Autism Spectrum Disorders
A child may be found eligible for special education and related services as a child with autism if there is an adverse effect on the child's educational performance due to documented characteristics of autism and the child has any of the Pervasive Developmental Disorders, also referenced as autism spectrum disorder, such as Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Disorder, Rhett's Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, or Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified including Atypical Autism. Children with a medical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders must be found eligible for special education and related services under IDEA before an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed. Children who are suspected of having a disability should be referred to their local school division for evaluation and to initiate the process for determining eligibility.
- Autism Spectrum Disorders Resources
- Skill Competencies for Professionals and Paraprofessionals in Virginia Supporting Individuals with Autism Across the Lifespan (PDF) - VDOE recognizes this publication for best practice in supporting individuals with autism. This publication, developed by the Virginia Autism Council, includes a list of competencies for professional and paraprofessional staff in all fields of service delivery that are specific, unique, and/or critical to successfully serving individuals with an autism spectrum disorder. Virginia school divisions offer a full continuum of placements and services to students with an educational identification of autism.
- A Parent's Guide To Special Education (PDF) Also available in Spanish (PDF) – help for parents in understanding their rights and responsibilities, their children’s rights, and the responsibilities of schools. This publication is currently under revision to reflect changes in state regulations.
- Special Education - Information For Parents
Division Training & Technical Assistance in Autism
The Virginia Commonwealth University Autism Center of Excellence (VCU ACE) is a new collaborative partnership between the Department of Education; the VCU School of Education, Department of Special Education and Disability Policy; the VCU School of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; and the VCU Research Rehabilitation and Training Center. VCU ACE is dedicated to improving outcomes for students with autism by providing long-term training and technical assistance options for school divisions across the Commonwealth.
- Virginia Commonwealth University Autism Center for Excellence (VCU ACE)
- VCU ACE Informational Webcast
- VCU ACE Handouts (PDF)
- ACE Technical Assistance Application (PDF)
- Opportunity for Division Training & Technical Assistance in Autism - Superintendent's Memo #019-11, January 21, 2011
Technical Assistance Documents
Tools for educators, administrators and parents working to improve services for students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) - created in collaboration with staff at the Virginia Commonwealth University Autism Center for Excellence (VCU ACE).
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