GIST – Guided Intervention Supported Transition Classrooms
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:
- A Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst
- A Speech & Language Pathologist
- Therapeutic Assistant - Speech and Language
- An Occupational Therapist
- Therapeutic Assistant - Occupational Therapy
- An Emotional Behavioural Specialist
- Therapeutic Assistant – Behaviour Therapy
Referrals
For students to be referred to the GIST classroom, the community school’s Inclusive Consultant will observe and work with the school to decide if a referral is appropriate. Parents are contacted and give consent for the referral to be placed. A team member from the GIST program will then come and observe the child to see if GIST will be the best fit for them.
Once accepted into the program the GIST team will decide which program specific classroom will be best for the child.
Locations
RISE – Regulation Inclusion Sensory Engagement
Supports Autistic Children who need specialized and individualized supports for learning and behaviour. This program is meant to be a longer-term support classroom for students who require it. The programming is highly individualized and focuses on independence, regulation and life skills.
Support & Programming
While a student is attending RISE 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:
- A Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst
- A Speech & Language Pathologist
- Therapeutic Assistant - Speech and Language
- An Occupational Therapist
- Therapeutic Assistant - Occupational Therapy
- An Emotional Behavioural Specialist
- Therapeutic Assistant – Behaviour Therapy
Referrals
For students to be referred to the RISE classroom, the community school’s Inclusive Consultant will observe and work with the school to decide if a referral is appropriate. Parents are contacted and give consent for the referral to be placed.