The Autism State Directed Project provides instructional resources and training and technical assistance for teachers of students with autism.  The project also provides support and participates in the Virginia Autism Council to improve services for individuals with autism from birth to adulthood.  The project also participates in the state grant from the National Professional Development Center for Autism to offer training and technical assistance in evidence based practices for students with autism.The Autism State Directed Project is led by Samantha Marsh in the Office of Instructional Support and Related Services.

Web sites:

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/special_ed/disabilities/autism/index.shtml

http://ttaconline.org/

http://www.autismtrainingva.org/

http://autismpdc.fpg.unc.edu/

www.vcuautismcenter.org/

Resources for Educators serving students with Autism Spectrum Disorders:

• Competencies for Professionals and Paraprofessionals Supporting Individuals with Autism Across the Lifespan in Virginia
• T-TAC Online Workshops Related to Autism
• AIM Internet Autism Modules by OCALI- The AIM project has developed modules on topics related to ASD and will continue in development to include assessment and identification, characteristics, evidence-based practices and interventions, transition to adulthood, and employment. Module authors include experts on ASD from across the nation. The AIM platform was designed and built by OCALI staff with components consistent with research on how adults learn. Information is presented at a universal reading level with activities providing support to those with introductory or advanced knowledge on ASD. These modules are available at no cost to any computer or digital telephone user.
• Autism E-news archives- These newsletters offer educators an electronic copy of great articles and training announcements on topics related to autism spectrum disorders. You can subscribe to the newsletter by following the link.
• Autism Online Resources- This document provides a wide variety of online resources that may be of interest to teachers working with students with autism spectrum disorders. Listings include information specific, unique, and/or critical to successfully serving individuals with an autism spectrum disorder and are provided under six categories: General Autism, Individualization and Support Strategies, Communication, Social Skills, Behavior, and Sensory Motor Development.
• Autism Resources for Educators in Virginia-The Autism Priority Project has compiled a list of resources that are available from the T-TAC libraries. This list includes books, videos, and tools in the areas of general autism, communication, sensory, behavior, and more.
• Georgia State University - Enhancing Instructional Contexts for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The completed EIC-ASD gives a snap-shot of instructional contexts to see if the basic supports are in place for students with ASD. The EIC-ASD is divided into six (6) sections. A few items are difficult to observe and are phrased as questions to ask teachers, paraprofessionals, and other support staff. Each item is rated as "Insufficient", "Emerging" or "Exemplary". The six sections are as follows:I. Environmental Elements II. Behavioral Change Elements III. Targeting Core Deficits IV. Comprehensive Instructional Prog. V. Instruction VI. Data Collection and Use.
• The VDOE TTAC Video Modeling and Video Self Modeling Wiki which stores valuable training and resources on this evidenced based practice  http://vsmproject.pbworks.com/w/page/423630/FrontPage

Various websites also offering training, live webinars, and additional resources across the state of Virginia:

VIRGINIA AUTISM RESOURCE CENTER ( VARC)

COMMONWEALTH AUTISM SERVICES

TIDEWATER AUTISM SOCIETY OF AMERICA

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AUTISM PAGE

Documents to support Newsletters:

Reinforcement Assessment for Individuals with Severe Disabilities (RAISD, Fisher et al., 1994).

Integrity Checklist for Motivation

Autism Center for Excellence