The CNS Program

The CNS (Center for Neuro-developmental Supports) Programs were developed first at the elementary level and have since been implemented at middle and high school. Nationally, children identified with neurointegrative disorders now comprise the second largest group of new referrals for special education evaluations. The CNS Program looks very different at each level but exists to provide support for children of average intelligence or above with executive functioning difficulties specifically Asperger’s and high functioning autism. The students in the CNS Program must have significant CNS needs, such as Asperger’s, higher functioning Autism spectrum, exhibit clearly impaired pragmatic language and social skills, have cognitive and social rigidity, low frustration tolerance, and impaired executive functioning skills (planning and organizational skills). The typical profile of a CNS student depicts a child with average to superior cognitive ability and significantly at risk for regression in overall functioning. The students are cognitively organized to focus on detail and often have difficulty understanding social relationships. The students may withdraw to escape the sensory overload of a typical school classroom, or they may “meltdown” and cause disruptions to learning for themselves and others.

Students are typically mainstreamed with support for as much of the school day as possible. This unique program provides students identified with neurointegrative disabilities programming designed to provide the structure, instruction in social and language pragmatics, and the access to grade-level academics required for educational progress.

Elementary CNS Program

The elementary CNS Program is located at Lyseth. This is a district wide program, which services students from Kindergarten to 5^th grade. At the elementary level students in the CNS program work closely with a team consisting of a special educator, occupational therapist, social worker, speech and language therapist, and several educational technicians. Based on their needs and their IEP, each student receives individualized programming. Examples of this programming are sensory breaks built into their day, additional adult support in the classroom, social skills lessons, resource room support, speech and language services, and occupational services.

Middle School CNS Consultant Program

At the middle school the CNS Program is facilitated by one consultant teacher who moves between the three middle schools. This program is based on the research-based, best practice of a consultative model. The consultant is not a direct service provider and only works directly with students to model techniques and strategies to other staff. The consultant provides teacher and ed tech training and encourages a consistent approach across the district for each individual student. The program provides access to regular classrooms for academics and social skill development, yet will also provide, in each building, a place for pre-teaching, direct instruction, a quiet area supported area when needed, a dedicated space for sensory integration activities such as swinging or brushing programs, and practice of social and language pragmatics. Program staffing requirements include a special educator, 1-9 ed techs, as well additional speech services, social work and occupational therapy.

This consultant provides assessments, observes students, participates in PETs and planning meetings, develops programs, provides materials, may participates in in-class and pull-out services, models appropriate service delivery methods, consults with all staff and any outside consultants and may work directly with students. The role of the consultant is also to develop and administer training programs for staff (regular educators, special educators, ed techs and specialists) and to provide consultation on programming and related issues for CNS students. The consultant sometimes provides direct services to students as a means of modeling techniques and strategies for other staff. The consultant provides regularly scheduled opportunities for ed techs assigned to a CNS student to meet and to learn. The consultant accumulates knowledge through workshops; conferences, research and participation in consultation sessions with contracted consultants, and will relay the information to the staff in the middle schools. The CNS Consultant is also charged with developing a research resource library for materials, software and training opportunities for staff.

Portland High School CNS Program

The district-wide high school program is located at Portland High school and is staffed with a teacher and a variable number of ed techs depending on the needs to the students. The students attend regular classes and receive support in the regular setting from classroom staff. Social skills groups, sensory integration activities and individualized services are also provided in the CNS classroom.

CNS Entry Requirements

Students are enrolled through a process; the PET can generate referrals but the process must be followed to ensure appropriate programming and staffing.

Diagnosis on the Autism Spectrum

High Functioning Autism
Aspergers
PDD/NOS
Executive functioning difficulties (significant)

Need additional support either in or out of the classroom more than 50% of their day.

Have one or more of the following behaviors:

Meltdowns
Peer interaction difficulties
Sensory issues
Anxiety
Executive functioning difficulties

When to begin CNS?

Incoming kindergarten students – are they a match for above according to their IFSP?
Students already enrolled in Portland Public Schools – need to go through the referral process.
Students moving into the district – examine their IEPs, are they a match for the above?

Exiting the program – return to home school.

show a significantly decreased level of support over time (30% or less)
significantly decreased amount of the above behaviors.

The referral process is the following:

Inquiry from person/school to learning strategist of school where program is located (Lyseth or Portland High) Director or Assistant Director of Student Support Services
Send referral form to pending student’s school/teacher.
Receive IEP and any testing.
The CNS team will discuss information they have received – assign a case manager.
Set up observations for two CNS staff members to observe in his/her home school.
Set up observations for home school staff to visit CNS program.
Parent visitation may be arranged.
CNS team will follow up with discussion.
Arrange to have PET meeting set up.
Student is accepted into CNS program or their home school creates a different appropriate plan.

If student is accepted into the CNS program, create a transition plan and assign homeroom teacher and appropriate support.

CNS Referral Form

(Attach current IEP)

Student Parent(s)___

School_____________________ Grade_________________________

Diagnosis ____________________________________________________

Current therapy/interventions ______________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Reason for referral_______________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Parent’s concerns _______________________________________________________________

Recent Evaluation(s)/by whom ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Recent Neurological Evaluation(s)/by whom _________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Recent Physical(s)/by whom _______________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Current medication(s), reason for medication, and dosages _ ________________________________________________

Outside agencies working with the student/on what behaviors/contact person

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The CNS Team would like a signed release to talk with these outside agencies. Please use the Portland Public Schools release of information form.

CNS Entry Requirements

Student ____________________ Parent(s)_______________________

Current medication(s), reason for medication, and dosages _______________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________

Student Parent(s)___

Current medication(s), reason for medication, and dosages _ ________________________________________________