There are 13 qualifying eligibility categories for special education services, one of which is autism. According to the IDEA’s definition, autism is “a developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction, generally evident before age three, that adversely affects a child’s educational performance.”
“It is possible for a child to hold a medical diagnosis of autism and not qualify for special education services under autism per the Ed Code,” Dr. Pelangka tells us. To qualify for special education services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP), a student will receive a multidisciplinary set of assessments conducted by a school psychologist, special education teacher, and any additional service providers that are relevant to the student’s needs.
Many students with autism benefit from individualized services and supports provided through an IEP. For a small number of students with autism, a 504 plan may be sufficient. Because the needs of a student with autism are determined on a case-by-case basis, keep in mind that these services and supports will never be one-size-fits-all.
To learn more about how an IEP may benefit a student with autism, see our article Getting a Child with Autism the School Supports They Need.
