Autism is a complex developmental disability; signs typically appear during early childhood and affect a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. There has been a sharp increase in the number of students diagnosed with autism over the last few years. Experts say this is because of overly simplistic assessments performed by local school systems attempting to save money by not paying for specialized therapist assessments.
Have you or your child experienced an incomplete diagnosis because of autism?
Autism is complex and comes through in different ways.
An assessment of autism can sometimes lead to other specific learning issues, such as speech, language, mobility and auditory problems, not being given the proper attention and treatment. Therefore, some parents are appealing these local diagnoses and have taken the unusual step of paying for “proper” assessments themselves, which can be very expensive.
The spokesperson added that inspectors said the young people they met felt “happy, safe and well-cared for” but there was “much more to do” in the face of a rising demand for services.
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
Key takeaways
- Over the last four years, autism diagnosis has become more common.
- With a lack of funds in school budgets, it is hard to make a safe space for a child with autism.
- Slowly but surely, schools are beginning to add what it needs to teach all students equally.
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Your school district must evaluate your child free of charge if you ask in writing, whatever your income and whatever the outcome (US, 34 CFR 300.111 and 300.301(b)). That route takes time and answers a different question than you do. This one starts today, from what you already know.
Your answers stay yours. We do not sell your personal information, and we do not hand identifiable assessment data to outside AI companies to train their models.
A screener is a starting point, not a diagnosis. If your child might need formal accommodations (an IEP or 504 plan), or you suspect a vision, hearing or medical cause, pursue a professional evaluation too. That is the only route to those supports.
