Teaching Social Skills to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders Through

Multi-Tiered Service Delivery

Frank J. Sansosti, Ph.D., NCSP

Kent State University

Workshop Description/Abstract

As growing populations of students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) enter schools, school psychologists are increasingly called upon to assist with educational planning and support. The purpose of this workshop is to provide school psychologists with practical information for creating and implementing various assessment driven strategies that contribute significantly to the growth of children with ASD in a variety of educational settings. Specifically, this workshop will provide participants with knowledge of “how-to” enhance social, and behavioral outcomes of students with ASD.Topics of discussion will include: (a) recent advances in neuropsychological research, (b) teaching academic content, (c) incorporating social goals in the classroom, and (d) planning for behavioral success. Specifically, this workshop will focus on environmental and social support strategies, as well as academic modifications to accommodate student needs. Ultimately, participants in this workshop will return to their respective work environments with practical and effective solutions for educating students with ASD.

Outcomes

As a result of this workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Identify characteristics of ASD that may affect academic performance and how to implement effective teaching practices to accommodate these students.
  • Incorporate strategies that program for social skills in structured and unstructured activities during the school day.
  • Select a variety of behavioral support strategies for students withASD.

Brief Bio

Frank J. Sansosti, Ph.D., NCSP is Assistant Director of the School of Lifespan Development and Educational Sciences and Associate Professor and Coordinator of School Psychology at Kent State University. He has extensive experience working with individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in both school and clinic settings. Prior to his current position, Dr. Sansosti worked as a school psychologist and district level autism consultant. While in this role, he provided coaching and technical assistance for early intervention and best practice approaches for students with ASD in inclusive settings, and coordinated efforts between parents, teachers, administrators, and district level personnel. Dr. Sansosti’s primary research and professional interests focus on the development and implementation of behavioral and social skills interventions for individuals with ASD and best practice approaches for the inclusion of students with low-incidence disabilities. In addition, Dr. Sansosti has been active in conducting professional workshops for educators working with students with ASD at local, regional, national, and international venues and he serves as a consultant to multiple school districts.