Autism Spectrum Disorder
This ASD site was created by our Van Dyke Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Committee to help assist with resources, education, and support for our parents, teachers, and students.
ASD Committee Mission Statement
To unite Van Dyke Public School parents, students, and staff and community members to increase the independence and socialization of our children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Purpose of the District ASD Committee
The ASD committee was developed after a team from the district underwent intense training through Statewide Autism Resources in Training Project (START), which is funded by the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services. Since then, the ASD Committee has expanded to include representatives from each building in Van Dyke Public Schools. Currently, the committee members include teacher consultants, speech-language pathologists, social workers, special education teachers, an occupational therapist, and an ASD consultant. Monthly ASD Committee meetings are dedicated to designing programs to meet the needs of students with ASD in our district. Besides developing and implementing the LINX program and ASD Parent Program, committee members also provide in-service opportunities as well as training in the use of various ASD classroom strategies.
ASD Committee Members
- Nate Agauas
- Brit Austin
- Cherie Beba
- Linda Dunn
- Joan Gallagher
- Linda Graham
- Tricia Huey-Rocheleau
- Allison Kaferle
- Lisa Logan
- Sue Ludlum
- Shawn Murphy-Niemi
- Kim Orosz
- Mary Reilly
ASD District Manual
The number of students who exhibit autistic traits is increasing and the services provided to these students are expanding. As a result, the need for a manual to inform and educate parents, caregivers, and school professionals about ASD became evident.
ASD Parent Support Group
The ASD Parent Support Meetings were established in January 2009 with a Van Dyke Educational Foundation Mini-Grant. The meetings allow parents and siblings of ASD students to share their concerns, discuss strategies, and current relevant topics of ASD.
