ASD NEST
The Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Nest is a specialized program that serves students with autism. The program is a partnership between DOE and New York University's (NYU) ASD NEST Support Project. The ASD-NEST program works to strengthen academic and social skills.
PS 297 provides a therapeutic environment and incorporates positive behavioral supports. Our NEST classroom has two teachers and specialized training in the instructional strategies used in the program. In addition to the standard academic curriculum, strategies to encourage relationship development, adaptive skills, language and communication development, and sensory/motor development are instilled throughout the day.
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The class is a small Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) class, with one special education teacher and one general education teacher. As students get older, the class size increases. There is no classroom paraprofessional.
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Classes follow the New York State Learning Standards and the same curriculum used in all DOE schools. ASD Nest teachers are trained in specialized teaching strategies for students with autism, including a special social curriculum called Social Development Intervention (SDI) developed by NYU. SDI is an evidence-based program that supports social-emotional development.
