Under IDEA, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is, “a developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction, generally evident before age three, that adversely affects a child’s educational performance.” As it is a spectrum, there are many different levers, severities, and varieties of ASD. In 2013, the process of diagnosis for ASD changed as the revised version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) was released. With this revision, Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder, and Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified have been included under the umbrella of ASD. Previously those three disorders were considered separate and were diagnosed separately from other disorders under ASD.
To support students with ASD, teachers can give students clear and concise options to select from. Teachers can also give more than a “teacher look” by explaining to students their reactions or facial expressions.
There are many well-known people who have ASD and have been able to achieve great things. Using these successful people in the classroom as examples can help to uplift a student with ASD and give them a person to look up to.
- Susan Boyle – Singer
- Heather Kuzmich – Model
- Adam Young (Owl City) – Singer
- Alonzo Clemons – Sculpture
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