The Trumbull County Educational Service Center's Autism Consultation Team serves Trumbull County's 20 school districts by providing recommendations for students with autism, based on obervations, interviews and records review to address issues affecting student success in a public school environment.
If the autistic students' IEP team feels that he or she needs alternative instructional methods or additional services to achieve the IEP goals, the student is referred to the TCESC Autism Consultation Team. This team, which consists of a classroom teacher, occupational therapists, speech pathologist and school psychologist, works with the student's teacher, service providers, building administrator and/or parents to develop solutions to problems that impede progress.
A referral packet must be completed before the consultation process begins. Upon review of the referral packet, a consultation team member visits the classroom to observe and discuss items such as reasons for the consult, past interventions, behavioral history, and current programming. Next a meeting is arranged with the student's team to discuss the observation and available choices.
- The consultation helps the student's IEP team to become skilled in techniques that may allow student progression in the current environment. If the IEP team determines that the student's current placement does not provide the structures and supports necessary for progress. An alternative placement may be explored.