Some of the participants of the autism spectrum disorder module training session pose for a group photo at the end of the session on May 10.
A TOTAL of 173 people attended the autism spectrum disorder module training session conducted by the Public School System-Special Education Program’s Project Higai on Saturday, May 10 at Crowne Plaza Resort.
The new module is available online and serves as a parent or caretaker resource. It helps families understand autism spectrum disorder and how they can support their children who have autism. To that end, the training module is like a self-contained lesson filled with videos, information, and more.
It also works with screen reader-assisted programs. The module is divided into five sections: an introduction to navigating the module, an autism spectrum disorder overview, a section for supportive strategies, a quiz, and a summary and resources section.
Participants were taken through the module in real time during the training session.
Jerry Diaz, Project Higai coordinator, said the CNMI is “well past autism awareness” and that it is important for stakeholders to be able to “empower” themselves.
He said the training helps parents, students, and other stakeholders reach a common understanding of autism and communicate effectively with one another.
Participants also attended a session on behavior management featuring Dr. Anneka Hofschneider and Dr. Amanda Hughes.
The other speakers included June De Leon, Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service director; Dr. Riya Nathrani, PSS instructional technology coach; and Donna Flores, PSS Special Education director.
