Autism Classroom Connections

• Introduction
• Results of a Previous Evaluation of an ACC Intervention
• Information about the ACC Evaluation
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about ACC and the Evaluation
• Sample Clips from the ACC Videos
• To Enroll

Introduction

Autism Classroom Connections (ACC) is a series of four multimedia interventions designed to educate typically developing students about Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in elementary and middle school classrooms. Each video-based intervention is designed specifically to educate elementary or middle school populations about autism or Asperger Syndrome and high functioning autism. Teachers, parents, or any other advocate of a child with ASD can easily implement the ACC intervention in the classroom. All intervention packages include one video (approximately 15 minutes) and a facilitator’s guide with instructions on how to conduct the presentation, along with related classroom activities and discussions.

The specific goals of the ACC interventions are to:

• Increase typically developing children’s understanding of autism
• Promote social inclusion of children with autism in general education settings
• Foster empathy and positive attitudes toward children with autism
• Increase positive social interactions of children with autism with peers

With funds from an SBIR grant from the National Institute of Mental Health, development of the ACC interventions will soon be completed. We are now preparing to conduct a full-scale, nationwide evaluation of the effectiveness of AutismVision. During this evaluation, we will examine the ability of the video intervention to improve peer knowledge about autism and promote positive attitudes toward individuals with autism. In addition, the evaluation will determine if the intervention increases social acceptance and improves peer relations for children with ASD in general education classrooms.

We are currently accepting families with children of the following ages and ASD diagnoses for the pilot evaluation of the ACC interventions for the 2007/2008 school year:

• Children with autism (ages 8-15)
• Children with high functioning autism or Asperger Syndrome (ages 8-11)

Space is limited and families will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis. This program is not yet available to the general public. If you are selected, there is no cost to you or your child’s school for the pilot intervention.

To enroll in the evaluation or for more information, please contact the ACC Project Director at accinfo@danya.com or (301) 565-2142.

This program was made possible by Small Business Innovation Research Grant #2 R 44 MH67438-02 from the National Institute of Mental Health.