Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Education Services

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Friday - June 1, 2012
New TSPC Specialization: Autism Spectrum Disorder

Purpose of the Program

The children, birth-to-21, who as a result of their low-incidence disability require specialized services, are eligible for support from the Regional Programs. Regional Programs work in collaboration with Local School Districts, Early Intervention, Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE) programs, Families, and Community Agencies to provide specialized educational support for children with ASD.

What is Autism?

Autism means a developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction that adversely affects a child's educational performance. Other characteristics that may be associated with autism are engagement in repetitive activities and stereotyped movements, resistance to environmental change or change in daily routines, and unusual responses to sensory experiences. Essential features are typically but not necessarily manifested before age three. Autism may include autism spectrum disorders such as but not limited to autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder -- not otherwise specified, and Asperger's syndrome. The term does not apply if a child's educational performance is adversely affected primarily because the child has an emotional disturbance. However, a child who qualifies for special education under the category of autism may also have an emotional disturbance as a secondary disability if the child meets the criteria under emotional disturbance.

Who is Eligible for Educational Services?