New CDC Guidelines for K-12 Schools Spark Concern in Autism Community – Saint Joseph’s Expert Available to Discuss

This week, the CDC released initial considerations for ways in which K-12 schools can help protect students, teachers, administrators and staff and slow the spread of COVID-19. Joseph McCleery, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology and executive director for academic programs in the Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support at Saint Joseph’s University, is available to discuss why these guidelines are unrealistic for many students with autism and why families are concerned about what will happen if and when these students are unable to comply with the suggested guidelines.

 McCleery says:

• “When creating educational guidelines for the communities, local and state leaders in education and legislation need to carefully consider educational access and educational needs for students on the autism spectrum, as well as students with other conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.”
• “The end of the 2019-20 academic year has produced great challenges for many of these learners and their families, which were the result of an unpredictable and unexpected epidemic. It is absolutely critical that leaders in education and government capitalize on the opportunity now to plan thoughtfully and effectively in order to create safe and effective guidelines and regulations which ensure access to reasonable and high-quality education for all of their students, including autism specialist services.”

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