Autism is a developmental disability, generally evident before age three, that adversely affects a student's educational performance and significantly affects developmental rates and sequences, verbal and non-verbal communication and social interaction and participation. Other characteristics often associated with autism are unusual responses to sensory experiences, engagement in repetitive activities and stereotypical movements and resistance to environmental change or change in daily routines. Students with autism vary widely in their abilities and behavior. The term does not apply if a student's educational performance is adversely affected primarily because the student has an emotional and behavioral disorder. [refer to 34 CFR 300.7(c)(1)(i)]

The term of autism may also include students who have been diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Asperger's Disorder, Rett's Disorder, or Childhood Disintegrative Disorder provided the student's educational performance is adversely affected and the student meets the eligibility and placement requirements. Autism may exist concurrently with other areas of disability.

Staff Contacts

Alice Murphy, Ed.D.
Education Program Specialist
1870 Twin Towers East
205 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive SE
Atlanta, GA 30334
Phone: (404) 657-9957
Fax: (404) 651-6457
E-mail: mmurphy@doe.k12.ga.us

Download:

• Autism Rules and Regulations

Online Resources

• General information on special education
• Autism Society of America
• Autism Connect
• Center for the Study of Autism
• The Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders
• National Center for Family Support
• National Dissemination Center