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Autism Services
Autism specific services are provided for preschool and school age children and youth in Prince Edward Island. Diagnostic services are available through the Department of Health while intervention services are provided by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI) is supported and supervised by the Preschool Autism Team who provide assessment and individualized programming for young children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. IBI services can be offered either in the home or at early childhood centres.
To facilitate successful experiences for students with autism in an inclusionary school environment, a continuum of supports must be available for both the students and educators. In Prince Edward Island, the Autism Coordinator at the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and Autism Consultants at the school boards provide individual consultation, assessment and behavioural support for students with autism spectrum disorders in public schools. This service is available to students who have a documented diagnosis of Autism, PDD-NOS or Asperger Syndrome.
Training and support for staff serving these students is an integral component of the Autism Coordinator, Autism Consultant and Preschool Autism Specialist role. Strategies based on the science of Applied Behavior Analysis which have been documented to be effective for individuals with ASD are strongly encouraged. Since many individuals with autism have difficulty with change, special attention and planning is provided to prepare for transitions at key points, particularly at school entry, between schools and planning for post secondary environments.
Active parent involvement and ongoing communication is encouraged as this maximizes learning opportunities and generalization of skills. Some individuals with autism demonstrate challenging behaviors which interfere with learning. When individualized behaviour intervention is needed, this is based on a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and emphasizes positive approaches, validated through research.
Teaching peers about autism encourages peer involvement and the development of friendships. Autism Consultants and Preschool Autism Specialists collaborate with the families, teachers and early childhood centres to provide support in this area.
Marlene Breitenbach, M.S.Ed.,BCBA. Special Education Autism Coordinator
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
(902) 569-7792 mmbreitenbach@edu.pe.ca
Eastern School District Autism Consultant
(902) 368-3036
Western School Board Autism Consultant
(902) 888-8400
Commission scolaire de langue française
(902)620-3754
Educating Children about Autism in an Inclusive Classroom
A Resource Guide for Parents of Children with Autism: Supporting Inclusive Practice
Transition to School (section)
Elementary Transition Planning Resource
This information has been taken from www.gov.pe.ca