Autism: Seeing the World from a Different Angle

Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) present unique educational programming challenges, due to their complex neurodevelopmental, social, and behavioral difficulties. The notion of “spectrum” is truly conveyed by this diverse group of learners, and therefore, brought about the development of our Social Thinking Model Classrooms for Santa Rosa County School District. Our classrooms focus on providing a continuum of support and services for the individualized need of all students across an array of functioning and grade levels. The Social Thinking Access Points Model Classroom was designed for students whose participation in the general statewide assessment (FSA, FCAT, FCAT 2.0 and End of Course Exams) has been deemed as not appropriate by the IEP team, even with accommodations. The students in the Social Thinking Access Points Model classroom will take The Florida Standards Alternate Assessment (FSAA) and their instruction will be aligned to the Florida Standards Access Points. The FSAA measures students academic performance on the Access Points (FS-AP) in Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science. Access points reflect the essence or core intent of the standards that apply to all students in the same grade, but at reduced levels of complexity. Access Points are academic expectations written specifically for students with significant cognitive disabilities. It is expected that only students with the most significant cognitive impairments, who are eligible under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) will participate in The Florida Standards Alternate Assessment.