April is Autism Acceptance Month! It’s important to use this time to learn about the unique perspectives of individuals on the autism spectrum to help foster understanding and acceptance. This leads to the creation of spaces where individuals with autism can thrive, shine, and be celebrated for who they are. We are celebrating the month with our ESC Structured Teaching for Autistic and Communication Delayed Kids (STACK) Classrooms. The STACK Program provides a continuum of educational services for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. The Program provides a structured learning environment for students in kindergarten through high school, that recognizes differences in rate and nature of development within and among children with ASD. Classes are in public school buildings allowing for access to general education curriculum, opportunities for peer interactions, and a more fluent transition between the continuum of program options.
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder refers to a developmental disability with a neurological basis that affects an individual’s verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction. Each individual with ASD has unique abilities, symptoms, and challenges.
ASD is a spectrum disorder, and the symptoms and characteristics of ASD can range from mild to severe. Individuals may exhibit any combination of characteristics in any degree of severity. This means that two children with the same diagnosis can act very differently from one another and has varying skills and needs. Children with a diagnosis of ASD can be either nonverbal or verbal.
Every person with ASD has a unique personality and combination of characteristics. Some individuals with mild ASD exhibit only slight delays in language, but greater challenges with social interactions. For example, they may have difficulty initiating and/or maintaining a conversation. Individuals with ASD are often described as talking at others instead of with others (e.g., they may monologue on a favorite subject despite attempts by others to interject comments).
There is also an educational definition of ASD. The educational definition was designed to identify children eligible for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This identification is made by the child’s evaluation team which is convened by the school district. Parents are included as members of this team. This evaluation takes into consideration whether the child’s symptoms adversely affect her educational performance. A clinical diagnosis is not required for an educational identification of ASD, nor does it automatically guarantee identification under IDEA.
What Inclusive Spaces Mean to Students with Autism
The ESC believes that inclusivity makes the difference for our students and staff so we created the “I Am More Than Autism” campaign. People with autism should have the freedom to develop and showcase their talents, skills, and personalities. They are learners, athletes, friends, artists, siblings, advocates, and more! Hear from our students, parents, teachers, and staff about what makes them unique.
My STACK class is where I can be myself.
My teachers are kind and make learning fun.
I love school because I love my STACK class.
—Student in Elementary STACK classroom
I love that STACK is the building block to independence. The balance between social skills support and structured, routine instruction allows students to gain the skills needed not only for educational success but for lifelong independence.
—STACK Classroom Teacher
Asher has grown so much this year in his STACK class. His amazing Teachers allow his personality to shine while building his confidence so he can explore and develop his social and academic skills. Our family is so grateful Asher has the opportunity to learn in such a caring, safe and supportive environment.
—STACK Student’s Parent
I have had the opportunity to support students in the STACK program as an Intervention Specialist and as a Special Education Coordinator. I have seen positive growth through many of my students. One student I had the honor to support as he developed his language skills. Another received direct social skills instruction to play and engage with grade level peers at recess. Finally, a student received individualized academic instruction to learn to write their name independently. With my positions through the program, I have had the opportunity to provide more than academic instruction. I have had the opportunity to provide the skills sets to build the foundation to independence.
—ESC Special Education Coordinator, Marie Langenkamp
Our 3 years in the STACK program (K-2nd grade) have taken us from a child with severe behavioral issues, meltdowns and constant verbal and physical aggression to a kind young man who can now read and participates in the general education classroom for portions of his day. We still have our moments but the progress he has made with STACK is also reflected at home which has made a huge positive impact on our day to day lives. While there are many factors that have contributed to his improvement (maturity, consistency, doctors, therapy, his hard work!!). The support he receives at STACK has brought that all together.
—STACK Student’s Parent
Before we knew about STACK, we were hopeful for a program that would see the potential in our child, foster his independence and creativity, and be something he’d actually enjoy attending five days a week. Boy has this program, and his teacher surpassed our expectations! Thankful for the STACK program being offered through the district and thankful to all who take part in making it succeed for our children.
—STACK Student’s Parent
Autism. This was a term my family and I were not familiar with, until my son was diagnosed at the age of two and a half. From there, it was a whirlwind of worry, research, tests, and multiple types of home based and center-based therapies. When it was time to begin school, what were our choices? We thought there were no options, until the preschool administrator told us about the ESC of Central Ohio and their STACK classrooms for children on the autism spectrum. My son's world changed completely, as he was able to learn and thrive in this structured classroom, taught by caring, well educated, and trained teachers. My son has been a student in a STACK classroom since kindergarten, he is now a sophomore in high school, continuing to grow and now working on life skills as well as academics in a STACK classroom.
I left my 18-year career in banking and began employment with the ESC as a teacher assistant in 2016. In 2023, I graduated with a master’s degree in education and licensure as an intervention specialist through a fellowship with the ESC and Ohio University. Being a parent, teacher, and advocate for those on the autism spectrum is very near and dear to my heart. Autism Awareness is so important. Autism does not just affect families, but entire communities. April is Autism Awareness Month- spread the educated information!
—STACK Student Parent & Teacher
Individuals on the autism spectrum are more than their diagnosis. It is important to continue to advocate for sensory safe environments and inclusive education and employment opportunities for those with autism. Being more than autism isn't just a slogan—it's a truth that deserves to be embraced, celebrated, and upheld every day.