Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) represents a complex developmental disability that is the result of neurological differences in the brain. ASD can impact an individual’s ability to communicate, understand language, and relate to others. The term “spectrum” is used because the range of characteristics can occur in any combination and require varied levels of support. Every individual with ASD is unique in their abilities and challenges. At this time, there is no known etiology or reason for the neurological differences.

General Do’s and Dont’s

The dLCV is an organization that provides free information to people and families of those who have {dis}abilities. They also provide free referrals, legal representation, technical assistance, and advocacy services.

The following webpages and documents provide information on testing accommodations for some of the commonly used assessments in adult education:

• BEST Plus 2.0 testing and BEST Plus’ FAQs, on page 7, addressing accommodations
• CASAS testing accommodations webpage
• GED ® testing accommodations webpage
• TABE testing guidelines for inclusive testing and TABE’s FAQs addressing accommodations

This document, developed by Florida Literacy (Marty Beech, Learning Systems Institute, FSU, 2011), provides some useful instructional strategies (Chapter 2) and accommodations for specific disabilities (Chapter 3). Since it was written for Florida, there are some specific policies and procedures that may not apply to other states or situations.

This website provides information on a wide range of disabilities, instructional strategies to support learners, and other useful resources.

This advocacy organization provides information on legal services, Medicaid, independent living services, and information about other state and non-profit agencies.

No Wrong Door Virginia is a network of partners that provide services to people with disabilities.

This division of the Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) provides vocational rehabilitation programs and services to help people with disabilities prepare for and retain employment.

Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) provides information and services for older adults, vocational and employment help, and other disability services.

This toolkit from Autism Speaks describes what autism in adults may look like and information about getting a diagnosis.

Autism Speaks is a national organization that provides information, resources, and advocacy for those with autism and those who care for, or work with, those with autism.