Autism
Last updated
Under IDEA, autism is a developmental disability that significantly affects communication and social interaction and adversely affects educational performance.
Topic: Disability categories and conditions
In plain terms
IDEA's definition notes that autism is generally evident before age 3 and is often associated with repetitive activities, resistance to change and unusual responses to sensory experiences. School eligibility is an educational decision made by the IEP team, and it is separate from a medical diagnosis. Many autistic people prefer identity-first language ("autistic student"), and many families use person-first language; follow the student's and family's lead.
How it shows up in an IEP
Goals should target the student's own needs and build on strengths, not try to make the student look less autistic. Common areas include functional communication, self-advocacy, flexibility, regulation and participation, often supported by visual tools and AAC.
Example
An autistic second grader's IEP includes a goal to use a break card when overwhelmed and a goal to join a peer game by asking or using a device, measured across recess opportunities.
The rule
Federal reference: 34 CFR §300.8(c)(1).
Related terms
- AAC (augmentative and alternative communication)AAC is any way of communicating that supplements or replaces speech, such as signs, picture boards or speech-generating devices.
- PragmaticsPragmatics is the social use of language: how people use words, tone and body language to communicate in different situations.
- Sensory processingSensory processing is how the nervous system takes in, organizes and responds to sensory information like sound, touch, movement and light.
- Visual scheduleA visual schedule shows the order of activities with pictures, symbols, words or objects, so a student can see what comes next.
- Self-advocacySelf-advocacy is the ability to understand one's own needs and rights, speak up for them, and ask for supports when needed.
- Joint attentionJoint attention is two people sharing focus on the same object or event, and each knowing the other is paying attention to it.
On IEP Atlas
- Functional Communication IEP goals
- Emotional Regulation IEP goals
- Play & Social Participation IEP goals
- IEP goals often written for autistic students
This page describes special education terms and federal rules in general terms and is not legal advice. Our editorial policy explains how IEP Atlas writes and reviews content. Browse all 244 terms.