What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that is characterized by persistent deficits in communication and social interactions, as well as restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities.
Prevalence with Prevalence
According to the Centers for Disease Control's most recent report, autism affects an estimated 1 in 31 children and 1 in 45 adults in the United States today. The CDC’s autism estimate is based on 2022 data from 16 sites across 15 states and territories and is not a nationally representative rate. Prevalence varied by location, ranging from 9.7 cases per 1,000 8-year-olds in Laredo, Texas, to 53.1 cases per 1,000 in California (CDC.gov, 2025). There is no known single cause of autism, and it is continuing to be highly researched; however, it is widely regarded as a combination of genetic and environmental factors that impact neurobiological development.
Key Characteristics
Social Communication Challenges: Difficulties in understanding social cues, forming relationships, engaging in reciprocal conversations, etc.
Repetitive Behaviors/Interests/Activities: Engagement in repetitive movements or speech patterns, adherence to routines, intense focus on specific interests, etc. This also includes over- or under-sensitivity to sensory inputs such as lights, sounds, textures, tastes, smells, etc.
Health Issues: Medical conditions commonly associated with autism include, but not limited to, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), chronic gastrointestinal problems, sleep disturbances, feeding difficulties and mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety.
These characteristics can vary widely among individuals, leading to the term "spectrum" in ASD. Because autism is a spectrum disorder, each person with autism has a unique combination of strengths and challenges. Communication abilities, intellectual functioning and support needs vary widely and can change over the lifetime—some individuals are highly independent, while others require significant assistance in daily life.
For more information about characteristics of autism please visit the Autism Society of America’s webpage titled Understanding Autism.
Special Education Services
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law that makes available a free appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities throughout the nation and ensures special education and related services to those children. Autism is a disability category under the special education regulations (IDEA, 2004). Infants and toddlers, birth-two years old, with disabilities, receive early intervention services under IDEA Part C. Children and youth ages three to 21 years old receive special education and related services under IDEA Part B (IDEA, 2025). To qualify for special education services in the category of autism, the child must have a developmental disability which significantly affects verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction, generally evident before age three, which adversely affects the child’s educational performance (academically and/or socially). If a medical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is present, it will be a part of the consideration; however, it is not necessary and does not guarantee qualification for special education services through a public school in Nebraska (SPED, 2025).
Medical Diagnosis
Medical Diagnosis
In 2022, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) released the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), which included a clarification to the autism diagnostic criteria. In the U.S., autism is typically diagnosed around age five, although signs usually emerge before age three. Research shows that early intervention leads to positive outcomes later in life for people with autism. The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised (M-CHAT-R), is a screening tool designed for children aged 16 to 30 months—it consists of 20 questions about a child’s behavior. The results can support discussions between parents/guardians and the child’s healthcare provider about any developmental concerns.
Eligibility-Guidelines-Autism| Educational Identification | Clinical Diagnosis | |
|---|---|---|
| Source for definition of ASD in Nebraska | NAC 51.006 | DSM-5-TR (APA, 2022) |
| Decider: (i.e. who chooses the Special education disability category?) | The Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) or Individual Education Program (IEP) Team (which includes families, educational professionals and sometimes the student | Psychologist, Psychiatrist, or Physician |
| Time frame that applies | Evident & impairing right now, will be re-evaluation at least every 3 years | Lifelong, persistent condition, assumed to have been present in the past and assumed to be present in the future |
FAQs
What is the difference between a medical diagnosis and an educational identification?
- A medical diagnosis is usually given by a doctor or clinical psychologist. The diagnosis is established to guide medical treatment and decision-making, not to address educational needs.
- An educational verification is a process conducted by a school district to determine if a child has a disability and to plan appropriate services to address the child’s individual needs. The verification will reflect assessments done by a multidisciplinary team. Verification is based on an educational model.
Is a medical diagnosis required in order for a child to be Identified educationally as a child with Autism?
No. While many states do require documentation of a medical diagnosis, Nebraska does not. A child may have an educational identification of Autism irrespective of any medical diagnosis.