eNotes
September 11, 2015In this Issue:
- Informational Memorandum - Children's Social-Emotional and Behavioral Health Source: Office of Child Care - September 8, 2015
- Using Evidence-Based Practices for Learners with ASD - Five Free Online Modules Source: AFIRM - September 4, 2015
- Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Overview for Educators - Free Online Module Source: IRIS Center - September 10, 2015
- Diagnostic Experiences of Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - September 3, 2015
1. Informational Memorandum - Children's Social-Emotional and Behavioral Health
The Office of Child has released an informational memorandum that provides policy recommendations related to promoting children's social-emotional health for states to consider as they prepare their Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) State plans. Some of the recommendations include: enhancing the quality of workforce preparation, attending to continuity of care and appropriate ratio policies, establishing appropriate expulsion and suspension policies, implementing universal developmental and behavioral screenings, and implementing statewide coaching and consultation systems.
2. Using Evidence-Based Practices for Learners with ASD - Five Free Online Modules
Autism Focused Intervention Resources and Modules (AFIRM), an extension of the National Professional Development Center (NPDC) on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), has released five free online modules focused on how practitioners can use evidence-based practices for learners with ASD. Each module includes case examples that demonstrate the practice in use, a multimedia presentation of content with audio and video clips, interactive assessments, and free professional development certificates. Currently, five modules are available and additional modules are on the way.
3. Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Overview for Educators - Free Online Module
The IRIS Center has released a free online module, Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Overview for Educators (August 2015), which provides information on the early warning signs of ASD, the difference between a medical diagnosis and an educational determination of ASD, the strengths and needs of children with ASD, key team members, how family members might be affected, and strategies teachers can use when working with children with ASD. It includes video examples, practice vignettes, and recorded interviews. For example, see this interview with Ilene Schwartz, who discusses strategies teachers can use in early childhood settings to promote the success of a child with ASD.
4. Diagnostic Experiences of Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes the diagnostic experiences of a national sample of children with ADHD as reported by parents in the U.S. and looks at how these experiences align with recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics for the evaluation and diagnosis of ADHD. The report finds that about a third of the children were diagnosed before age 6 - an age at which there are few valid diagnostic tools to support diagnosis. Initial concerns were most commonly expressed by a family member (64.7%) and the majority of children (53.1%) were first diagnosed by a primary care physician. The findings also suggest that diagnosing providers regularly used behavior rating scales and checklists.