WHEELING Free training will be provided for parents of children with autism spectrum disorders and anyone interested in learning more about working with children with autism.

Dr. Jim Ball, a board-certified behavior analyst who began working for RESA-6 in September, will be the presenter during the Thursday session. Ball is president and chief executive of JB Austim Consulting, headquartered in Cranbury, N.J.

There also will be a two-day training session Thursday and Friday at WesBanco Arena, Wheeling, for selected teachers from Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marshall and Wetzel counties. The training will be on applied behavior analysis and cover instruction of social skills for students with autism. It will focus on teaching specific social skills, enhancing motivation and generalization training. A step-by-step demonstration will be presented using real-life examples.

Ball who began working in the private sector field of autism more than 20 years ago in a variety of settings, has provided educational, employment and residential services to children and adults affected with autism.

The training session for parents and the community will take place in a relaxed environment in which participants will be encouraged to actively participate. There will be time for questions and comments, as well as networking with other parents in the region.

Austim is defined as a disorder that appears by age 3 that is characterized by impaired ability to communicate with others and form normal social relationships and by repetitive patterns of behavior. Autism is an issue that Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marshall and Wetzel county schools are working together to address, using assistance from RESA-6.

Sue Langmeyer, a Marshall County psychologist, said students with autism have difficulties with social skills and sensory integration, some of which are exhibited through various characteristics. Research indicates children with autism have difficulty generalizing appropriate behavior and expectations from one setting to another, and that continued practice and positive reinforcement of behaviors across a variety of settings and with a variety of people are crucial to the success of a student with autism outside of the school system.

Ball currently makes monthly visits to RESA-6 meetings with parents of those diagnosed with autism and also trains teachers. Ball pointed out that each child reacts very differently when it comes to help extended to them.

The counties have developed autism teams that include personnel such as highly qualified teachers, administrators, school psychologists, certified autism mentors, speech/language therapists, occupational and physical therapists, counselors and educational specialists. They, along with other staff, participate in extensive training throughout the year to fine tune their skills and to keep current with educationally sound interventions.

With 1 in 150 children being affected by autism, the RESA-6 counties are providing a multitude of professional development opportunities for teachers, administrators, instructional aides and parents to ensure the best possible instruction for all students.

Although registration is not mandatory for the parent/community training session, organizers said it would be appreciated. To register, call Patti Dei at 304-243-0440 or e-mail pdei@access.k12.wv.us.