Autism

Pattan Autism Initiative Guiding Principles

The PaTTAN Autism Initiative vision is to provide systemic support utilizing evidence-based practices to empower special education teams across Pennsylvania.  

PAI Core Values

We support all Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to cultivate internal capacity to effectively implement teaching strategies and classroom systems.  

We provide on-site coaching, modeling and classroom training and technical support to ensure that all classroom teams and teachers receive the necessary tools to meet the diverse needs of students, including those with autism and related disabilities, as well as other complex needs.  
We collaborate closely with districts to foster inclusive learning environments, thus elevating student outcomes and championing equity in education, ensuring that every student can meet their fullest potential.  
Consultation provided by the PaTTAN Autism Initiative is ongoing and adaptable to the evolving needs of classrooms and students.

Autism Initiative Systemic Supports:

The PaTTAN Autism Initiative offers systemic supports designed to promote sustainable, district-wide improvements in practices for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as well as other students with significant social communication and language needs. This work centers on building internal capacity within districts, ensuring that effective, evidence-based practices are implemented consistently across all instructional environments, not solely within special education settings. The application outlines the framework of the three-year cycle of systemic support and the role of the internal coach.

Resources

Training & Events

Training Calendar

Autism Resources

Evidence Based Practice Modules

PAI Virtual Enrichment Series

Short, hour-long sessions that build on our 2- and 3-day trainings.

The PaTTAN Autism Initiative (PAI) invites all team members to its Fall 2026 Virtual Enrichment Series. These hour-long sessions build on our longer 2- and 3-day trainings and help you strengthen specific skills. Sessions are held the first Thursday of each month, plus one extra session on Election Day.

Fall 2026 session schedule
Date	Time	Session
September 21, 2026	8:00–9:00 a.m.	Be a Classroom Leader / Collaborative and Respectful Team
September 21, 2026	2:30–3:30 p.m.	Collaborative Relationships
October 1, 2026	8:00–9:00 a.m.	Cooperation and Reinforcement
October 1, 2026	2:30–3:30 p.m.	Social Routines
November 3, 2026	9:00–11:15 a.m.	Direct Instruction — Election Day special session
November 5, 2026	8:00–9:00 a.m.	Manding
November 5, 2026	2:30–3:30 p.m.	Intensive Training
December 3, 2026	8:00–9:00 a.m.	Social Skills
December 3, 2026	2:30–3:30 p.m.	Intermediate/Advanced Programming: Action, Part, Adjective & Class

RBT credit: Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) credits will be available starting October 1, 2026.

Leading for Impact

A professional learning series for administrators.

Leading for Impact helps school administrators build the leadership skills needed to support students with autism. The series covers how to build strong systems, support evidence-based instruction, and use data to guide decisions.

What You'll Learn

Build effective systems and collaborative teams
Support high-quality, evidence-based instruction
Use data to guide decisions about instruction and programs
Create meaningful, inclusive learning opportunities
Strengthen collaboration among educators, families, and service providers
Improve academic, communication, social, and behavioral outcomes for students with autism

Session Schedule

Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 offerings
Session	Fall offering	Spring offering
1. Building Systems & Collaborative Teams for Students with Autism	October 22, 2026	February 4, 2027
2. High-Quality Instruction for Students with Autism	October 28, 2026	February 18, 2027

Format: Delivered virtually, about 2 hours per session. Attend one or both sessions — they aren't sequential, so you can take them in any order.

PAI Capacity Series

Save the dates — developing trainers, empowering systems.

This Train-the-Trainer series is for District Internal Coaches (ICs) and Intermediate Unit (IU) TaCs across Pennsylvania who are supported by the PaTTAN Autism Initiative. Join this returning series to build your coaching skills, strengthen your system's practices, and connect with other trainers. Sessions are in person, once a month.

Save the Dates

2026 session schedule
Date	Topic
September 16, 2026	How to Be an Internal Coach (IC) + Organization
October 21, 2026	Parent Communication and Training
November 18, 2026	Data Systems, IT, and Manding
December 16, 2026	Natural Environment Teaching (NET)