John Molteni, Director, Autism Spectrum Disorder Initiative, Saint Joseph College, West Hartford

What is the Autism Spectrum Disorder Initiative?

The Autism Spectrum Disorder Initiative at Saint Joseph College is an interdisciplinary center with several core functions. In addition to our 15-credit graduate certificate program in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), the ASD Initiative is also providing continuing education opportunities for teachers, parents and community service providers, community service efforts such as a free lecture series and research on effective educational interventions. We have recently added a course sequence in applied behavior analysis which has been approved for individuals interested in pursuing this certification.

 

What is the Autism Summer Institute at Saint Joseph and what is its purpose?

The Autism Summer Institute is designed for parents, educators and professional with an introduction to autism spectrum disorders and education/intervention strategies. It will help caregivers and teachers understand the educational needs of children with autism and will improve dialogue between teachers and parents. Participants in the Autism Summer Institute will:

* Be able to directly apply their knowledge through the acquisition of new skills

* Gain information that will assist them in developing effective advocacy and program development skills.

* Promote the discussion between parents and professionals about how to best meet the needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorders through the integration of school, home and community based learning and behavioral strategies

 

As explained in a news release, Saint Joseph College offers the only program in Connecticut that supports the development of Board Certified Behavior Analysts.  This is considered significant because Applied Behavior Analysis services under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst is one form of therapy now covered in a new Connecticut law requiring coverage of autism treatments deemed medically necessary by a physician or psychologist.   How long has this program been at Saint Joseph College?

This program is new and we will be offering the first courses this September. Our program has been approved by the BACB. This is a significant approval as it gives students peace of mind that the courses meet the academic requirements needed to sit for the certification exam to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

Why does there seem to be an explosion of autism in the United States? It seems more prevalent than it ever did in the past.

There are several likely reasons. One is that we are more precise in our instrumentation used for diagnosis. Additionally, in recent years, the information available has increased dramatically and there has been an effort to identify autism at younger ages (i.e., before the age of 2). Diagnostically, the definition of conditions that fall on the Autism Spectrum has also been broadened so more children fall within the spectrum of disorders.

 

What are some of the advances that have been made in autism treatment?

Many efforts have been made to improve outcomes for individuals with autism across the lifespan. Social communication, interaction and play have also gained significant attention over the past 10 years with multiple efforts to improve these critical skills for individuals to allow them to function more fluently. A good deal of work is needed to continue to identify evidence-based practices that can be implemented by practitioners and parents.

 

Is autism, in effect, a life sentence for children diagnosed with it? Is there hope that they can one day be cured of this ailment?

As autism is considered a neurodevelopmental disorder, there is general consensus that it is a condition that will remain with a person throughout their life. This, however, does not mean that there is no possibility for individuals with autism to overcome the challenges they face. There are already reports of individuals who have made substantial gains to the point where they no longer meet the diagnostic criteria for autism and are indistinguishable from same age peers.

At this time, the focus on a cure will continue and research will go on and, if one is found, it will likely be years in the making.

 

For more information about the Autism Summer Institute, contact John Molteni at (860) 231-5699 or jmolteni@sjc.edu