ANDERSON CENTER FOR AUTISM DESIGNATES PINE PLAINS AN AUTISM INFORMED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Staatsburg and Pine Plains, New York…Executives from Anderson Center for Autism announced today that Anderson engaged Pine Plains Central School District in comprehensive training and consultation that has resulted in the district’s designation as an “Autism Informed School”. The initiative, led by Anderson Consulting, included facilitation of group training programs for faculty and staff of Pine Plains Central School District, as well as organizational development consulting. The goal is for the district to bring to life its plans to implement all possible measures that can better accommodate and promote success for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Said Kathleen Marshall, Director of Program Services at Anderson Center for Autism: “Anderson Center Consulting has had the pleasure of working with Pine Plains CSD faculty, staff and administrators for several years. Recently, all faculty and staff including food service, transportation, and buildings and grounds personnel participated in a training about Autism Spectrum Disorder. This professional development investment helps to increase understanding of students with neurodiversities and strengthens the supportive and inclusive school culture. Kudos to PPCSD!”
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 54 are now diagnosed with Autism, a neurological disorder marked by communication, social, and behavioral challenges. Anderson Center for Autism, which provides educational, vocational, and residential service to individuals with autism from all over the United States, as well as fellowship programs for professionals from over 50 countries, has worked with dozens of Hudson Valley businesses and organizations as they seek to become Autism Supportive Environments℠ (ASE). That ASE classification is granted following a training series with Anderson Consulting that is designed to help participants better understand, serve, and support individuals with Autism and their families. Anderson has also recognized the Village of Rhinebeck as an Autism Supportive Community. Pine Plains is the first school district to receive the “Autism Informed School” designation from Anderson.
Patrick Paul, CEO and Executive Director at Anderson Center for Autism, said: “As we continue to expand our efforts to train groups, businesses, municipalities, and organizations so that they can become more autism-supportive, we’re thrilled to announce this news that Pine Plains has become the first School District to gain designation from Anderson’s consulting team as an Autism Informed School. They’ve made an important statement to their entire community – one rooted in a commitment to delivering compassion and care to students and families impacted by autism. We extend heartfelt gratitude to the faculty and staff of Pine Plains for working with us to advance Anderson’s mission of optimizing the quality of life for people with autism.”
Pine Plains Director of Pupil Personnel Services Janine Babcock added: “Beginning last year, the Pine Plains Central School District collaborated with Anderson Center for Autism to provide their ‘Supporting Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder’ training to our district faculty. The teachers were so receptive to this training that we decided to keep sharing it. This training has now been provided for every district employee who interacts with students – inclusive of teachers, assistants, aides and monitors, secretaries, transportation, and cafeteria staff. We believe this training will reap benefits for our students with special needs for years to come as all of the trusted adults who interact with them on a daily basis will be better able to understand their needs and help to foster positive school experiences.”
For more information on Anderson’s Consulting services, contact: Lisa Susczynski, Consultation Administrator, at: LSusczynski@AndersonCares.org or by calling 845.889.9616.
About Anderson Center for Autism
Anderson Center for Autism is a nonprofit organization based in Staatsburg that provides educational, vocational, and residential services to people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism presents with communication, social, and sensory processing challenges and now impacts 1 in 54 people, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Our mission at Anderson Center for Autism is to optimize the quality of life for people with autism. For more information, call 845.889.9208 or visit www.AndersonCenterForAutism.
