districts and the community are highly trained to work with individuals with ASD and their families. However, the reality is that many professionals already in the workforce are not prepared to work with this population.
For children diagnosed with ASD, the additional services that may have to be provided could include a speech therapist, an occupational therapist, a school psychologist, a social worker, a school nurse, and a classroom aide. These professionals are in addition to a staff of highly qualified special education teachers for each grade level and content area. With the sharp increase in the number of children with ASD, school districts in New Jersey are creating in-school programs for these children because the cost of out-of-district placement or private schools is prohibitive. Educators and other professionals who have never worked with this population are being asked to do so.
During 2007-2008, members of the Kean Autism Research and Education steering committee surveyed over 700 education professionals at the New Jersey Education Association convention regarding their continuing education needs related to ASD. Even though over 60% of the respondents indicated their school districts provided them with professional development opportunities to learn about ASD, almost 100% of those surveyed wanted more in-depth training in a variety of areas. Topics of interest ranged from behavioral issues and classroom management to sensory processing, social skills, and the neurobiology of ASD. There is clearly a recognized need among school professionals for additional and continued training in this area.
In November, 2008 Kean University hosted a major regional conference titled Autism: Putting the Pieces Together, An interdisciplinary conference for teachers, parents and professionals. Registration was closed at 1,000 attendees and the waiting list grew to several hundred. In responses to a survey after the conference, attendees identified many issues but repeatedly asked for more in-depth coverage of topics. 79% of the parents who responded to the survey indicated they were interested in an online monitored discussion group.
Families of children with ASD are overwhelmed with the magnitude of what they must deal with. Many struggle first to get a diagnosis, then to search for a treatment, to understand what services are needed and how to get them. It is bewildering and overwhelming. Since ASD continues throughout the lifespan, families must continually deal with changing issues including the transition to adult life, aging and guardianship issues. Families who have children/adults with ASD often feel alone and isolated. They crave information and support, and could profit from talking with other families in similar situations, but are frequently not able to leave home due to their children’s needs.