Clarifying the Services of the Indiana Resource Center for Autism

Often we are asked to explain the services provided by the Indiana Resource Center for Autism. The intent of this article is to explain what we do and don’t do, and to hopefully unravel the confusion. The overall goals of the Indiana Resource Center for Autism are to conduct outreach training and consultations, engage in research, and develop and disseminate information on behalf of individuals across the autism spectrum, including those with autism, Asperger’s syndrome, and other pervasive developmental disorders. Our efforts are focused on providing communities, organizations, agencies, and families with the knowledge and skills to support children and adults in typical early intervention, school, community, work, and home settings. We are a university-based program and part of Indiana’s University Center on Excellence in Disabilities. These associations require that we emphasize systems change and local capacity building.

So, quite simply, why would you call us? The staff members of the Indiana Resource Center for Autism engage in a range of activities that address issues that impact individuals across the lifespan and across the spectrum of autism. Here is what we do:

Develop and disseminate written and video materials. Some of these materials are available for purchase; others are available for free and on the web at www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca.
Develop and distribute a newsletter three times a year. The newsletter is free to Indiana residents, and available to those outside Indiana for a minimal cost. In the last 14 years, the number of individuals receiving this newsletter has jumped from 4500 to approximately 13,000.
Organize and conduct regional and statewide training events. Each year, workshops are organized throughout Indiana on topics such as behavior, social skills instruction, visual supports, structured teaching and adult services. In recent years, IRCA staff have also been involved in training first responders (e.g., firemen, police, and other emergency medical personnel). IRCA staff present to a diverse range of professionals and family members on a wide range of topics.
Organize and conduct training events involving nationally recognized speakers. IRCA hosts speakers from around the country to provide one to three days of intensive training. In recent years, IRCA has hosted Jim Ball, Jenny Brack, Temple Grandin, Brenda Myles, Kathleen Quill, Paula Kluth, Michelle Winner Garcia, Vincent Carbone and his staff, Jerry and Mary Newport, Barbara Bloomfield, and many others.
Engage in applied research. As a university-based program, a primary responsibility of the Indiana Resource Center for Autism staff is to conduct research. Strategies and policies that enhance the quality of life for individuals within the autism spectrum are a primary focus of research. Every three years, the IRCA conducts a Needs Assessment survey to gather data from families about the status of programs and supports related to individuals across the autism spectrum. This information is presented to Indiana’s Legislative Commission on Autism to inform policy and legislative decisions. In addition, doctoral and other graduate students are supported in their individual research and service efforts.
In association with the School of Education’s School Psychology program, IRCA has an assessment and social skills clinic. The primary focus of this clinic is on training and research. To find out more about the clinic, contact Dr. Scott Bellini at 1-812-856-8260.
IRCA maintains a library collection of relevant books, DVDs and videos for public distribution. Indiana resident’s can check out materials from the library at the Institute, CeDIR, and have materials mailed directly to their home. This service is free for Indiana residents. Fortunately, library materials housed in the Institute’s lending library collection are now listed online as part of Indiana University’s library system at http://www.iucat.iu.edu/.
Maintain an active website at www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca. Increasingly, families and professionals are accessing the web to gather information. Our website includes information about resources and services in Indiana, articles written by staff members, a list of training events, and much more valuable information. For example, IRCA maintains an updated list of professionals who can diagnose and assess, and maintains an updated list of parent support groups across Indiana. .
Train teams. Every year, local special education planning districts are invited to organize a team to receive more intensive training in educating and supporting students across the autism spectrum. Once trained, IRCA staff are available to provide ongoing support to assist individual teams in achieving goals within their district. IRCA staff work with a network of autism leaders across the state of Indiana to continually support their efforts. Beginning this year, IRCA staff will be involved in training teams from adult agencies.
Engage in individual consultations. IRCA staff are available to address individual needs by observing the individual in natural settings, and collaborating with the person's team and family members to suggest appropriate services and supports. These consultations require a time commitment from all involved and can include follow-up support.
Conduct university coursework. Because of our association with Indiana University, IRCA staff teach course guest lectures, and offer entire courses focused on autism spectrum disorders, social skill instruction, and other topics. .
Participate in national/state/local organizations. IRCA staff members are also involved in various local, state and national organizations in a volunteer capacity and serve on various boards of directors.

While we engage in many activities, there are a number of activities that are outside our work scope. These are highlighted below:

We are not a direct service provider. Children and adults with autism do not reside at the IRCA, nor do they attend ongoing programming provided through our agency.
IRCA staff do not attend case conferences. While we are called upon when difficult situations arise, we are not a crisis management response team. Instead, IRCA staff focus on proactive programming.
We are not a lobbying organization. As a university-based program, we are clearly instructed not to lobby. Instead, our job is to inform the state of the current status of services, available options, and model programs in other states. As part of this information providing process, we conduct a Needs Assessment Survey every three years and participate every fall in meetings of Indiana’s Legislative Commission on Autism.
We are not a funding agency. The Indiana Resource Center for Autism works with limited funds, and is not funded to provide financial assistance to families, professionals, or individuals across the autism spectrum.
The Indiana Resource Center for Autism does not promote one intervention method or a single approach. Instead, IRCA staff strive to address the specific needs of the individual by providing information and training on a variety of strategies and methods.

Hopefully, this will clarify our work. If you have additional questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact the IRCA via email at prattc@indiana.edu or by phone at 1-812-855-6508. Visit our website at www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca for additional information.

Pratt, C. (2008). Clarifying the services of the Indiana Resource Center for Autism: What we do and what we don’t do. Bloomington, IN: Indiana Resource Center for Autism.