Focus on How SREB States are Addressing the Education Needs of Children with Autism
Challenge to Lead

Publication November 20106 pages10S09Jeffrey Grove

Meeting the educational needs of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a unique policy challenge for state leaders and educators. In 2009, more than 1 percent of U.S. children ages 3 to 17 had been reported by their parents as diagnosed with some form of ASD, a set of complex disorders that cause difficulties in social interactions and communication. There is no consensus on what causes ASD, nor is there consensus on whether increasing rates of incidence are due to rising numbers of children with ASD or to increased awareness. This paper explores current policy concerns and what actions SREB states have taken to address the issue.

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