Defining Autism : Variability in State Education Agency Definitions of and Evaluations for Autism Spectrum Disorders
Joint Authors
Southern, Louise B.
Cullinan, Douglas
Pennington, Malinda L.
Source
Issue
Vol. 2014, Issue 2014 (31 Dec. 2014), pp.1-8, 8 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2014-06-02
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
8
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
In light of the steady rise in the prevalence of students with autism, this study examined the definition of autism published by state education agencies (SEAs), as well as SEA-indicated evaluation procedures for determining student qualification for autism.
We compared components of each SEA definition to aspects of autism from two authoritative sources: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) and Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA-2004).
We also compared SEA-indicated evaluation procedures across SEAs to evaluation procedures noted in IDEA-2004.
Results indicated that many more SEA definitions incorporate IDEA-2004 features than DSM-IV-TR features.
However, despite similar foundations, SEA definitions of autism displayed considerable variability.
Evaluation procedures were found to vary even more across SEAs.
Moreover, within any particular SEA there often was little concordance between the definition (what autism is) and evaluation procedures (how autism is recognized).
Recommendations for state and federal policy changes are discussed.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Pennington, Malinda L.& Cullinan, Douglas& Southern, Louise B.. 2014. Defining Autism : Variability in State Education Agency Definitions of and Evaluations for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Autism Research and Treatment،Vol. 2014, no. 2014, pp.1-8.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-463823
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Pennington, Malinda L.…[et al.]. Defining Autism : Variability in State Education Agency Definitions of and Evaluations for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Autism Research and Treatment No. 2014 (2014), pp.1-8.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-463823
American Medical Association (AMA)
Pennington, Malinda L.& Cullinan, Douglas& Southern, Louise B.. Defining Autism : Variability in State Education Agency Definitions of and Evaluations for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Autism Research and Treatment. 2014. Vol. 2014, no. 2014, pp.1-8.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-463823
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-463823