Durham Catholic Autism Resource Team (DCART)

The Durham Catholic Autism Resource Team (DCART) Services:

Comprehensive, consultative and crisis supports are provided for students who have been referred to the team.

Members of the DCART:

• Consultant for Autism Services;
• Speech and Language Pathologist;
• Board Certified Behaviour Analyst;
• Resource Teacher; and
• Behaviour Support Specialists.

Responsibilities

1. Collaborate and Liaise: Collaborate with the school team, parents, Student Services staff and community agencies.

2. Assessments: Conduct and/or consult on assessments including Speech and Language/Communication and Functional Behaviour Assessment to integrate evidence-based strategies to address individual needs, and Individual Education Plan. 

3. Goal Development: Develop goals to address behaviour, communication, self-regulation, and sensory needs of the student. 

4. Collect and Analyze Data: Identify student's strengths and needs in order to assist with program planning, and the development of the Comprehensive Autism Planning System.

5. Program Planning: Consultation related to program development incorporating Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and Speech and Language/Communication strategies.

6. Professional Development: Assist with and/or provide professional development in the area of ASD and ABA for staff and parents.

How to Access the services of the DCART

In collaboration with the school principal, the Family of Schools Coordinator will refer students with ASD who have complex needs, to the DCART. Priority will be given to students who continue to experience significant difficulties in spite of multiple in-school interventions. A school team meeting will be completed to discuss the services and obtain parental consent to initiate the DCART's involvement.