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Autism

"Autism is not an illness. It's a different way of being human. Autistic children and adults progress through developmental stages as we all do. To help them, we don't need to 'fix' them. We need to understand them and then change ourselves--our beliefs, attitudes, and actions." - Dr. Barry Prizant

 

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.

With the May 2013 publication of the DSM-5 diagnostic manual, all autism disorders were merged into one umbrella diagnosis of ASD. Previously, they were recognized as distinct subtypes, including autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome.  (Autism Speaks, July 5, 2015)

Autism is a spectrum disorder. Think of a rainbow with a wide array of colors. Some individuals are on the severe end and others on the mild end with endless variety through the middle (Melmed, 2007 p.3).

This wide array of characteristics provides us with students who are unique. The issues and problems faced by parents and educators working with students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are also unique. The teacher of students with ASD is well aware of these issues and problems and is very likely the most adept person on the campus in dealing with unique needs and individualized interventions.

Each year, Region 14 ESC provides support and encouragement for the parents and educators though opportunities for learning, instruction, and hands-on technical assistance.

 

A colorful event poster for the 21st Autism Extravaganza.

Autism Extravaganza

We hope you can join us March 5, 2025, for the 21st Annual Autism Extravaganza! Register by clicking here or by calling 325-675-8636

Register Here
The TSLAT logo features the acronym in dark blue and a stylized outline of Texas in shades of blue and green.

Texas Statewide Leadership for Autism Training

The Texas Statewide Leadership for Autism Training (TSLAT) offers FREE, accessible autism resources for educators and families! Visit https://spedsupport.tea.texas.gov/ to learn about our Autism Circuit Academy and teacher toolkit, TARGET manual, over 90 online courses, video gallery with parent, expert, and teacher interviews, Strategies-in-Action, mentoring guides, statewide conference, blog, and more. Visit the Contact Us page to connect with your regional autism specialist. Start learning today!

Click Here

VIDEO LIBRARY

 

Timely and purposeful short videos that support educators and parents in their work with children with autism. These videos feature classroom strategies, interviews with autism experts, teachers, and parents.

The Texas Autism Resource Guide for Effective Teaching (TARGET) is designed to assist schools in developing practices from initial referral to program development and implementation with a strong emphasis on evidence-based and peer-reviewed strategies. The TARGET has two sections: one on assessments and one on interventions. Use the search feature to find an evidence-based intervention for your student!

 

Logo for Autism Internet Modules, featuring a stylized figure with colorful ribbons.The AFIRM logo features overlapping circles in pastel colors with the acronym in bold text.Logo for The National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorder.

 

UC Davis Health logo with text 'ADEPT: Autism Distance Education Parent Training' and an image of a parent and child.The ASAT logo features a flame above the text 'Real Science, Real Hope'.

 

 

 

 

The AutismCircuit logo features the text 'AutismCircuit' in blue and a stylized circuit element.Logo for Autism Classroom featuring a puzzle piece apple and text.Logo for Paula Kluth, featuring colorful pencils and text.

 

Image promoting Autism Resources from ASHA, featuring a logo of two faces and sound waves.The Pinterest logo is displayed above the AutismCircuit logo.Project IDEAL logo with text: 'Connecting Research to Practice for Teacher Educators'.

 

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) logo features a gray box with the letters 'NIH' and a blue arrow.The TEACCH Autism Program logo features a person and child interacting within a triangle.

The Autism Navigator logo features a stylized person looking up at stars.Book cover featuring a smiling man with the title 'Ask Dr. Tony'.The Autism Society logo features a blue and white design with the words 'Autism Society'.

 

Logo for the Indiana Resource Center for Autism, featuring the Indiana University logo.The CDC logo features white text on a blue background with radiating lines.Image featuring Linda Hodgdon with text: 'Use Visual Strategies for Autism'.

 

Logo featuring a stylized sun, the letters 'AR', and a blue wave.Image featuring Linda Hodgdon with text: 'Use Visual Strategies for Autism'.Image features the Texas state outline with text: 'Created by parents, for parents'.

 

Image of a yellow ruler and text: 'The Legal Framework for the Child-Centered Special Education Process'.Image promoting the 'Uniquely Human' podcast, focusing on autism and neurodiversity.

A woman smiles while standing near a tree, wearing a necklace and black cardigan.
Amber Davies, M.S., CCC/SLP
Autism Consultant
adavies@esc14.net
325-675-8636

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keep up-to-date by joining the Region 14 Autism Email Listserv!