Autism Supports and Interventions
KRESA’s Autism Supports and Interventions program helps students with autism spectrum disorder succeed in their school and community.
We provide specialized classroom settings and coaching in local schools so that every learner can build independence, social skills, and positive learning behaviors. Our mission is to include every student, support their unique needs, and help them grow in confidence and ability. In practice, this means every learner will have a team, including general and special educators, therapists, and you as the parent, all working together to help them thrive.)
Our Services
Autism Supports and Interventions provides center-based classrooms located within local schools, offering a smaller, structured setting with specialized support. Autism Supports and Interventions provided in a separate classroom represent a more restrictive setting. This placement is designed for students with autism who require intensive, individualized support that cannot be effectively delivered within the general education environment, even with supplementary aids and services. The goal remains to build skills that promote greater independence and inclusion, with the intention of transitioning to less restrictive settings as appropriate. Key features of our program include:
Small Class Sizes
Each Autism Supports and Interventions classroom has a low student-to-teacher ratio. Class sizes are typically around 6–8 students with one certified special education teacher and 2–3 paraprofessionals.
Structured Environment
We utilize evidence-based practices like visual schedules, predictable routines, and applied behavior analysis (ABA) strategies to create a supportive learning environment.
Integrated Therapy Support
Many students in our program also receive related services such as speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, or social work services.
How to Obtain Services
Placement in ASD Supports & Interventions is determined through the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process.
- Identification & Initial Support
Your child might already be receiving support in your local district. Kalamazoo RESA has an Intensive Support Team (behavior/autism specialists) that can consult with local schools. - IEP Team Meeting
If, after trying various supports, your child you still aren’t making progress or safely accessing the school environment, an IEP meeting is convened to discuss a change in placement. The team will include you (parent/guardian), local school staff, and a KRESA autism program representative. The team will review data (academic, behavioral, etc.) and determine if the ASD program (separate classroom) is the least restrictive environment where your child can be successful.
Program Locations
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please contact Titania Lee at titania.lee@kresa.org.