Autism

Autism is a profound developmental disability that can severely impair a child’s abilities. Students with autism have unique abilities and needs which require special considerations in designing, implementing and evaluating their educational programs. Educators need a better understanding of the educational approaches and program structures that are effective for these students.

The prevalence of autism has been steadily increasing, from 3,443 school-age students identified with autism in 1995 to 5,142 in 1998. This increase may be due to a number of factors, including but not limited to better diagnostic procedures and earlier diagnosis and greater awareness of the autism disorders.

While much is now known about autism and the benefits of early diagnosis and appropriate education, widespread practice of effective educational interventions has yet to follow. In New York State, significant efforts are being made to address the unique needs of children with autism.

Latest News

7th Annual Statewide Autism Conference - Practical and Effective Ways to Support Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Development of Skills for the Classroom and Beyond - Friday, April 19, 2013, Buffalo, NY

NYACTS - Autism Spectrum Disorders - What Everyone Needs to Know
IDEA Partnership - Collection on Autism Spectrum Disorder
National Autism Center's Standards Report
Interagency Task Force on Autism - Report to the Governor, Legislature and Board of Regents
New York ACTS Web Site Launched - PDF (Press Release - 170KB)

Publications

The 2011 IACC Strategic Plan for Autism Spectrum Disorder Research, as updated by the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) and the Office of Autism Research Coordination (OARC), provides a blueprint for autism research. Designed to advise the Department of Health and Human Services, the plan summarizes what has recently been learned about autism spectrum disorders, what gap areas have emerged, and what progress is being made in fulfilling the objectives.

Autism Training Providers

Regulations Regarding Course Work in Autism ( Memo 4/09, 62.51 KB)
Application to become an approved provider of training in the needs of children with Autism
- Syllabus and Outline (445.51 KB)
- Syllabus and Outline (281 KB)
Listing of Approved Providers

Conference on Autism

The Regents VESID Committee met regarding Autism on April 10, 2008 at CW Post College of Long Island University. (Windows Media Player Files) (281 KB)

Introduction (2:48) | Part 1 (1:19:38) | Part 2 (1:03:38)