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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Definition

Autism Spectrum Disorder is defined to be a range of pervasive developmental disorders that adversely affects a student's functioning and results in the need for specially designed instruction and related services. Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterized by an uneven developmental profile and a pattern of qualitative impairments in social interaction, communication, and the presence of restricted repetitive, and/or stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. These characteristics may manifest in a variety of combinations and range from mild to severe. Autism Spectrum Disorder may include Autistic Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, Asperger’s Disorder, or other related pervasive developmental disorders. The corresponding definition is found in State Board of Education Rule 6A-6.03023, F.A.C.

Contacts

• Program Specialist: Anne Bozik,
• District ASD Coordinators

State Laws and Regulations

The rules referenced below are specific to ASD. Please refer to Volume I-B: Florida Statutes and State Board of Education Rules, Excerpts Related to Exceptional Student Education (PDF, 3MB) for a complete listing of laws and regulations applicable to exceptional student education.

• 6A-6.03023, F.A.C.: Exceptional Student Education Eligibility for Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• 6A-6.401796, F.A.C. - Specialization Requirements for Endorsement in Autism Spectrum Disorders - Academic Class.
• Section 627.6686, Florida Statutes - Steven A. Geller Autism Coverage Act

Department of Education Resources

Publications

• Administrator’s Guide to Educational Programming for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Autism Classroom Observation Instrument (PDF)
• Autism Observation Instrument for General Education Classrooms (PDF, 64KB)
• Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Overview

Projects

• Autism Endorsement Tuition Support Program
• Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD):
  • Florida CARD Sites by Region
• Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS)
• The Partnership for Effective Programs for Students with Autism (PEPSA)

State Resources

• Autism Florida
• Autism Society of America: Florida Chapter

National Resources

• Autism Internet Modules (AIM)
• Autism Distance Education Parent Training (ADEPT)
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Autism Information
• Council for Exceptional Children (CEC): Autism
• IDEA Partnership Autism Spectrum Disorder Collection
• IES What Works Clearinghouse
• National Autism Center: National Standards Project
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Autism Spectrum Disorders
• The National Center for Evidence-Based Practice in Communication Disorders: ASD Map
• National Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY): Autism Spectrum Disorders

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