SCERTS® is an innovative educational model for working
with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. It
provides specific guidelines for helping a child become a competent and
confident social communicator, while preventing problem behaviors that
interfere with learning and the development of relationships. It also is
designed to help families, educators and therapists work cooperatively
as a team, in a carefully coordinated manner, to maximize progress in
supporting a child.
The acronym “SCERTS” refers to the focus on:
“SC” - Social Communication – the development of
spontaneous, functional communication, emotional expression, and secure
and trusting relationships with children and adults;
“ER” - Emotional Regulation - the development of the
ability to maintain a well-regulated emotional state to cope with
everyday stress, and to be most available for learning and interacting;
“TS” – Transactional Support – the development and
implementation of supports to help partners respond to the child’s needs
and interests, modify and adapt the environment, and provide tools to
enhance learning (e.g., picture communication, written schedules, and
sensory supports). Specific plans are also developed to provide
educational and emotional support to families, and to foster teamwork
among professionals.