LAP-ASD

Person stimming with hand gestures; hero image for the Lifespace Access Profile-Autism Spectrum Disorder (LAP-ASD) program planning tool.

Lifespace Access Profile

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Instructional Program Planning 

for Individuals with Level 2 & 3 Autism Spectrum Disorder

Individual engaged in toe walking and stimming behaviors; a visual representation of sensory and physical resource areas assessed in the LAP-ASD for Level 2 and 3 Autism.

The LAP-ASD is designed to create a shared perspective of an Individual's abilities and needs.​

A HOLISTIC VIEW

The LAP-ASD assessment process leads to this.

Results Graphing Across 56 Resource Areas

A comprehensive view of an Individual’s resources across four categories that have been shown to be critical for effective instructional planning.

Planning Considerations

The Assessment and Planning Team’s list of ten primary considerations related to planning for the Individual based their assessment results.

Lifespace Access Profile-Autism Spectrum Disorder

THE BEGINNING

How the process starts.

Assemble a Multidisciplinary Team

Research shows that program planning is most effective when conducted by a multidisciplinary team that includes parents, family members, care providers, instructional and support personnel.

Having all the stakeholders involved in the process is essential.

Close-up of a multi-disciplinary team joining hands to symbolize collaborative teamwork in special education and the Lifespace Access Profile planning process.
Assessment and Planning Team selection form from the LAP-ASD, featuring checkboxes for a multidisciplinary team of parents, educators, and specialists for autism program planning.
A professional conducting a LAP-ASD assessment with a child, utilizing specific rating scales and integrated manuals for individualized program planning.

Assessment Process

Conducting the assessment

The Team records their rating in response to the directive statement or question presented for each rating scale. Many scales have additional fields for associated information or data. The Team notes clarify the rating and identify aspects of activities or settings that impact the Individual’s functioning.

 

LAP-ASD Fine Motor rating scale featuring a 0-4 ability scale, checkboxes for strength and dexterity, and a notes section for qualitative behavioral data

An integrated manual provides guidance for the completion

of each rating scale and information gathering field.

ANALYSIS & SYNTHESIS

LAP-ASD Physical Resources results graph and team observations, illustrating findings for motor functioning and physical abilities as part of the holistic autism assessment.
LAP-ASD Cognitive Resources results graph and qualitative data, highlighting an individual's processing and learning characteristics for instructional program planning.
LAP-ASD Emotional Resources results graph and ratings, capturing data on sensory characteristics and emotional regulation for Level 2 and 3 Autism.
LAP-ASD Support Resources results graph and integrated team notes, detailing the environmental and personal supports required for a roadmap to progress.

Findings and Priorities

Based upon their review and discussion
of the information gathered in the assessment the Team identifies areas that represent program planning priorities within each Resource Category.

PRIORITIES AND SPECIFICATIONS

A Roadmap for Progress

The LAP-ASD process leads to the Team's recommendations for Resource Development Priorities and the features of an individualized instructional or training program to support that growth.

Resource Development Priorities

Instructional Specifications

LAP-ASD Instructional Specifications form showing tailored strategies for Physical Characteristics, Sensory Characteristics, Communication, and Interpersonal skills for individuals with Autism.
A father and son sharing a moment of connection, representing the vital role of parent participation in the LAP-ASD multidisciplinary team for Level 2 and 3 Autism.

THE PURPOSE

Lifespace Access Profile-Autism Spectrum Disorder (LAP-ASD)

What it is

The LAP-ASD is an assessment and individualized program planning instrument for Individuals at Levels 2 & 3 on the Autism Spectrum. It utilizes the Multidisciplinary Team and Learner Resources Model that have been guiding program planning for severely and multi-handicapped populations since 1993.

What it isn’t

The LAP-ASD is not a standardized test. It does not diagnose or identify any disability or handicapping condition.