title: An Analysis of State Autism Educational Assessment Practices and Requirements.
abstract: States differ in the procedures and criteria used to identify ASD. These differences are likely to impact the prevalence and age of identification for children with ASD. The purpose of the current study was to examine the specific state variations in ASD identification and eligibility criteria requirements. We examined variations by state in autism assessment practices and the proportion of children eligible for special education services under the autism category. Overall, our findings suggest that ASD identification practices vary across states, but most states use federal guidelines, at least in part, to set their requirements. Implications and recommendations for policy and practice are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Vanderbilt University, 230 Appleton Place, Peabody 228, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA. erin.e.barton@vanderbilt.edu.
authors.forename: Erin E
authors.initials: EE
authors.lastname: Barton
authors.affiliation: University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, USA.
authors.forename: Bryn
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Harris
authors.affiliation: University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, USA.
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Leech
authors.affiliation: Vanderbilt University, 230 Appleton Place, Peabody 228, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA.
authors.forename: Lillian
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Stiff
authors.affiliation: Vanderbilt University, 230 Appleton Place, Peabody 228, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA.
authors.forename: Gounah
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.affiliation: University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, USA.
authors.forename: Tiffany
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Joel
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004519:Education, Special / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D057766:Policy; D015995:Prevalence; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Diagnostic practices; Educational assessment; Educational policy