Wakulla County school leaders recently took part in an Autism 101 training session led by Sonia Rosier and Dawn Merrix of the Florida State University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (FSU CARD). The session gave district leaders a deeper understanding of autism spectrum disorder and practical strategies for supporting students on the spectrum.
The training was prompted by House Bill 851, a new state law requiring professional learning systems to offer at least one autism-specific training opportunity for instructional and school administrative personnel. Wakulla County moved quickly to meet that requirement, inviting FSU CARD's regional experts to lead the session.
The training covered the core characteristics of autism, communication and behavioral strategies, and ways to build more inclusive, supportive classrooms across the district. These trainings will continue throughout the district with teachers, paraprofessionals, lunchroom staff, and transportation staff.