Educational identification of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

When an individual is exhibiting characteristics of ASD and is referred for an evaluation or when a child enters a district having a previous identification of ASD the following may occur:

• The assessment for educational identification of ASD should follow Nebraska Rule 51 guidelines for the referral and identification process

• The Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) confirms the diagnosis of an ASD

  • If an ASD is not confirmed by the MDT team, but characteristics of ASD are documented, the regional team may be contacted to assist in program planning

• In Nebraska, even if a student has a medical diagnosis of autism, an educational identification is necessary, in order for the student to receive services from the local school district

Nebraska has also developed a Technical Assistance Document to aid with verification & program planning, Special Education Verification and Effective Instructional Practices for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) and the Individualized Education Program (IEP)

• An IFSP or IEP will be developed and a meeting held in accordance with federal and state regulations once an individual has been diagnosed with a disability that qualifies him/her for educational services

• If technical assistance is needed by the local district's direct service providers, the ASD Regional Team is available to provide technical assistance in selecting appropriate IFSP or IEP goals based on the child's present level of performance and service needs

Program planning, including the identification and implementation of appropriate strategies and interventions for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

• The local school district will provide appropriate interventions and related services in accordance with the needs of each student

• The ASD Regional Team is available to provide technical assistance, consultation and/or training to support the local school district's direct service team, in selecting and implementing strategies and interventions, as needed

Resource Lending Library

• Each region has a lending library consisting of books, videos and other resources that is available to school districts and parents upon request 

  • Contact Amy Harvey (aharvey@esu3.org)  for more information about the process for accessing resource materials from the Regional ASD Library

Workshops and Training

• The ASD Network provides training for Nebraska educators and parents on a regional and state level

  • To view upcoming workshops across the region check out our Workshops and Training

  • To view upcoming workshops across the state click here

NOTE: The ASD Network does not provide direct services to students with autism. Local school districts will assure that children with ASD have available a free appropriate public education which includes special education and related services to meet their unique needs.

For more information about the Nebraska ASD Network Supports and Services, please contact the Metro Region ASD Coordinator, Teri McGill at tmcgill@esu3.org or (402) 597-4957

Check out the Nebraska ASD Network website for additional general information about the Network and Autism