ASD stands for Autism Spectrum Disorder, which is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. People with ASD may behave, communicate, interact, and learn in ways that are different from most other people. There is often nothing about how they look that sets them apart from other people. The abilities of people with ASD can vary significantly. For example, some people with ASD may have advanced conversation skills whereas others may be nonverbal. Some people with ASD need a lot of help in their daily lives; others can work and live with little to no support.
In special education, students with ASD may be eligible for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that contains goals related to academic, social, and behavioral skills. The Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE) define eligibility for special education services within thirteen categories of disability, including ASD. Specialized programs, such as the ASD Nest and ASD Horizon programs, may also be available in some schools to serve students with autism. People with ASD may be referred to a health care provider who specializes in providing behavioral, psychological, educational, or skill-building interventions to help them learn social, communication, and language skills.
