ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the American Psychological Association's definition for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It describes the strengths and challenges that students with ASD may exhibit. Special education law impacts students with ASD in multiple ways. Many children with ASD are placed in the general education classroom for the majority of the school day, and this percentage is increasing. Many individuals with ASD have strengths that can help them in the classroom or could translate into future careers, such as relating to concrete ideas, and both understanding and working effectively with details. Students with ASD have a number of unique needs that affect their classroom performance, such as adapting to the school environment, completing classwork, and socially interacting with peers or adults. Collaboration between schools and families or guardians is crucial for children with ASD, since they are educated in a variety of settings and have multiple personnel assisting with their educational development.
