Autism Spectrum Disorders
Impact of the DSM-5 for Children who have Autism Spectrum Disorders in Virginia's Public Schools – VDOE answers questions about the department's policies and practices regarding the release of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th Edition (DSM-5). DSM-5 webcast text transcript (Word)
A child may be found eligible for special education and related services as a child with autism if there is an adverse effect on the child's educational performance due to documented characteristics of autism spectrum disorder. Children with a medical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders must be found eligible for special education and related services under IDEA before an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed. Children who are suspected of having a disability should be referred to their local school division for evaluation and to initiate the process for determining eligibility.
VDOE Guidance
Tools for educators, administrators and parents working to improve services for students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) – created in collaboration with staff at the Virginia Commonwealth University Autism Center for Excellence (VCU ACE).
Impact of the DSM-5 for Children who have Autism Spectrum Disorders in Virginia's Public Schools – VDOE answers questions about the department's policies and practices regarding the release of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th Edition (DSM-5). DSM-5 webcast text transcript (Word)
Guidelines for Uniform Training Standards for Paraprofessionals who Provide Primary Oversight to Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (PDF) – VDOE provides guidance on training paraprofessionals who have primary oversight for students with ASD
You may also be interested in Special Education Technical Assistance & Guidance for professionals and parents.
Training & Technical Assistance
The Virginia Commonwealth University Autism Center of Excellence (VCU ACE)
The VCU Autism Center of Excellence (VCU ACE)is a collaborative partnership between VDOE; the VCU School of Education, Department of Special Education and Disability Policy; the VCU School of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; and the VCU Research Rehabilitation and Training Center. VCU-ACE is dedicated to improving services to individuals with autism spectrum disorders and to the implementation of evidence-based practices in schools and the community. VCU ACE provides:
- Division-wide technical assistance in schools
- Informational Webinars on a wide-range of topics relating to autism spectrum disorder for parents, community members, and professionals
- Professional development opportunities for families, administrators, teachers, paraprofessionals, medical personnel, and community service agents
- Communities of Learning in Autism (CoLA)
Virginia’s Training/Technical Assistance Centers (TTAC)
VDOE, sponsor of Virginia’s Training/Technical Assistance Centers (TTAC), also supports eight regional TTACs that comprise a statewide system emphasizing collaboration in the planning and provision of services to meet state and local staff development needs. The mission of Virginia's Training and Technical Assistance Centers (TTAC) is to improve educational opportunities and contribute to the success of children and youth with disabilities (birth - 22 years). The Centers provide quality training and technical assistance in response to local, regional, and state needs. TTAC services increase the capacity of schools, school personnel, service providers, and families to meet the needs of children and youth. The TTACs meet these needs through activities such as:
- consultation
- information services
- linking and networking resources together
- lending library of multimedia resources and technology
- referral to other services
- workshops