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Autism
Definition
Autism is defined as a developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and non-verbal communication and social interaction, generally evident before age three that adversely affects educational performance. Other characteristics often 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.
The term does not apply if a child's educational performance is adversely affected primarily because the student has an emotional disability, as defined in Section VII of the Maine Unified Special Education Regulations.
A child who manifests the characteristics of autism after age three could be identified as having autism if the criteria in paragraph one of this section is satisfied. [34 CFR 300.8(c)(1)(i-iii)]
Autism is defined as one one the "pervasive developmental disorders" which includes: PDD, PDDNOS, Asperger's Syndrome, Autistic Disorder, Rett's Syndrome, and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder.
(05-071 Chapter 101, Maine Unified Special Education Regulations)
Procedure for Determination. All steps below are required.
- Data from general education interventions, if appropriate, utlizing research based intervention techniques indicate that the response to general education intervention is not adequate.
- Diagnostic impressions will be based upon an evaluation undertaken by a licensed or certified professional who is qualified to make a diagnostic impression under the DSM codes for pervasive developmental disorders.
Useful Links:
Educators
National Database for Autism Research
Parents
Autism Spectrum Disorders (PDD) - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Professional Associations
Association for Behavior Analysis (ABAI)
Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network
Association for Science and Autism Treatment (ASAT)
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
National Institute of Mental Health
National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (NECTAC)
New England Regional Resource Center (NERRC)
Organization for Autism Research (OAR)
The Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies
References
Reports
National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR), 2005
National Standards Report, 2009
National Standards Report Overview, 2009
U.S. Surgeon General Mental Health Document, 1999
State Information
New York Department of Health Early Intervention Program