Autism

In federal regulations, autism is defined as a developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction, generally evident before age three, that adversely affects a child’s educational performance. (34 C.F.R. §300.8(c)(1))(i)). While the causes of autism remain unknown, many children with autism tend to exhibit delayed speech, limited social interaction, and self-stimulatory behaviors, which can make education in a traditional classroom setting without adequate supports difficult. Autism is a term encompassing a number of diagnoses that comprise a spectrum of different abilities, called the autism spectrum.

• Included on the autism spectrum are the following disorders:

• Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)

• Asperger’s Syndrome

• Rett Syndrome

• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

Every child with autism is unique, with a specific set of strengths and needs that must be reflected in the IFSP or IEP. At the Law Offices of Caryl Oberman, we can help you identify your child’s needs, secure the necessary services to meet them, and ensure that the educational setting in which he or she learns will provide meaningful educational benefit. We aim to empower you to become a knowledgeable advocate for your child and to help you get the services and programs necessary to achieve you child’s goals. We can also help you in obtaining behavioral and mental health services through the Medical Assistance system.