The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 1 in 110 children in the United States have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) – a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.
Locally, Questar III is responding to this urgent national public health concern by expanding its services to children diagnosed with autism. While many students with autism can be placed in a number of Questar III special education classrooms, a new BOCES program for higher functioning students launched this month at Rensselaer City.
Director of Special Education Robin Sobol said a new Spectrum Program, based at Questar III’s Rensselaer Academy, provides students on the autism spectrum with opportunities to work towards achieving a Regents high school diploma while strengthening their social and emotional skills.
While there is currently no cure for autism, Sobol says Questar III can help students remedy specific symptoms and foster substantial improvement in social interaction, communication and behavior.
“We’re seeing more students classified with disabilities on the spectrum of PDDs. As an extension of their home school district, we are committed to providing these students with programs that are conducive to their individual development,” Sobol said.
Students are “mainstreamed” or grouped with regular education students for as much of their school day as appropriate. Students attend regular academic courses, but also receive additional academic and social/emotional support as part of the program.
Through visual scheduling, repetition and positive reinforcement, Sobol said Questar III will help students with autism work towards becoming more independent both socially and academically.
In addition to social skills development designed for students on the autism spectrum, students also have access to physical education (PE) or adaptive PE, social worker support and psychologist support.
The Spectrum program runs September through June, with an extended year program available as an option.
