National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorder (NPDC) Comprehensive Program Model

The NPDC comprehensive program model is designed for elementary school students with autism (kindergarten through 5th grade) in both special education and inclusive classroom settings. The program focuses on improving program quality and supporting teachers to implement evidence-based practices (EBPs) with fidelity. Implementation begins with a 1-day summer training academy for school Autism Teams (A-Teams) consisting of special education teachers, general education teachers, administrators, speech language pathologists, and other staff. The program includes: (1) assessment of program quality using the Autism Program Environment Rating Scale (APERS) with follow-up action planning; (2) development of measurable student goals using the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS); (3) selection and training on EBPs matched to individual student goals from 27 identified focused intervention practices; and (4) ongoing coaching (6 hours per week per school) with pre-observation meetings, observations, and post-observation debriefs to support EBP implementation with 80% fidelity. Teachers access online learning modules through the AFIRM website and receive weekly performance feedback until reaching fidelity criterion.