Autism Spectrum Disorders and Specific Learning Disabilities : Parental Perspectives of Special Education Services

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the number one diagnosis that leads parents into due process hearings with schools. Children with ASD typically experience difficulties in reciprocal social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and stereotyped and repetitive behaviors. Parents may become frustrated with the "appropriate services" in an educational setting, and attempt to gain "optimal" special education for their child invoking the right of mediation and, if necessary, due process. This study specifically compares ASD, a low-incidence disorder in schools, to specific learning disability (SLD), a high incidence disorder in schools, to see where there may be different areas of concern for parents.