10: Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that causes social, communication, and behavioral challenges. Before the most recent publication of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), there were various related diagnoses, including Asperger syndrome (or disorder) and pervasive developmental disorder–not otherwise specified (PDD–NOS). These diagnoses were removed in the current edition and were replaced with ASD. We will discuss the history of ASD later in this chapter.

10.1: Definitions of ASD
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004 provides the following definition of autism but does not currently define ASD. Autism means a developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction, generally evident before age 3, that adversely affects a child’s educational performance.
10.2: The History of ASD
In 1980, the APA officially acknowledged autism as a disorder. In 1990, the IDEA included autism as a disability category.
10.3: Prevalence of ASD
Among students receiving special education services, 12% are identified as having autism (National Center for Education Statistics [NCES], 2022).
10.4: Causes of ASD
The cause of ASD is unknown. However, evidence supports that there may be both genetic and environmental causes.
10.5: Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Students with ASD exhibit a wide range of characteristics. However, students with ASD often exhibit problems with social communication and interaction and exhibit restricted or repetitive behaviors.
10.6: University of Illinois Alumni Spotlight
“Mary Temple Grandin graduated with a Ph.D. from the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1989.
10.7: Identifying Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Diagnosing ASD can be difficult because there are no medical tests (e.g., blood tests) that are used to diagnose the disorder. A medical professional examines a child’s developmental history and behavior to make a diagnosis.
10.8: Chapter Questions and References