Collaboration with School Divisions

We are committed to providing comprehensive support to children ASD and their families. One crucial aspect of our work involves collaborating with school staff to ensure our clients, their students, receive the necessary support to thrive in an educational setting.

Here are a few of ways MASC works with local school divisions in Hampton Roads:

• School Observations – Classrooms, cafeterias, and all that comes with being in a school environment can present unique challenges for children on the autism spectrum. From navigating social interactions to managing sensory input, these difficulties can negatively impact the student’s ability to access the free, appropriate public education they are entitled to. Through school observations, our behavior analysts can observe a student with ASD in the school setting, gather data on the student’s behavior, help determine the function of the behavior, and help create interventions specific to that student.
• Collaborating with School Staff – The key to success for our clients in school is collaboration. We work closely with teachers, special education staff, related service providers, and administrators to establish open lines of communication and foster a collaborative approach in supporting a child with autism spectrum disorder. By sharing our expertise and understanding the school’s constraints, we can develop effective strategies that align with the child’s individualized education program (IEP) and promote success in the classroom for both the student and teacher.
• Build Capacity within the School Community – In addition to directly supporting our clients, we also aim to build capacity within the school community to effectively support students with ASD. Through training sessions, workshops, and ongoing consultation, we empower school staff with the knowledge and skills needed to create inclusive and supportive learning environments. By fostering a collaborative partnership between our organization and the school, we ensure continuity of support and promote positive outcomes for our clients with ASD.