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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of developmental disorders that start during early childhood. They affect the way a child learns, communicates, interacts with others, and behaves. Most children do not outgrow ASD.

ASD includes a wide range of symptoms. Each child is affected in different ways. Some children with ASD have above-average intelligence. Others have severe learning disabilities. Some children can do or learn to do most activities. Other children need a lot of help.

How can this condition affect my child at school?

ASD can make it hard for your child to learn at school. This may cause your child to fall behind or have other problems at school.

What can increase my child's risk of problems at school?

The risk of problems at school depends on your child's symptoms and how severe they are. Your child may have trouble doing the work needed to perform at their grade level. ASD symptoms that can put your child at risk for problems at school include:

Social and communication problems, such as:

1. Not being able to use language.
2. Not being able to make eye contact.
3. Not being able to interact with teachers and other students.
4. Not using words or using words incorrectly.
5. Limited social skills and interests.

Problems with behavior, such as:

1. Repeating sounds and behaviors over and over (repetitive behaviors). This can be disruptive in a classroom.
2. Having trouble focusing on school rather than other specific interests. This may include trouble with schoolwork and social activities.
3. Having trouble with emotions. Children with ASD may have outbursts of anger or other emotions in the stress of a school environment.

Problems caused by other conditions, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or related learning disabilities.

What actions can I take to prevent my child from having problems at school?

Children with ASD have the right to receive help. It is best to start treatment as soon as possible (early intervention). The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guarantees your child access to early intervention from age 3 through the end of high school. This includes an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) made by a team of education providers who specialize in working with students who have ASD.

Your child's IEP may include:

1. Goals for education based on your child's strengths and weaknesses.
2. Detailed plans for reaching those goals.
3. A plan to put your child in a program that is as close to a regular school as possible (least restrictive environment).
4. Special education classes.
5. A plan to meet your child's social and emotional needs.

Learn as much as you can about how ASD affects your child. Also, make sure you know what services are available for your child at school. Advocate for your child and take an active role in the education assistance plan. Your child's IEP may need to be reviewed and adjusted each year.

Where to find support

For more support, talk to:

1. Your child's team of health care providers.
2. Your child's teachers.
3. Your child's therapist or psychologist.
4. Education disability advocacy organizations in your state. They can advise and support you and your child.

Where to find more information

To learn more about educational issues for children with ASD, go to:

American Academy of Pediatrics: www.healthychildren.org  

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov  

National Association for the Education of Young Children: www.naeyc.org