HANDS in Autism® Interdisciplinary Training & Resource Center offers specialized, systematic training and consultations to medical, educational and other model sites throughout Indiana and beyond.
Our goal is to help teams move beyond delivering better services themselves to truly developing a demonstration of the HANDS in Autism Model that can be replicated and used for training and building capacity at their site. At the same time, the site can serve as a hub for others to visit and see the Model and evidence-based practices in action.
Before launching a site, we learn about the attitudes, beliefs and culture of the setting to discern their needs.Then we progressively work through the HANDS Model to coach, provide feedback and foster self-reflection for improved application across students and settings.
The HANDS in Autism team works closely with teachers, administrators and staff to figure out what they need, like changes to the physical setup, visual cues, or ways to manage behavior. We gather and study this important information, and then work together to find and use proven strategies, tools, and resources to meet those needs.
This method of supporting and training students—which is based on solid evidence and involves practical, hands-on methods—helps students become more independent with improved social, developmental, behavioral and academic outcomes. Students are offered specific modules, such as physical structure, schedules, choreography, work system, age groups, populations or other setting categories that best match their interests or needs.
We encourage you to email us at hands@iu.edu for more information. Our team will be able to tell you which model sites are able to demonstrate which specific categories, such as physical structure, schedules, choreography, work systems, etc.