Autism Identification Under IDEA: Diagnostic Tools and Recent Research
Date:
January 24, 2025 @ 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
Price:
Instructor(s):
Heather Flynn
Professional Learning Hours:
5
Intended Audience:
K-12 school psychologists, special education case managers, and any other school-based staff members responsible for guiding educational teams in determination of student eligibility for special education services.
Participants must attend all events:
- Event Date
- Event Date
With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimating that 1 in 36 children is identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), educational teams are increasingly tasked with determining eligibility for services. This workshop will provide an understanding of the IDEA Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) autism classification criteria.
While there are similarities between the IDEA educational criteria and the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for ASD, understanding their distinctions is crucial for accurately identifying adverse effects, planning appropriate supports, and predicting educational outcomes. Additionally, participants will explore how high rates of co-occurring conditions and trauma history can further complicate the identification process. The session will also provide an update on recent research trends in ASD diagnosis and review of various diagnostic and assessment tools, highlighting their advantages and limitations for learners across grade levels.
Participants will:
- Identify the criteria required for an educational classification of autism under IDEA.
- Compare and contrast the IDEA educational classification of autism with the DSM-5 clinical diagnostic criteria.
- Increase knowledge and awareness of current trends in autism assessment, as evident in recent empirical studies.
- Evaluate different assessment tools and measures used for diagnosing ASD, their suitability for various purposes, and how they can inform recommendations for specialized programming.
