COMPETENCIES FOR PROFESSIONALS AND DIRECT SUPPORT STAFF IN VIRGINIA

SUPPORTING ADOLESCENTS AND ADULTS WITH AUTISM

2014

Est. December, 2001www.autismtrainingva.org

SKILL COMPETENCIES FOR PROFESSIONALS AND PARAPROFESSIONALS IN VIRGINIA SUPPORTING

INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM ACROSS THE LIFESPAN

• First Published in October, 2005• Revised September 15, 2010• Adolescent and Adult Competencies - 2014

• Developed to guide best practice in supporting individuals with autism across the state

• Used in all fields of service delivery• Based upon consistent findings in current research

Why Develop the Skill Competencies?

Because EVERYONE May Support a Person with ASD

• Educators• Adult Service Providers• Related Service Personnel• Every kind of Educational Specialist• Direct Service Providers

For a Professional to be Effective, We Must Establish:

• What is the required knowledge?

• What are the required skills?

• What are the required abilities?

Use of the Skill Competencies

• Identify the areas of need for services and support for the individual

• Guide development of programs • Guide development of university-based

classes • Guide training and staff development

– Individual direct support staff/ professionals– Group professional development

Who Should Demonstrate

• Direct Support Staff – Refers to anyone directly supporting adolescents or adults in any service setting. Examples include but are not limited to: Day Support, Residential, Employment Staff, Consumer Directed Respite or Personal Care.

• Professional – Refers to anyone with treatment planning and or supervisory responsibility for adolescents or adults in any service setting. Examples include but are not limited to: Qualified Developmental Disabilities Professional (QDDP), Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP), Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP), Qualified Employment Service Organization Specialist, and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor.

Competency Areas• General Autism Competency Statements• Environmental Structure and Visual Supports

Competencies • Communication Competencies • Social Skill Competencies• Behavior Competencies • Sensory Motor Development Competencies • Independence and Community-engagement

Competencies

SKILL COMPETENCIES FOR PROFESSIONALS AND DIRECT SUPPORT STAFF IN VIRGINIA SUPPORTING ADOLESCENTS AND ADULTS WITH AUTISM

DEVELOPED BY THE VIRGINIA AUTISM COUNCIL

General Autism Competencies1. General Autism Competencies Statements Direct Services

StaffProfessional

Understands the characteristics and diagnosis of autism as defined by the most recent version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual.

Lists and explains the defining characteristics of autism (Communication, patterns of stereotypical behavior, socialization and social skill development) and the impact on the individual.

Lists and explains the associated characteristics commonly present in autism (ex: difficulties in sensory processing, motor skills, theory of mind, and imitation) and the impact on the individual.

Lists and explains the associated cognitive characteristics and learning styles commonly present in autism (ex: difficulties in executing functioning, attending, planning, abstract thinking, problem solving) and the impact on the individual.

Describes the continuum of abilities within the Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Describes the range of possible behaviors across the lifespan. Describes potential courses of development and outcomes in individuals with autism from infancy to adulthood.

How toAccess the Skill Competencies

• Available to download on the website at www.autismtrainingva.org

– Contact the VA Autism Council (info@autismtrainingva.org)