One of the fastest growing disability categories, autism spectrum disorder is a neurological developmental disability that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. While estimates vary, experts say that 4 or 5 per 10,000 children have autism spectrum disorder. Most children with high functioning autism, also called Aspergers syndrome, participate in general education classes, while children with pervasive autism spectrum disorder or low functioning autism are most often taught in self-contained classes. However, these children may be placed in some general education classes to help them improve their social skills.

Characteristics

Academic
Students with autism range from those with severe mental retardation to thos e who are extremely bright. Students who have autism and are severely mentally retarded may have no or limited language skills. They may also lack motivation to learn or interact, according to Jo Webber, professor at Southwest Texas State University.

It can be difficult to determine whether a child has autism or mental retardation as the primary disability, especially if the child has an IQ below 50,

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Alvin Poussaint kicked off the convention with his keynote address, which emphasized the need for cultural competency and addressed the aftermath of Sept. 11.

Then, for the next three days, participants piled into session after session to learn the latest instructional strategies to help students with exceptionalities. Teaching reading and math, helping students with Attention Deficit Disorder stay on task, learning effective methods to help students control behavior,

Keynoter Alvin Poussaint emphasizes the need for understanding.

providing quality programs for students with gifts and talents, catching up on the latest developments in the federal government — all this and more captured the interest of our attendees. And the learning didn't stop with the "classroom." Attendees filled the Expo Hall to find the latest materials and resources for their students. And, everywhere you looked, special educators of all specialties were comparing notes and trading ideas about how to help their students.

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