Autism Spectrum Disorders

This chapter examines the literature on children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders in school-based settings. Reasons for the increasing prevalence rates are explored along with the challenges of differential diagnosis. The often unrecognized and undertreated mental health conditions that accompany autism spectrum disorders are discussed. The school mental health professional’s role in assessment and intervention is addressed, with attention paid to the use of response to intervention for children with autism spectrum disorders. The targeted classroom interventions of schedules, story-based interventions, modeling, and joint attention are reviewed. Opportunities to further support students with autism spectrum disorders are identified in collaboration with parents, teachers, and the community at large.