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Making a difference for children with autism
“ I would like to take my shoes off ,” a young boy said to his teacher , as he pulled off his sneaker to reveal a bunched-up sock inside .
In any other classroom this kind of interaction would seem like no big deal . However , this situation was different . The child was autistic and had extensive language , social and behavioral needs . Unable to produce oral speech , he spoke through a speech output device , a touchscreen computer that produces words when certain icons are pressed . It was the first time that he had used the device to make this kind of request . In the past , such discomfort may have led to a behavioral outburst .
Instead , the interaction helped to validate hours of systematic work . He was now using language to communicate even subtle wants and needs . His teachers and parents were thrilled . In time , his parents would share that they were noticing similar strides at home . In short , it was a really big deal .
Scenarios like this are common in this autism support classroom , situated within a local school district and staffed by certified teachers who are also students in the Special Education & Applied Disability Studies graduate program at Mercyhurst University . Over the past few years , the classroom ’ s faculty and staff have witnessed many major victories with their students . To outsiders and even some families , these victories often come as a surprise . But , because these educators have been extensively trained in best practices , they expect nothing less .
The classroom is one of few in Pennsylvania that began as a collaboration between local school districts and a university . It is also one of several supportive relationships among local schools and agencies and the graduate program at Mercyhurst , which is part of the Mercyhurst Institute for Applied Behavioral Studies . These cooperative relationships offer real-world experiences for graduate students in the program , as well as training and consultation for behavioral clinicians , teachers and therapists working for agencies and school districts .
The successes accomplished in the autism support classroom are directly related to the use of researchbased methods . However , few regional programs offer professionals the chance to obtain high-level training in these methods . In fact , Mercyhurst is the only program in the region that offers a certificate program in applied behavior analysis ( ABA ) and also the only one that offers an Autism Spectrum Disorder endorsement from the Pennsylvania Department of Education .
As a result of Mercyhurst ’ s unparalleled commitment to autism and applied behavior analysis , the graduate program in Special Education & Applied Disability Studies claims among its graduates many
of the most effective and sought-after behavior analysts , autism clinicians and educators in the region . Their commitment to evidence-based practice ensures that more children and families get to experience success . Armed with expertise and training , the program ’ s graduates are truly making a difference . And , just like the little boy who can now communicate , that is a really big deal .
Thomas Kitchen , M . S ., BCBA , is an assistant professor of special education and director of the certification programs in Applied Behavior Analysis
Special Education Graduate Programs
• Master of Science in Special Education & Applied Disability Studies
• Grad Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
• Autism Endorsement / Grad Certificate ( PA Department of Education )
Learn more about these programs at mercyhurst . edu / special-education .
Special Education and Disability Studies
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