Wood County Schools Board Certified Behavior Analyst Allison Crislip-McMurray shared some insights about April being Autism Acceptance Month and what the school system is doing to help students and teachers better communicate. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — April is Autism Acceptance Month, and Wood County Schools’ Board Certified Behavior Analyst Allison Crislip-McMurray shared some insights into the neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, behavior and social interaction.

“You meet one child with autism, you meet one child with autism,” McMurray said, underscoring the unique nature of the autism spectrum. “It can impact a person differently for each individual.”

She said autism is not a one-size-fits-all condition, but a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that manifests uniquely in each individual. She said the autism spectrum is far more complex than a simple linear scale, and is more of a multifaceted circle, encompassing various aspects such as:

* Language skills

* Motor skills

* Sensory perception

* Effective functioning

McMurray said some autistic students might also have sensory sensitivities or need specific environmental accommodations.

“It could look like needing to move around in the classroom, turning lights on and off or using repetitive movements,” McMurray said.

She said the most significant challenge facing students with autism is communication. This fundamental communication barrier can lead to misunderstandings and frustration for both autistic individuals and those around them. She said what might appear as disruptive behavior is often an attempt to express an unmet need or communicate discomfort.

“All behavior is communication,” McMurray said. “When students have difficulty communicating their wants and needs, we often see challenging behaviors emerge as a form of communication. Our job is to understand why a student is engaging in certain behaviors and help them communicate more effectively.”

She said professionals are developing comprehensive strategies to support communication for individuals with autism. The ultimate goal is to create supportive environments that help autistic individuals express themselves confidently and effectively, transforming communication challenges into opportunities for understanding and connection.

“We’re working closely with speech-language therapists to help students communicate in more appropriate ways to get their needs and wants met,” McMurray said.

She said this team-based approach focuses on creating individualized communication strategies that include:

* Flexible classroom environments

* Alternative communication methods

* Professional training for educators

* Individualized communication plans

She said Wood County Schools is investing in specialized training to help educators understand and support communication challenges. The school system is prioritizing comprehensive training that includes:

* Autism awareness

* Classroom management strategies

* De-escalation techniques

* Crisis prevention

“We’ve seen a push for more support and training for our staff,” McMurray said. “We’re providing professional development on autism, classroom management and communication.”

She said the new special education director, Kara Small, has been particularly instrumental in expanding training opportunities for both special and general education staff.

“We recently did a training on de-escalation strategies for paraprofessionals and classroom aides,” McMurray said. “Our goal is to provide them with tools to help students succeed.”

She said the ultimate goal of these training efforts is to create more supportive, understanding and effective educational environments for all students, particularly those with autism.

She said autism awareness is evolving into a more meaningful concept of acceptance, representing a fundamental change in how society views autism, emphasizing inclusion and understanding rather than mere recognition.

Douglass Huxley can be reached at dhuxley@newsandsentinel.com

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Local and state resources for autism:

1. Unpuzzled Parent Connect Group. Led by Whitney Price

* Monthly coffee conversations

* Support network for families

* Regular events and connections

* Statewide resource opportunities

* Website: unpuzzledparentsconnect.com

2. Aspire Autism Center. Located in Marietta, the center offers:

* Sensory camps

* Specialized support programs

* Professional autism services

* Website: aspireautismcenter.org,

3. Community Autism Resources and Education System (CARES)

* Nonprofit organization based in Charleston

* Provides comprehensive autism resources

* Offers free events and educational materials

* Website: wvcaresforautism.org

Upcoming Events

* CARES Neon Night at Charleston Ballpark (April 18)

* Sensory Camp at Aspire Autism Center (Currently full)