About OrPATS

The Oregon Program Autism Training Sites and Supports (OrPATS) project brings evidence-based practices to Oregon schools throughout the state. Over 40 training sites have been established in Oregon public schools in each region of the state and across all grade levels.

Training sites model evidence-based practices identified by the National Autism Center and the National Professional Development Center. Each training site has an autism consultant providing coaching to visiting instructional staff. In addition to training sites, the OrPATS project has developed supports for both special and general education professionals and paraprofessionals. These supports include:

  • comprehensive workshops conducted in each region of the state
  • follow-up webinars for workshop attendees
  • training site visits and classroom consultation for workshop attendees
  • extensive training and materials support over 40 training sites and an additional 55 Autism Teams throughout the state
  • collaboration with the Oregon Autism Commission to develop and implement an on-line version of the ASD Program Self-Assessment and Action Plan
  • web-based resources for general educators to promote inclusive practices for students with ASD

The project is funded by the Oregon Department of Education and collaborates with Oregon Regional Inclusive Services.  The project is administered by STAR Autism Support and Northwest Regional ESD.

OrPATS Project Objectives for 2021-2023

Administrate and coordinate the OrPATS Project.
Conduct an on-going evaluation using student outcome data, ASD Program Self-Assessment, fidelity of
implementation data and other data as appropriate.
Revise the online ASD Self-Assessment system, assist Regional Programs/School Districts to conduct the assessments to identify needs and develop online training modules to meet the training needs of the state as identified by the ASD Self-Assessment.
Maintain and continue to develop the existing OrPATS training sites.
Provide support to Early Childhood Programs to implement evidence-based practices in self-contained
and inclusive settings.
Establish new implementation sites and autism teams at EI/ECSE, Elementary, Secondary or Post-
Secondary Transition depending on regional needs.
Conduct training workshops on evidence-based practices throughout the state.
Conduct New Autism Specialist/Consultant training.
Provide follow-up webinar support and training site visitation support to workshop participants in order
to ensure implementation of the evidence-based practices.
Collaborate with regional program staff to use OrPATS training sites to train district staff.
Supporting students and staff in general education to promote inclusion of all students.
Provide training and support to parent-caregivers to promote generalization and inclusion.