LAMBUTH UNIVERSITY HOSTS TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION WORKSHOP ON AUTISM

Jackson, Tennessee, April 2, 2008: 

Lambuth University will host a workshop on Autism Spectrum Disorders (TRIAD) presented by the Tennessee State Department of Education on April 15 in the Wilder Student Union. This no-cost workshop is intended for general education staff only, as well as parents. The workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with lunch 'on your own.' Required reservations may be made by calling Tami Henry at 731-421-5074. Please note: There will be no return confirmations due to the volume of calls we receive.  

The use of inclusive educational placements for students with autism spectrum disorders makes autism-specific instruction for general educators increasingly important. The Committee on Educational Interventions for Children with Autism identified personnel preparation as "one of the weakest elements of effective programming for children with ASD and their families" (National Research Council, 2001). The Tennessee Department of Education, in partnership with the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders (TRIAD) is pleased to provide this autism-specific workshop for general education teachers who serve students with autism. This full-day workshop titled "Extreme Makeover, General Ed Edition: Making Room for Students with ASD" will provide information regarding:

* The characteristics of students with autism spectrum disorders

* The impact of these characteristics on teaching and learning

* Methods for supporting students with ASD in the general education setting

At the conclusion of the workshop, participants will develop an action plan to support students with ASD in their school. This no-cost workshop is intended for general education staff, as well as for parents of autistic children.