Autism Eligibility Criteria

Section 3030(1), Title 5, CCR: 

Autism means a developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction, generally evident before age three, and adversely affecting a child's educational performance. Other characteristics often associated with autism are engagement in repetitive activities and stereotyped movements, resistance to environmental change or change in daily routines, and unusual responses to sensory experiences. 

Criteria: All elements listed below must be determined to establish eligibility. 

1.    A written report from a school psychologist that includes all existing information related to any autistic- 

       like behaviors exhibited by the student. 

2.    A significant impact of deficits in verbal and nonverbal language communication and social interactions  

        must be documented in the aforementioned report. 

3.   There may also be documented impact from the following behavioral responses:  

   Resistance to environmental change or changes in daily routines;  

   Engagement in repetitive activities and stereotyped movements  

   Unusual responses to sensory activities 

4.   The behavioral manifestations adversely affect the student’s educational performance, and require 

        special education.