Warwick hosts workshop April 5 for teaching children with autism

Warwick — You’ve seen the statistics — one in 150 children born today will be diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. You’ve heard the controversy — is it genetic, environmental, caused by vaccines, or a combination? It’s been called an epidemic. One thing is sure — autism is being discussed and studied more today than ever before. On Saturday, April 5, the Warwick Valley School District and the New York Autism Resource Center will co-sponsor a workshop named “Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis and Teaching Verbal Behavior in the Classroom.” Registration for the all-day workshop was completely filled nearly two weeks ago, almost four weeks before the event. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a technique that breaks down tasks into very simple steps and rewards the child for appropriate behavior. The reward system is set up based on the individual needs of the child. Rewards and praise come often with the appropriate behavior. It systematically extinguishes bad behaviors. The goal is to award appropriate behavior. The principles of ABA are being applied effectively in schools to teach language, academics and other skills. Dr. Frank Greenhall, superintendent of Warwick schools, said he was deeply affected by two women who met with him when he first came to Warwick two years ago. They both had sons with autism who were traveling to schools outside of their home district, outside of Orange County, to receive their education. “While I was familiar with autism, it was their tale of out-of-county placement, long bus rides on a daily basis and the lack of what many consider an ideal program for their children in Orange County that struck home with me,” said Greenhall. ‘See my son’s potential’ Last year, these same two women, Lisa Currao and Maria Palladino, invited educational and legislative leaders throughout the county to a presentation at BOCES in Goshen on the needs of students with autism. They also spoke of ABA, which is not readily available in Orange County. Their sons go to school in Rockland and Ulster counties, respectively. “When Dr. Greenhall came to the district, I called his office and made an appointment to see him,” said Palladino. “He was very open to meeting with me. I wanted to tell him about my son. I wanted him to see his potential. My son travels 66 miles away from his home to receive the program he needs.” The meetings by Palladino and Currao certainly left an impact on Greenhall. He is joining with the New York Autism Resource Center to bring this ABA workshop to parents, educators and anyone else in the community interested in this effective tool. Autism is a neurological disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate, reason and socially interact with others. It is a lifelong disorder affecting individuals differently and to varying degrees of severity, which is why it is called a spectrum disorder. There is no known cure and no definitive cause. What is sure, though, is that children with autism can and do learn. ABA is one of the methods used to teach them. Palladino thinks ABA could be used for other children. “This system works to the child’s abilities,” said Palladino. “This can go across the board in special education. You adjust it to the child. It is not rigid and strict.” Up to $135,000 per child Greenhall accepted a role on an Autism Task Force and learned that a lack of available space was one of the main reasons why an ABA program was not available here in Orange County. He also realized that the Warwick school district would soon have space available in its elementary schools due to falling enrollment estimates. It seemed like a good time to take action. Add to that the cost of educating a child outside of the district — transportation and the program for one child could cost upwards of $135,000 each — and it just made sense to him to keep the students here in the district. “We have the students; transporting one and a half hours each way to an education program seems illogical for any student, no less a student with special needs,” said Greenhall. Keep students closer to home Palladino and Currao had set up a workshop last year about ABA and brought in Tom Caffrey to speak. Caffrey heads FATE, the Foundation for Autism Teacher Education. He will present the workshop here in Warwick on April 5. The Warwick district is discussing starting a program here beginning in the 2009-10 school year. It would begin with kindergarten and first-grade students and build from there. “If we can put together a program here in the district, we could keep the kids closer to home and save the district some money,” said Greenhall. And if there is any doubt that a program such as the one Greenhall and the New York Autism Resource Center are partnering on in April is needed, the fact that it was closed out in such a short time is evidence to the contrary. “I appreciate the efforts of the district to do this,” said Palladino. “This won’t benefit my son right away, but I hope it will expand to include him at some point. I’m patient and I am happy to see movement in the right direction. I have confidence in my district.” If you go What: Introduction to applied behavior analysis and teaching verbal behavior in the classroom Who: Thomas Caffrey When: Saturday, April 5, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: Warwick Valley Middle School cafeteria For more information: • www.thefate.org • www.warwickvalleyschools.org