If your child has the developmental condition known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), then you are far from alone. The most recent estimates from the CDC note that one in every 36 children born in the United States is affected with ASD. This lifelong condition creates challenges related to repetitive behaviors, restricted interests and social-communication deficits, which can vary in type and severity in each child.
More about ASD
ASD may be noticed in certain behaviors and movements in infancy, but it’s most commonly identified around the ages of 2 or 3 years, according to the American Psychiatric Association. Some of the characteristics that indicate ASD include:
- Trouble with new experiences or changes in routine
- Difficulties with speech and communication skills
- Trouble making friends or playing with peers
- Lack of eye contact
- Inability to use non-verbal gestures
- Unusual emotions or response to others’ emotions
- Focus on specific items or interests to the exclusion of others
- Sensitivity to loud noises, bright lights or other sensory reactions
- Repetitive movements like spinning, rocking or hand motions
- Arranging items in a particular manner
These are just a few of many possible signs of ASD, which is why it’s important for parents to meet early with a pediatrician and other health care experts like neurologists and developmental-behavioral specialists if there is suspicion for ASD. Ideally, your child should be seeing trusted providers regularly even before they attend school.
School & ASD
When your child reaches school age, it can present a new set of challenges for children with ASD and their parents. Many schools have resources and staff education to help support students with ASD, but parents may find it difficult to navigate the challenges their child faces and get the support that they need.
Whether your child is new to school or has been in school for a while, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network promotes that your child’s right to learn and have the same educational opportunities as their peers is protected by federal law. In fact, schools are mandated to have the tools and resources to support your child and ensure that they can learn in the way that is most effective for them.
What’s more, Autism Speaks points out that the inclusion of children with disabilities in the classroom can be good for everyone. Research has shown that classroom inclusion improves educational outcomes for all students, benefits school attendance rates and strengthens students’ attitudes toward diversity.
Obtaining an IEP
As a parent of a child with ASD, one of the most important things you should do early on is meet with the school psychologist and develop an individualized education plan (IEP) for your child. The right to a psychological assessment and IEP is mandated by federal law, which outlines what your child needs to be successful, as well as their individual learning strengths and challenges.
Autism Speaks notes this document should be created in collaboration between the parents, school psychologist and other school staff, including the child’s teachers. It should serve as a guideline to help teachers, administrators and parents help their child continue to learn and grow, and the IEP should be revised each school year.
Other School Resources
Of course, even with an IEP, parents of students with ASD may still find that they need to advocate for their child and their unique needs as they navigate the school system. Parents should feel empowered to reach out regularly to the school or teachers to ensure that their child’s needs are being met regarding the curriculum and classroom accommodations, such as modifications for classroom participation or specialized seating arrangements to make them feel more comfortable.
Both Autism Speaks and the Nemours Foundation have resources for teachers to help them understand the needs of students with ASD and how they can support their learning more effectively.
Scholarship Opportunities
Finally, students with ASD in Florida have additional financial opportunities through scholarships available from Step Up for Students. This nonprofit organization offers financial scholarships, educational resources and additional support for students with ASD or other unique abilities and needs. You can learn more about their programs and scholarship opportunities on their website.