We've Come a Long Way Baby!

My son was diagnosed with autism a few years before the incidence of autism shot through the roof. In those early days of living with autism I felt so alone in my situation.

To give a little perspective here, how computers weren't standing operating procedure in the household like they are today. Therefore, I wasn't able to Google autism, which by the way, I knew almost nothing about other than I knew it wasn't a wonderful disability. I actually had to go down to my local library and look "autism" up in a set of encyclopedias from the 1950's. The entry in the encyclopedia said that people with autism were destined to live in instututions. I remember reading that the slapping the book closed with fright. Dont worry, I finally ended up getting a home computer and am truly greatful for the ease in which I am now able to inform myself of things.

Must A Child with "High Functioning Autism" Receive an IEP?

As a special education advocate in Connecticut, I can't tell you how many times I have sat in IEP Team Meetings and heard this from the school district: "just because your doctor says he has autism doesn't mean he needs special education," "and besides, he's getting great grades in all of his academics."

To which I say: "yes, we know that. However, can we look beyond  his grades and talk about the fact that he has no friends, sits in the lunch room alone, can't organize his homework, and is being harassed by other kids daily?"

This is what typically occurs when my client has "high functioning" autism. By the way, you need to know that I can not stand the term "high functioning;" I prefer to say "less affected" by autism. Unfortunately, that phrase hasn't caught on yet, so I'll say "high functioning," so you know what I mean. 
This is where I turn to the Team and say, and here's what I want you to remember: "Education is not just about academics!"
Here is a great article from my friend and colleague Jennifer Laviano, a special education attorney practicing here in Connecticut.
So just remember, when you have your son or daughter evaluated to determine whether they have an autism spectrum disorder, make sure he or she is evaluated in all domains, not just academics.  And,  don't forget to keep the "I" (individualized) in IEP!!!!