ANALYSIS
Today’s Challenges Faced by Transporters of Young Children with Autism
By Dr. Linda F. Bluth
IN PREPARATION FOR WRITING THIS ARTICLE ON TRANSPORTING YOUNG CHILDREN WITH AUTISM, I REVIEWED MY ARCHIVE OF TRANSPORTATION ISSUES. I REALIZED THE 13TH NATIONAL CONGRESS ON SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION, HELD IN 1995, WAS THE FIRST MEETING SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1939 TO ADDRESS TRANSPORTATION OF PRE- KINDERGARTEN AGE STUDENTS, INCLUDING INFANTS AND TODDLERS. WHILE SERVING AS CHAIRPERSON OF THE INFANTS, TODDLERS AND PRESCHOOL WRITING COMMITTEE, I WROTE THEN, AS I BELIEVE NOW, “INFANTS, TODDLERS AND PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN ARE OUR YOUNGEST AND MOST VULNERABLE PASSENGERS AND DEPEND ON TRANSPORTATION PERSONNEL TO PROVIDE A SAFE RIDE TO AND FROM EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAMS AND HEAD START.”
Nearly 15 years later, I believe this is especially true for young children with autism. For
them, transportation is the key to maximizing benefits from specialized early interven- tion services. It is imperative for bus drivers and attendants to be knowledgeable and fully
informed about the characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and how au- tism may impact the bus ride. ASD is an umbrella term used to describe several developmental disorders in which children have substantial differences in social development and communication skills, as well as unusual behaviors. ASD is not a diagnostic category; it is used to refer to three different diagnoses under the catego- ry of pervasive developmental disorders. Tose three diagnoses are autistic disorder, Asperger’s disorder and pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). ASD is commonly described as a range of complex neurodevelopment disorders, characterized by social impairments, communication difficulties, and re- stricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior. It is not out of character for children with autism to exhibit behaviors including repetitive movements, such as rocking and twirling, self-abusive behavior, such as biting and head banging, or echolalia (repeats words). When drivers or attendants misunderstand these behaviors, a resulting inappropriate
response or intervention could escalate a challenging situation. I recall an incident on the first day of school in which a bus transporting preschool children with autism was late in arriving home. Parents were frantic and began to call the school district — and me. When the transportation director and I located the bus, the driver said he was wait- ing for many of the children to stop rocking while he drove because he considered it a safety hazard. Clearly his training was inadequate. For young children with autism, physical, cognitive or behavioral limitations present
specialized challenges beyond the typical transportation training provided for drivers and attendants. It is essential that drivers and attendants be fully informed about posi- tive interventions used in the classroom that are applicable to the school bus ride. With this in mind, early intervention specialists, educators and therapists have a responsi- bility to collaborate whenever possible when planning for transportation to and from early intervention programs, preschool centers and Head Start. Te Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and Individualized Education Program
(IEP) developed for each child pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are the mechanisms for addressing the unique needs of young children with autism. All IFSP and IEP decisions are required to be made on a case-by-case basis. Some of the more common challenges that must be addressed include: physical handling; communication limitations; behavior management strategies; use of child safety re- straint systems (CSRSs); seating; lighting; and noise factors on board and outside the bus. Never underestimate the invaluable information that parents can offer when ana- lyzing circumstances. Unfortunately, due process hearing decisions and court proceedings are not uncom- mon when transporting autistic children. Cases have included the use of child safety
32 School Transportation News Magazine February 2010
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