Autism

Understanding Autism

Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability associated with differences in the brain. Autistic people vary enormously in their abilities, communication styles, interests, learning profiles, sensory experiences, and support needs. There is no single way that an autistic learner looks or learns.

A Spectrum Means Individual Differences

Two autistic students can have very different language abilities, academic abilities, sensory needs, social communication, independence, interests, strengths, and support needs. Educational decisions should be based on the individual learner rather than assumptions about autism generally.

What Families and Educators May Notice

Characteristics may include differences involving social communication, back-and-forth interaction, nonverbal communication, flexibility with routines, repetitive movements or behaviors, highly focused interests, sensory responses, attention, language, learning, or emotional regulation. An autistic child will not necessarily display every characteristic.

Start With Strengths as Well as Needs

An educational profile should not consist only of deficits. Autistic learners may have important strengths involving deep knowledge of interests, memory, attention to detail, pattern recognition, visual thinking, creativity, persistence, or unique approaches to problem solving.

Autism and Learning

Autism does not determine intellectual or academic ability. An autistic student may perform above, at, or below grade level; have specific learning disabilities; have an uneven learning profile; or need substantial support in one area and very little in another. Autism can also coexist with ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, language disorders, and other conditions.

Evaluation and Diagnosis

There is no blood test or single instrument that diagnoses autism. Diagnosis typically relies on developmental history, caregiver information, professional observation, and comprehensive evaluation. Families with developmental concerns should speak with qualified healthcare or developmental professionals.

Supporting an Autistic Learner

Depending on individual needs, support might include predictable routines, visual supports, explicit instructions, smaller task steps, sensory accommodations, communication supports, processing time, assistive technology, speech-language services, occupational therapy, academic intervention, executive function support, and appropriate IEP or 504 supports.

Common Misunderstandings

“All autistic students learn the same way.” There is tremendous variation among autistic individuals.

“Autism tells us a student’s intellectual ability.” It does not.

“A student who speaks well doesn’t need support.” Strong spoken language does not mean every learning or sensory demand is easy.

“Every challenge is caused by autism.” Autistic students can also have other learning and developmental differences.

How Boundless Expectations Can Help

BEI’s role is educational. When an autistic learner also experiences academic or executive function challenges within BEI’s areas of expertise, support may include review of educational assessments, literacy, mathematics, writing, executive function support, family consultation, educational advocacy, and collaboration with other professionals.

When needs fall outside BEI’s expertise, families should be referred to appropriately qualified professionals.