According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 150 Americans has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Despite these staggering numbers, few avenues exist to provide parents and professionals with information that helps individuals with ASD achieve to their highest potential. This project is designed to provide comprehensive information to assist those working and living with individuals with ASD as they work to increase their knowledge and skill.
The Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI) is in the process of developing AIM in partnership with the Autism Society of America (ASA), the Nebraska Autism Spectrum Disorders Network, The National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Geneva Centre for Autism, Toronto, Canada. In addition, Arizona Department of Education, the Indiana Resource Center for Autism, and the University of Miami Center for Autism and Related Disorders are collaborating on content development for the AIM project.
The AIM project will develop a series of 60 modules by the time the project is complete on topics including assessment and identification, characteristics, evidence-based practices and interventions, transition to adulthood, and employment. Module authors include experts on ASD from across the nation. The AIM platform was designed and built by OCALI staff with components consistent with research on how adults learn. Information is presented at a universal reading level with activities providing support to those with introductory or advanced knowledge on ASD.
These modules are available at no cost to any computer or digital telephone user. Thus, these modules are available throughout Ohio and on a global basis. These modules have the potential to positively impact the educational, family, vocational, and medical communities - on a local and worldwide basis - and may alter the ways in which ASD training occurs. For example,
Approximately 700,000 Ohio constituents have a first language other than English. Based on the NIH prevalence rates above, this means that in the state of Ohio approximately 4,000 individuals with ASD live in homes where a language other than English is spoken. Thus, plans exist to translate the modules into: (a) Arabic, (b) Chinese, (c) Spanish, (e) French, (f) Russian, and (g) Somali.
Through these modules we seek to promote a greater understanding of ASD and to promote achievement, full participation, respect, and equality of persons with ASD. In short, through the use of the World Wide Web, the overall outcomes of this project will be (a) increased ASD awareness; and (b) training and assistance at no cost to the educational, vocational, and medical communities and families.
For further information please contact:
Sheila M. Smith, Ph.D.
Assistant Director
Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI)
5220 North High Street - Columbus, Ohio 43214
Phone: 614.410.0338 - Fax: 614.410.1090
sheila_smith@ocali.org