Bainbridge Island School District’s Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) services are provided for students identified with autism in grades preschool through grade 12.

The ASD Coordinator meets regularly with building based teams and/or students’ case managers to address individual student needs and progress. The ASD coordinator and student case manager works collaboratively with the general education teachers, specialists and paraeducators to provide appropriate supports and strategies that promote student success and generalization of skills.  The student’s IEP team work collaboratively with the ASD coordinator on Functional Behavior Assessments and generating Positive Behavior Support Plans.

Each school seeks to provide a learning space accessible during the school day for students needing sensory breaks, group social skills instruction, check-in/check-out home base, and low-stimuli environment to promote self-regulation.  This learning space is available based on the individualized needs of a student.

The ASD Coordinator provides oversight and coordination of the program to support school based-teams and promote efficacy.  The ASD Coordinator’s responsibilities are staff development, data collection, student tracking, transition planning and proactive communication plans.  Additionally, the ASD Coordinator works with school-based teams to promote appropriate, evidenced-based instruction through data-driven decision making in the student’s educational environment.

 
The District seeks to provide on-going training for staff Preschool through 12.  Training content has, and continues to include, topics or programs such as:  Overview of Autism, The Incredible 5 Point Scale, Social Thinking/Social Communication Strategies, Promoting Student Self Regulation and Self Advocacy, Supporting Independence, and Behavior as a Means of Communication.