GENERAL INFORMATION AND HISTORY

Project Overview:

Portland State University in collaboration with the Oregon Department of Education is continuing the development of a statewide network of Regional Autism Training Sites (RPATS).

With the knowledge gained from the autism outcome study and the experience of the first few years of the RPATS project, the RPATS project intends to:

1) Maintain the existing training sites

2) Facilitate the development of several new training sites

3) Continue to develop a “cadre” of regional autism spectrum disorders (ASD) specialists to provide training and information to Regional and District Staff

4) Expand the parent training component.

A Training Site may be structured in a variety of ways. Each Training Site is developed based on the needs of the Region and District. Some Training Sites are self-contained programs, others use a model of “inclusion” and still others use a combination of these approaches. The common theme at these sites is the use of Applied Behavior Analysis techniques (including discrete trial teaching, pivotal response training and teaching functional routines).

Over the last four years (2003-2007) the RPATS project has developed 32 training sites. These sites have provided intensive instruction to students with ASD. An autism specialist is available to provide training to other treachers at each site. See the contact map to identify a regional coordinator in your area.

RPATS is expanding a Middle School pilot program to enhance training for staff in developing and/or implementing a program for middle school students with autism. The curriculum includes two components: 1) how to teach functional living skills to students who need this curriculum; and, 2) how to work with students with high functioning autism and Asperger's Disorder to teach social skills and organizational skills. It is anticipated that by Summer of 2009 an RPATS middle school site will be available in most regions in Oregon.