Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
A developmental disability that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. Under IDEA, autism is one of the 13 disability categories that can qualify a child for special education.
Related Terms
Disability Categories
IDEA identifies 13 disability categories that may qualify a child for special education: autism, deaf-blindness, deafness, emotional disturbance, hearing impairment, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairment, specific learning disability, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, and visual impairment.
Sensory Processing
How the brain receives, organizes, and responds to information from the senses. Some children have difficulty processing sensory input, which can affect their ability to learn and participate in school.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Skills and strategies that help children manage emotions, build relationships, make responsible decisions, and handle social situations. These skills are often addressed in IEP goals.
ASD in context
Autism Spectrum Disorder comes up across the IEP process — in your IEP document, during meeting prep, and in the federal rights that protect your child. IEP Ally explains where it shows up and what to do about it.
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Upload Your IEP — Free →This glossary is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Definitions are simplified for parent-friendly understanding and may not reflect the full legal text. Consult a qualified attorney or advocate for advice about your specific situation.