Autism
Autism Eligibility & SIT Process
Diagnosis
Medical based: Preformed by a licensed mental health professional.
- Based on a set of criteria (DSM-IV-TR)
- Refers to a specific disorder (Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Disorder)
- Used in private settings
- May be determined by an individual or team
Eligibility
School based: Preformed by a licensed autism specialist.
- Based on federal law (IDEA)
- Refers to a broad disability category
- Used only in a public school system
- Must be determined by a team
Parents are often surprised to learn that a medical diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) does not automatically entitle a student to special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Eligibility for special education services is based, rather, on an educational determination of a disability, which includes meeting not just the criteria for a specific disability (such as autism), but also finding that a student is in need of special services. Understanding the differences between a medical diagnosis and an educational determination of eligibility for special education services can help parents become better advocates for their children.
Trainings
ASD Resources
Local & State Resources
- Dallas Oregon Autism Family Support Group Facebook Page
- Polk County Developmental Disabilities Services
- Mid-Valley Parenting: Strengthening Families Through Parenting Education
- Dallas Community Foundation
- Juliette's House
- Oregon Family Support Network
- Center for Autism & Related Disorders (CARD)
- OHSU Family & Youth Page
- Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities
- Access Technologies, Inc.
- Autism Society of Oregon
- MOVE
Parent Resources
- Khan Academy
- National Autism Association
- Different Roads
- Autistic Not Weird
- ReadWorks
- Eye to Eye
- Autism Women & Nonbinary Network
- ADHD Kids Rock
Student Resources