Next week, over 60 educators from across the Atlantic Provinces will meet in Halifax to share their expertise in the provision of services to students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), says Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Alan McIsaac.

“The 2nd Annual Autism in Education Professional Learning Symposium will bring together key educators from across the Atlantic Provinces,” said Minister McIsaac. “During this two-day professional learning opportunity, educators will add to their knowledge about implementing research-supported practices to benefit students on the autism spectrum.”

The Autism in Education Symposium, taking place April 9-10, is hosted by the Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority (APSEA) and the Autism in Education Atlantic Partnership project. This interprovincial collaboration was established three years ago by the Atlantic Ministers of Education and enables the sharing of best practices, professional development, and resources in the area of autism.

Over the past decade, each of the Atlantic Provinces has allotted leadership positions dedicated to improving educational services to children with ASD. These educators provide essential training, support and guidance at all school levels to encourage effective evidence-based instruction.

“As a result of our ongoing efforts to build capacity in this area, we now have 16 staff providing autism specific services in the school system and in early years programs including the autism coordinators, specialists and board consultants,” said Minister McIsaac. “I would like to recognize the hard work of these staff members and the important services they provide to Island families, and I am pleased they are taking part in this important professional learning opportunity.”

Dr. Dennis Reid and Dr. Carolyn Green will serve as the keynote presenters at the symposium. Drs. Reid and Green are world-renowned experts in the field of staff training, with particular emphasis on the implementation of evidence-based practices for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and challenging behaviours in inclusive educational environments.

For more information on the Autism In Education: An Atlantic Partnership project, visit www.apsea.ca/aie.