Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities

Although great strides and progress have been made in physical education, recreation and sports programs for special populations in the last 10 to 15 years, much remains to be done. Detailed discussion and analysis are presented about ways past activities have influenced present status and their implications for future directions in these program areas. Current trends and directions in special education are related to comprehensive physical education, community recreation, and sports programs for special populations. Specific sections deal with the following program areas: aims and objectives; structure, organization, and administration; curriculum; methods and evaluation; personnel; professional preparation; facilities and equipment; research; and coordination.

Four severely retarded clients who had never adapted to the work requirements of a sheltered workshop underwent a special training program based on operant conditioning techniques. Because of the low intellectual level of the subjects, and the general complexity of the work tasks available in the workshop, it was decided to first teach them the general principle of a job, using a simpler work task. The model task was broken down into four stages and taught in isolation from the other clients in the workshop. Each stage was taught in gradual steps with concrete reinforcements for successful responses. Once the model task was mastered, a work task from the workshop was introduced. After the subjects mastered this task, they were returned to the workshop where they continued to receive reinforcements. Three of the four subjects successfully completed the training and are currently achieving an acceptable productivity level in the workshop.

A brief historical and contemporary description of the administration of services for the retarded in Norway is presented. Current legislation and data on facilities are cited with observations concerning current trends in the delivery of services. Some major problems and future goals of the Norwegian system of services are reported.