News
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PA Cyber will sponsor 8 autism conferences next year
November 16, 2007(The following is written testimony offered by Dr. Nick Trombetta and Asha Persaud, representing PA Cyber, to the Pennsylvania House Democratic Committee on Autism at a public hearing at the Community College of Beaver County Nov. 7, 2007)
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) represent the fastest growing diagnosis within developmental disorders in the United States. Increased identification of ASD means that more students with ASD will be found in every community and neighborhood school. At The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School, we have seen the growth in our population and have had success in educating students with Asperger’s and high functioning autism. Inclusion is not always the best choice for every child. Since the majority of children with autism have a tough time with large groups and loud stimulating settings, a typical classroom can be extremely challenging. Research shows that many children with autism thrive in home school settings, where programs can be tailored and individualized to accommodate their needs.
The Autism Society of America estimates the annual cost of educating and caring for individuals with ASD to be around 90 billion dollars. Although increased identification will result in increased costs for education, early diagnosis and intervention have shown the potential to reduce their treatment costs by two-thirds.
The American Academy of Pediatrics is urging that all children be screened for autism twice before their 2nd birthday. Further, it recommends that treatment for autism be started when autism spectrum disorder is suspected, rather than when a formal diagnosis is made. The Help Autism Society Now has published an autism physician handbook, which is a visual guide to autism behavioral symptoms. This handbook will allow primary care physicians to screen children who may be at risk for autism. PA Cyber will assist in making this handbook available to all local physicians.
The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School is dedicated to improving awareness and education for students affected by autism and it is our foremost initiative to raise the bar in our field. PA Cyber aims to provide superior support to students with autism and their families through curriculum development, teacher training, family support, arts outreach, technology, and public awareness.
To increase awareness about autism, PA Cyber is implementing various outreach programs. PA Cyber in collaboration with the National Network of Digital Schools recently sponsored the creation of the Prism Gallery, a traveling exhibition which spotlights the artwork of children and adults with autism. The Prism Gallery held its Grand Opening at the State Capitol in Harrisburg in September and will continue to be displayed at schools and universities throughout the state. The Prism Gallery allows for this artwork to serve as an educational tool as well as to create a bridge of awareness to the world of autism.
This summer PA Cyber created a video entitled The Voices of Autism, which features several local politicians and parents who share their thoughts and experiences with autism. This video will be made available to all schools, agencies, and centers for training and to increase autism awareness.
Through the autism initiative PA Cyber is working collaboratively with local wraparound agencies and experts in the field to develop state of the art trainings to educate and train individuals working with those affected by autism spectrum disorders. These trainings will teach and prepare teachers in the best models and practices to meet the special needs of students affected by autism, and thereby maximizing the effectiveness of the student’s learning experience. To further enhance our training efforts, PA Cyber will also sponsor eight conferences open to all professionals and families, featuring such experts as Carol Gray and Dr. Jed Baker.
Dr. Nancy Minshew at the University of Pittsburgh has stated that the growing evidence for autism as a disorder of brain and cognitive development and as a family genetic disorder demonstrates the tremendous importance for understanding human function, brain development, and genetic regulation of brain development. An understanding of these processes is key to developing very powerful and effective interventions for autism.
The Hope Learning Center, LLC is currently being developed as a center of excellence for families and children dealing with autism, in an effort to bridge the gap between the nationally recognized research being performed at the University of Pittsburgh and the high demand for better and more effective treatment for children with autism. Services at the center will include diagnostic assessments, speech, occupational, physical, and vision therapy, social skills groups, parent support groups, therapeutic summer camps, and a therapeutic equine program. The Hope Learning Center, LLC is also planning on developing a technical school, which will specialize in the education of students with Asperger’s and high functioning autism, allowing them to explore and become proficient in their area of interest.
Ultimately, it is our goal to provide the best education possible for students affected by autism. It is our pledge to work to improve the quality of education—and thereby, the quality of life—of students with autism nationwide.