Mar 10, 2025, Cardinal News: Bill would expand autism training for school personnel
The legislation, sponsored by state Sen. Bill Stanley, R-Franklin County, would give teachers and other school staff the chance to obtain advanced training to better support autistic students.
Sen. Bill Stanley, R-Franklin County, sponsored SB 1293, which passed both chambers unanimously. Under the legislation, school instructors and employees would have the annual option for advanced training to better support autistic students.
Educators and staff need training that helps develop coping mechanisms versus relying on practices of restraint, according to Stanley. Too often autistic students are placed in one room with not enough staff, who have also not had enough training, Stanley said to a Senate Education and Health subcommittee on Jan. 23.
The program would help educators and staff with effective communication, behavioral recognition and support strategies when working with autistic students.
“We’re dealing with students with compassion, understanding and knowledge rather than reacting to a situation that they may not understand,” Stanley said.
Personnel who complete the training would be eligible for professional development points that go toward their license renewal, based on the in-person hours of completed coursework.
John Cimino, attorney and public policy advocate with the disAbility Law Center of Virginia, testified in support of the bill. The organization wants to ensure students with autism receive the care, services and support that can help eliminate seclusion and restraint in school rooms.
Advocates such as the Virginia Education Association and the Autism Society of Central Virginia think the strategy will be beneficial to teachers and students. . . .
The number of students in the classroom who are diagnosed with autism has increased, Flippin said.
Around 17% of children from ages 3 to 17 are diagnosed with a developmental disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data reported by parents from 2009-2017. . . .
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