Program Information
The Guided Intervention Supported Transition (GIST) Classroom supports Autistic children who would benefit from further interventions that are supported by a robust multidisciplinary team. Students attending GIST first register in their community school and can be referred to the GIST program by school team, inclusive consultants & families in collaboration, if needed.
Students registered in the GIST program are supported in numerous ways, which include:
- A holistic approach including intentional plans supported by our instructional coaches, teachers, occupational therapy team, speech and language team and emotional behavioural team members
- Evidence-based strategies and principles grounded in current research reflected in the Autism in Canada Report (2022)
- Intentional, ongoing collaboration between community school team members, CFDL team members, outside multidisciplinary team members (including supports funded through FSCD), the family and the student
- Individualized programs focus on building upon student interests and strengths as well as target areas of growth that are specifically connected to communication and regulation
Support & Programming
While a student is attending GIST, a therapeutic assistant will attend with them from their community school. In addition to the classroom teacher, students will work with a robust multidisciplinary team which may include:
- Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst
- Speech & Language Pathologist
- Therapeutic Assistant - Speech and Language
- Occupational Therapist
- Therapeutic Assistant - Occupational Therapy
- Emotional Behavioural Specialist
- Therapeutic Assistant – Behaviour Therapy
- Mental Health Therapist
- Family School Liaison Worker
Referrals
Students attending GIST must also be registered in an ECSD community school. Referrals to the GIST program occur in collaboration between the community school, inclusive consultant, and student parent/guardian(s). A team member from the GIST program will then visit the community school and observe the student to help determine if GIST will be a suitable option for them.