A report on autism services in Missouri has been presented to the State Board of Education – a report which contains many facts and figures on autistic children and offers some policy recommendations for the state to consider.
The report was produced by the University of Missouri’s Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Center Co-Director Janet Farmer says even though autism is a medical disorder, it is essential for educators to be a part of the search for treatments.
Farmer would like to see the State Board of Education learn more about autism and then set a policy. She says the Board can influence teacher education by building in the things we already know and building on that. She adds that while it is important for teachers to obtain pre-professional training while in university, there are advantages to having counselors or advisors to help teachers once they move into the classroom.
The report does not include a price tag for the costs associated with the proposals.
Download/Listen: Steve Walsh report (:60 MP3)
