DOE Convenes Advisory Panel to Update Autism Program Quality Indicators

Autism New Jersey Executive and Clinical Directors Named

On September 21, 2022, the New Jersey Department of Education (DOE), Office of Special Education convened the first meeting of its Autism Advisory Panel, a group that is tasked with revising and updating the DOE’s Autism Program Quality Indicators (APQI). Originally published in 2004, this important document is a self-review and quality improvement guide that was intended for programs serving young students with autism. Now, the DOE is expanding the APQI’s focus to include elementary, middle, and high school students.

Autism New Jersey’s Executive Director, Dr. Suzanne Buchanan, and Clinical Director, Lauren Frederick, M.A., BCBA, were both invited to provide expertise and perspective as members of the panel. Dr. Buchanan, who was a member of the original group to author the document, will provide her expertise for the School Age Panel. Ms. Frederick will be leaning on her experience in working with adolescents and young adults with autism by serving on the Youth Panel.

This group of more than 30 autism professionals, educators, and parents will meet monthly through June 2023 to offer recommendations on best practices in educating students with autism. Autism New Jersey is honored to serve the DOE in this capacity and collaborate with the members of this esteemed panel to benefit educational programs and students with autism.