Grant Recipient/ Project Description

1) Kids Included Together-San Diego (KIT) -  Supporting Inclusion for Children with Autism in Community Programs.- This project will employ a blended learning approach designed to further support inclusion of children with autism in after school programs. This includes 1) a creation of two downloadable pod casts; 2) on-site consultations for programs in San Diego County; and 3) development of a resource guide for providers. Out-of-school time programs in San Diego County include YMCA's, Boys & Girls Clubs, City Recreation Departments/Centers, enrichment programs, and school-based child care programs.

2) CSPP Alliant International University - NFAR is currently providing support of a graduate research study "Predictor and Moderator Variables of Martial Satisfaction in Parents Raising Children with Autism." This study aims to (1) better understand the effect that raising a child with autism has on the martial dyad, including gender specific reactions and (2) determine which factors moderate the relationship between stress and martial satisfaction for these parents.

3) Poway Unified School District, Special Education Department -Teachtown Pilot Project - A pilot study of an Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) based software for children with autism in the classroom setting. Research that has examined the effectiveness of Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) for teaching children with autism and other developmental disorders has been promising. If proven successful, this technology could offer children with autism additional opportunities for ABA instruction.

4) COMPASS Family Center - Research and Development of an Adult Transition Program- The objective of the COMPASS Family Center's Adult Transition Program is to assist and help prepare families to successfully navigate the adult transition process. COMPASS Family Center will accomplish this through a series of instructional seminars that includes IDEA guidelines and the roles of school districts, Regional Center and other adult provider agencies.

5) Vista Hill Stein Education Center - Boardmaker Software and Computer Lab - With NFAR funding, SEC will be able to purchase the licenses necessary to place Boardmaker software in its classrooms and programs. Boardmaker software has over 3,000 picture communication symbols to improve and enhance communication skills. The "computer lab" area will provide students with instructional as well as leisure opportunities and give students a highly motivating activity.

See projects funded in  2008, 2007, 2006, 2005