OrPATS training sites are doing some amazing things for students. We will try to highlight some throughout the year.
Chenowith Elementary, The Dalles
Let us tell you about a boy we'll call "Danny." This was Danny's first year in school. In the Fall, he needed full physical assistance to check his schedule and transition. He would slam doors, and interacted with most objects by throwing them. Danny started out with initial lessons within the STAR curriculum, such as working on matching objects (instead of throwing them).
As Spring approaches, Danny is a different boy thanks to the hard work of his team. He checks his schedule independently. He is working on matching words to pictures and identifying actions. He is much better at following safety commands and will now ask permission to close a door. He is beginning to do pretend play with farm animals during PRT, because he learned not to throw them! He will also spontaneously greet his peers and teachers, and to see him sit, participate and attend during group instruction is amazing.
His progress has generalized into the home. Danny's parents shared how happy they were to see what he's learned at school and the growth he has made at home. This is thanks to the consistent implementation of strategies, one of which is the "Target" visual. The classroom staff made a target for Danny to set items on instead of throwing them. This visual support helped him know where he can put his objects, and provided a replacement behavior to throwing. Now staff could tell him what to do, "put it on your target." In addition, it created a holding spot for his favorite motivating items, which he now more readily gives up during work time.
If you have a success story you'd like to include in future newsletters, please share it with your consultant. | 
