• EXCEPTIONALITY: Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD
    • Autism Spectrum Disorder is defined to be a range of pervasive developmental disorders
    • ASD may adversely affect a student's social, behavioral or academic functioning
    • Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder MAY include:
      • An uneven developmental profile
      • A pattern of qualitative impairments in social interaction and/or communication
      • Restricted, repetitive and/or stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, or activities
    • These characteristics may manifest in a variety of combinations and range from mild to severe
    • CCPS provides any combination of the following services/accommodations:
      • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
      • visual cueing systems
      • communication training
      • direct social skills instruction
      • occupational therapy
      • physical therapy
      • special education
      • assistive technology
      • speech and/or language therapy
    • Collier County Public Schools utilizes the Individual Education Plan or IEP Team to determine the Least Restrictive Environment, LRE, for each student based on that student’s needs
    • Possible Special Class Placements: The IEP Team may determine that the student is best served in a special class placement
    • INTENSIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION, IBI – a special class placement for students with significant behavioral needs…separate placements for students with typical cognitive abilities and for students with limited cognitive abilities
    • MODIFIED CURRICULUM, MC – a special class placement for students with limited cognitive abilities AND without significant behavioral needs…also a placement for our students with significant medical needs.  The IEP Team may determine that the student requires instruction in Florida’s Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Access Points if the student meets the criteria as outlined in FL Rule 6A-1.0943(5), F.A.C.

    DISTRICT CONTACT

    Sonja Samek, ESE Coordinator
    (239) 377-4779
    SamekS@collierschools.com

    INFORMATION & RESOURCES

    ORGANIZATION/RESOURCE HYPERLINK

    BRIEF DESCRIPTION

    Florida Department of Education – Autism Spectrum Disorder

    The definition, eligibility criteria, and resources for Autism Spectrum Disorder from the Florida Department of Education.

    Community Assistance Resource and Education Program

    C.A.R.E, Collier County Sheriff’s Office

    C.A.R.E. (Community Assistance Resource and Education) is a program established by the Collier County Sheriff's Office to assist citizens that have special needs.

    Project Lifesaver

    Project Lifesaver is a tool that law enforcement agencies can use to search for missing persons...such as persons with dementia, Autism and other brain dysfunctions that cause them to wander away from their caregivers.

    Center for Autism and Related Disabilities CARD

    A community-based project that provides information and consultation to individuals diagnosed within an autism spectrum disorder and related disabilities. 

    ASD & Hurricane Preparedness

    CARD

    Center for Autism and Related Disabilities resource page for preparing for and going through a hurricane.

    Autism Speaks

    Autism Speaks is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan.

    Autism Society of America 

    The Autism Society strives to empower individuals with Autism and their families to make informed decisions in the planning and delivery of individualized, evidence-based services and support.

    Naples Therapeutic Riding Center

    The mission of the Naples Therapeutic Riding Center is to improve the lives of children and adults with physical, social and mental health needs though therapeutic riding and other equine-related programs.

    Special Olympics - Collier County

    Special Olympics spreads compassion and acceptance in a way that can unite the world. Our goal is to awaken everyone — and every community — to each person’s common humanity.