| Once a child is diagnosed with autism, families have | | | | parents keep their children in a general education class |
| many questions and concerns. One of the major | | | | for their education with support services being |
| dilemmas is determining how a child with autism will be | | | | provided for specialized needs. Many children with |
| educated. Each child is different with unique qualities; | | | | autism are educated in a special education class. |
| the education of each child with autism is determined | | | | Special education classes are designed specifically for |
| by their needs and strengths. | | | | students with disabilities and are taught by a special |
| Autism is considered to be a spectrum disorder. It is a | | | | education teacher. A child can also be serviced by a |
| disorder characterized by symptoms that include | | | | resource specialist who is a special education teacher |
| repetitive behaviors or interests, deficits in social | | | | who either goes into a general education class or pulls |
| interaction and deficits in verbal and nonverbal | | | | students with disabilities out of the general education |
| communication. Furthermore, children with autism often | | | | class. The related services that are available include |
| have unusual responses to sensory stimulation. | | | | school psychologists, school nurses, speech specialists, |
| Children with autism may also display symptoms that | | | | physical/occupational therapists and behavioral |
| include an inability to form relationships, delay in the | | | | therapists. Other special education services available |
| development of speech, lack of imagination, repeated | | | | are community-based training for the older child and |
| patterns of activities, extreme aloofness and insistence | | | | summer school for many special day class students. |
| on consistency in routines and isolated areas of strong | | | | Services vary according to the child's needs. A child |
| ability. | | | | with autism may have difficulty with communication |
| Research has determined that early intervention is | | | | and may need services specifically focusing on |
| crucial for children with autism. Early interventions | | | | speech and language development. A child with |
| include services from speech therapists, occupational | | | | Asperger's disorder which is on the autism spectrum |
| therapists, adapted physical education, applied behavior | | | | may have average or above average intelligence but |
| analysis, social skills training and other therapies. Some | | | | may still be in need of services. |
| of the services are provided through the local school | | | | Services required for a child with autism will most likely |
| district; however, many families choose to hire private | | | | change over time. The most important thing a family |
| therapists and aides. | | | | can do once a diagnosis of autism is determined, is to |
| Children with autism are eligible for special education | | | | seek support and services. Recent reports reveal one |
| services under the federal law once they turn three | | | | of every 166 children is diagnosed with autism. |
| years old. The services include children who are in both | | | | Fortunately, the exposure of the topic is providing |
| general education and special education classes. Some | | | | extensive and exciting research and hope! |