INCLUSION

What Edmonton schools are doing to include students with autism

Edmonton Catholic Schools ■ screens all students in 103 pre-kindergarten classes for conditions that could affect their learning, such as autism, said Rhonda Lang, director of inclusive education.

Edmonton Catholic has

■ planned training for district psychologists to diagnose autism, to help reduce wait times at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, said Alara Hedebring, who manages district psychologists.

Students in both districts

■ have access to professionals such as occupational therapists, psychologists, early learning facilitators, reading specialists, therapeutic assistants and board-certified behavioural analysts, along with teams of professionals who travel between schools to determine what adaptations might help.

Both districts can provide

■

“assistive technology,” such as tablets with programs to help students communicate.

Many schools have sensory ■ rooms with dim lighting, soft furniture, soothing music and cylinders of bubbling water.

Edmonton Public’s

■

Interactions program began in the mid-1980s, and has expanded to 62 classrooms in 37 schools, said Brenda Gummer, director of inclusive learning, specialized service. Classes are small, and have structured routines, and equipment such as exercise balls and pillows.

Edmonton Catholic’s GIST

■ program began in fall 2015. Students come for six to 18 weeks, and behavioural analysts and psychologists teach both students and their usual school staff coping techniques.