ARIN Autistic Support Programs

ARIN IU 28, in cooperation with area school districts, is now operating classrooms for students who are in need of Autistic Support . ARIN’s Autistic Support Classrooms provide districts and families the opportunity to meet the complex needs of individual students within the community setting of the public school. Unique tools, strategies and techniques are utilized to teach the students academic and important social and behavioral skills. A highly individualized program is developed with a focus on the unique needs of each student. All students receive direct instruction that is specific to their identified needs in the Autistic Support classroom. Students may also be included within the general education environment during some parts of the school day. The primary goal is educational opportunities in the least restrictive environment that enables all students to develop skills for appropriate participation in school, community and family life. The classrooms are staffed by trained professionals and paraprofessionals and are supported by a low student to teacher ratio. The ARIN Autistic Support Program can provide an option for IEP teams to consider when contemplating returning students who have been in outside placements or more restrictive learning environment. The AS classroom may also be a less restrictive option for IEP teams to consider as they seek appropriate learning environments for all students.