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
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. 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 (CDC.gov, 2025).
Key Characteristics
Social Communication: Social communication in autism refers to persistent challenges with social interaction and language, including difficulties with nonverbal cues like facial expressions, eye contact, and gestures, as well as differences in verbal communication, such as echolalia (repeating phrases) or difficulty with figurative language. These challenges vary across the spectrum and impact abilities to share thoughts and engage in meaningful social exchanges.
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: 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 on key characteristics, visit the Autism Society of America’s webpage:
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).
Educational Identification and Medical Diagnosis
Educational Identification
An educational identification is made by a multidisciplinary evaluation team of various school professionals, adhering to Rule 51 guidelines. The evaluation results are reviewed by a team of qualified professionals and the parents to determine whether a student qualifies for special education and related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (Hawkins, 2009).
An educational identification can qualify an individual for support within school settings. However, an educational identification is not the same as a medical diagnosis, and often will not qualify an individual for therapies and support outside of school that would typically be covered by insurance or Medicaid. Additionally, a medical diagnosis of Autism does not guarantee an educational determination.
For more questions contact your local school district special education department.
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.
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.