Overview to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

Once considered a rare disorder, autism and other conditions within the autism spectrum are now estimated to occur at a rate of 1 in 500 children (Filipek, P.A., Accardo, P.J., Ashwal, S., Baranek, G.T., Cook, Jr., E.H., Dawson, G., Gordon, B., Gravel, J.S., Johnson, C.P., Kallen, R.J., Levy, S.E., Minshew, N.J., Ozonoff, S., Brizant, B.M., Rapin, I., Rogers, S.J., Stone, W.L., Teplin, S.W., Tuchman, R.F., and Volkmar, F.R. 2000 Practice parameter: Screening and diagnosis of autism. Report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and the Child Neurology Society. Neurology, 55, 468-479. ). As a result of these changes within ASD, the field of early intervention and preschool are grappling with a number of challenges.

Some of these challenges are:

• Early identification of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in young children.
• Increasing numbers of children being identified.
• Providing personnel with the training and experience necessary to develop appropriate IFSPs and IEPs for young children with ASD and their families.
• Supporting families.
• Provision of appropriate services that are intensive and individualized.

There are practices and resources that can help address these challenges. To address these challenges, many federal agencies, state lead agencies, state education agencies, and national organizations have developed information, guidelines and resources. NECTAC has gathered many for this topical Web page. We will continue to maintain and update these resources. Please direct your suggestions to Evelyn Shaw at NECTAC.