Each year, the TASH Conference brings together our constituents to share resources and success stories, learn about field-driven best practices, and network within a community engaged in shared values. The Conference is attended by passionate leaders, experts, and advocates from every corner of the disability community. Conference attendees are influential in their fields and communities, and play an important role in the provision of services and supports for the millions of individuals and organizations around the world; and include professors and researchers from leading institutions; those involved in local, state, and federal governments and public policy; special and general educators, and school administrators; self-advocates, adult service providers; students, family members, and many others. This year’s conference theme, Building Diverse and Inclusive Communities, reminds us that equity, opportunity, and inclusion relies on the input of broad perspectives and experiences.
This presentation highlights the challenges that can be associated in implementing free choice activities in inclusive settings for young children with autism if providers are not focused on ensuring children remain actively engaged and making choices. As we work to develop high quality early learning experiences for young children with autism, providers must ensure that the time spent in inclusive settings provides intensive and targeted intervention based on the child's unique learning needs. The presenters will provide specific strategies to ensure the children are engaged in meaningful learning activities while maximizing the student-directed learning opportunities of free choice time.