In recent years, significant progress has been made in understanding and diagnosing autism, enabling educators to better serve students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and create the supportive educational environment for them. As the number of students diagnosed with autism continues to rise, educational diagnosticians must gain a comprehensive understanding of autism and its nuances.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines autism as “a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain” affecting communication, behavior and social interactions, and that “[s]cientists believe there are multiple causes of ASD that act together to change the most common ways people develop.” Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, show repetitive behaviors, have narrow interests and face challenges in understanding social cues.
Each individual with autism is unique, and their abilities and challenges can vary significantly. Understanding these characteristics is crucial for educators to create tailored educational plans that cater to the specific needs of each student. In programs like the online Education Specialist (Ed.S.) – Educational Diagnostician program from Northwest Missouri State University (Northwest), educators can prepare “to assess learners in diverse classrooms to determine their individual needs” by conducting assessments and creating holistic educational plans.
Engaging Students With Autism
Stages Learning, an educational blog, offers valuable insights into guiding teachers through this referral process. The authors suggest that, as a first step, it’s always best to have a professional diagnosis. Autism can appear similar to multiple disabilities such as ADHD or communication disorders. Being the advocate for the student to pursue additional support and communicating with the parents are integral to this first part, as there are limitations to what a teacher can do while waiting for a diagnosis or eligibility determination.
“Always act on what you see, not what you suspect,” advise the authors. “If a child has difficulty transitioning between activities, make a picture schedule to hang near their desk, and use ‘first this, then this’ explanations. If they fidget or play with things on their desk, get them a sensory toy. If they have difficulty interacting socially, have a patient student be their peer mentor.” Modifying school materials, encouraging peer interactions and establishing a structured and predictable learning environment are key.
If you are struggling with knowing how to do that, there are various resources — including on the Stages Learning blog, Autism Focused Intervention Resources & Modules (AFIRM) and IRIS Centerwith strategies — on how to get creative to support neurodivergent students. Pursuing an additional degree is also possible, and programs such as Northwest’s online Ed.S – Educational Diagnostician are designed to help educators become well versed in the needs of this student population, including neurodivergent student populations.
Diagnosis vs. Eligibility for Special Services
An important distinction that educators must be aware of is the difference between a medical diagnosis of autism and eligibility for special services in an educational setting. A diagnosis does not automatically qualify the child for special education services, which often surprises some parents and educators.
In fact, “Eligibility for special education services is based, rather, on an educational determination of a disability, which includes meeting not just the criteria for a specific disability (such as autism), but also finding that a student is in need of special services,” points out the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) website.
In practice, this means that the medical diagnosis of autism is made by healthcare professionals, often involving a comprehensive evaluation and assessment of the child’s developmental history and behavior. This diagnosis is essential for accessing appropriate medical and therapeutic interventions.
However, the eligibility for special education services in education is determined by the school’s evaluation team and is based on meeting specific criteria outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It focuses on assessing whether the student’s disability affects their educational performance and requires specialized instructional support.
Become a Better Educational Diagnostician at Northwest
Educational diagnosticians must be well informed about this difference, as it impacts the support and services a student with autism may receive in the educational setting. A thorough understanding of both aspects allows educators to collaborate effectively with healthcare professionals and develop comprehensive education plans that address the specific needs of students. In Northwest’s online Ed.S. – Educational Diagnostician program, you can discover more ways to support students with autism.
Learn more about Northwest Missouri State University’s online Ed.S – Educational Diagnostician program.
