ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors provide an abbreviated review of the literature and issues that surround educating children and youth with autism spectrum disorders. They cover: diagnosis, identification, and eligibility; effective intervention practices; and contemporary issues and trends that influence educational services. The clinical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders is based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. A student is found eligible for special education services under the category of autism according to criteria outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The National Autism Center has also disseminated guides for practicing evidence-based practice for students with autism in school settings and a guide for helping parents understand evidence-based practices for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. A helpful resource that came from the National Professional Developmental Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders are the Autism Focused Intervention Resources and Modules, which are a free resource that describe how to implement the evidence-based practices described in their work.
