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Welcome to
the WCS Autism Support Services website.
What is Autism?
Autism is a
complex developmental disability that typically appears
during the first three years of life. The result of a
neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the
brain, autism impacts the normal development of the brain in
the areas of social interaction and communication skills.
Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties
in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions,
and leisure or play activities.
Autism is
one of five disorders coming under the umbrella of Pervasive
Developmental Disorders (PDD), a category of neurological
disorders characterized by "severe and pervasive impairment
in several areas of development," including social
interaction and communications skills (DSM-IV-TR). The five
disorders under PDD are Autistic Disorder, Asperger's
Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD), Rett's
Disorder, and PDD-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). Each of
these disorders has specific diagnostic criteria as outlined
by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in its
Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
(DSM-IV-TR).
Source: Autism Society of
America
An evaluation for autism will
include:
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Parent
interview
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Behavior
observations
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Physiological and neurological information from a
licensed physician, pediatrician, or neurologist
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Evaluation of speech/language, communication, cognitive,
developmental, adaptive behavior, and social skills
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Documentation of how autism adversely affects
educational performance in the general education
classroom
Williamson County Schools
currently has two autism consultants on staff. These
consultants serve as support to the educational staff and
families of the students with autism. Additional roles
include observing the students, providing in-services,
developing behavioral goals and plans, assisting in
transitions, and providing information to families.
For more
information on autism, please contact one of the autism
consultants:
For
questions about services for students with autism in
Williamson County Schools or if you are planning to move
to the county, please contact Student Support Services
at (615) 472-4130.
Special Education Services
Student Support Services
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