Autism Spectrum Disorder

Overview

A child may be found eligible for special education and related services as a child with autism if there is an adverse effect on the child's educational performance due to documented characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the child requires specially designed instruction to meet their educational needs.  Children who are suspected of having a disability should be referred to their local school division for evaluation and to initiate the process for determining eligibility. 

Children with a medical diagnosis of ASD must also meet the eligibility criteria as a child with autism and require special education and related services to be eligible for special education services. A clinical or medical diagnosis may inform the evaluation and eligibility team, but does not equate to special education eligibility. Criteria regarding eligibility for special education and related services and educational needs is set forth in the Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children with Disabilities in Virginia.

Training & Technical Assistance

Virginia Commonwealth University Rehabilitation Research and Training Center’s Autism Center for Education (VCU-RRTC-ACE)

The VCU-RRTC-ACE is a VDOE state-funded center that provides training and technical assistance to improve the services and supports for children and youth with ASD from early childhood through movement into post-secondary opportunities. The VCU-RRTC-ACE aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of individuals involved in educating and supporting individuals with ASD including teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, transportation staff, and families through:

• Online training including self-paced and facilitated courses, webcasts, and seminars
• Resource materials including factsheets, briefs, and how-to videos
• Technical assistance to support educators in the implementation of evidence-based practices for students with autism
• Research and collaboration to enhance understanding and support for students with autism

Visit the VCU-RRTC-ACE website to learn more. For resources specific to young children with ASD, visit the VCU-RRTC-ACE Early Childhood website.

Communities of Leaders in Autism (CoLA) is an interconnected and responsive network of influential division-based professionals devoted to sharing practices and disseminating research-based strategies and tools for systemwide improvement initiatives to improve outcomes for autistic students. In collaboration with VDOE Training and Technical Assistance Centers, VCU-RRTC-ACE, and the VCU-RRTC Customized Behavior Application Training for School Practitioners, CoLA members develop leadership skills to support systems change, training, and coaching to improve educational outcomes for autistic students.

Visit the CoLA webpage for more information.

Resources

• Guidance for High-Quality Professional Development on Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Word) - Identifies key content areas, instructional considerations, and implementation principles school divisions may use to design, select, or evaluate ASD-related professional learning.
• Guidelines for Educating Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (PDF) - Guidelines for educators, families, and service providers on best practices for educating students with ASD.
• Models of Best Practice in the Education of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (PDF) - Provides an overview for educators and related service staff on evidence-based strategies and other supports to meet the needs of autistic students in educational settings.
• Autism Spectrum Disorders and the Transition to Adulthood (PDF) – Provides guidance for strategies, instructional and planning considerations, and resources to support the transition of students with ASD from school to adulthood.
• Guidelines for Uniform Training Standards for Paraprofessionals who Provide Primary Oversight to Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (PDF) – Assists local educational agencies in providing professional development to paraprofessionals and meet the requirements of COV § 22.1-298.3.

Outside Resources

• Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence Disabilities (OCALI) Autism Internet Modules - The OCALI Autism Internet Modules provide free, online professional learning in understanding the underlying characteristics and effective practices that support individuals with ASD. These modules are designed for those who support, instruct, work with, or live with someone with autism. 
• National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders (NPDC) - The NPDC is a multi-university center that promotes the use of evidence-based practices for children and adolescents with ASD.
• Virginia Autism Council – The Virginia Autism Council is a council of autism experts seeking to define needed skill competencies and to advance higher education, training, and educational opportunities for personnel and caregivers supporting individuals with Autism. This website is Virginia’s clearinghouse on best practices and research-based education and training opportunities to advance personnel development and knowledge about autism.
• Autism Society of America - The mission of the Autism Society of America is to promote lifelong access and opportunity for all individuals within the autism spectrum, and their families, to be fully included and participating members of their community. The Autism Society of America has several affiliates (chapters) in Virginia. Visit the AutismSource™ Resource Database to find a service or resource in your area.  
• Autism Speaks - Autism Speaks is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. They provide autism research, advocacy, services, and support including several tool kits and guides to help people with autism and those who support them thrive.
• Commonwealth Autism - Commonwealth Autism collaborates to innovate, operate, and model services that support community inclusion for autistic Virginians through advocacy and resources to individuals, families, and professionals that build awareness and create engagement.