Screening and identifying children with autism spectrum disorders in the public school system: the development of a model process.
Heightened public awareness of autism and increased prevalence estimates of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) has generated a sense of urgency within the public school system to identify children with these disorders for targeted intervention. Two multidisciplinary groups of professionals, one each from two separate school districts, were identified and trained to provide diagnostic and consultative services. This paper outlines a model process for school personnel to develop a basic level of training and competence in recognizing and serving students who have an ASD by (1) providing an overview of the legal and clinical issues involved in screening for children with ASD within the school system, (2) defining a school-based professional training process and (3) outlining a school-based ASD screening process.
Noland
Ramona M
RM
Sam Houston State University, Campus Box 2447, Huntsville, TX 77341, USA. psy_rmn@shsu.edu
Gabriels
Robin L
RL
D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002648:Child; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000379:methods*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012572:School Health Services / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012574:Schools; D014481:United States