CRAN (Capital Region Autism Network) is a regional collaborative network (RCN) and part of a statewide network spearheaded by the START (Statewide Autism Resources & Training) grant at Grand Valley State University. The goal of START and the RCNs is to build capacity in local community schools to implement research based “best practices” for educating individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
The educational goal for individuals on the spectrum is the same as for typically developing students; to live a fulfilling life, utilizing their unique gifts for the betterment of their communities.
We are building capacity by supporting the systematic establishment of ASD Teams in each school building. Utilizing the talents of educators, speech and language pathologists (SLPs), occupational therapists (OTs), physical therapists (PTs), school psychologists, school social workers (SSWs), teacher consultants (TCs), administrators, and others, we are developing teams with experience and specific training in the START principles.
We believe keeping kids on the spectrum, with appropriate supports, in their local schools is the healthiest choice for communities.