Autism means a developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction, generally evident before age three, which adversely affects a child's educational performance. Other characteristics often associated with autism are engagement in repetitive activities and stereotyped movements, resistance to environmental change or change in daily routines, and unusual response to sensory experiences. The term does not apply if a child's educational performance is adversely affected primarily because the child has an emotional disturbance. A child who manifests the characteristics of autism after age three could be diagnosed as having autism if the criteria in this definition are satisfied.
Autism
Overview of Services
The mission of the Autism Program in Prince William County is to provide a structured teaching environment for all students with autism that will nurture a variety of educational strategies supporting each student's IEP, the Standards of Learning, and Aligned Standards of Learning. Every student will engage in meaningful educational opportunities that will promote independent skills for life at school, home, and within their community.
Since autism is a spectrum disorder, students with autism vary widely in skill level. It is very important that a special education program be "child specific" and individualized to meet his/her needs.
The Special Education Department offers a full continuum of special education services for students with autism spectrum disorder:
- General education setting with special education support – Students with autism spectrum disorder who participate in general education for academic instruction but require specialized instruction in social skills, behavior, and work habits/organizational skills.
- Special class with or without participation in regular classes – Special setting for students who require special education services and whose disability prevents the completion of curriculum based on the Standards of Learning despite having program supports and accommodations.
Similar placement options are available for preschool students with autism spectrum disorder.
Resources
Administrative Contact
Kate Johnson, Supervisor
[email protected]
Sonia Cate, Administrative Assistant II
[email protected]
703-791-8318