Your State's Definition of Autism???

[Dave]

I have a meeting with someone this weekend that I have been tasked to discuss our State's (& others) definition of Autism with. There is a Federal definition of autism that is quite broad... which IMO isn't necessarily a bad thing for us. There are some states that choose to make up their own definition, which in most cases is much more stringent and can make getting services more difficult for cases on the borderline. The argument for the most part is the Federal definition is "too open"...

So... if you happen to know about your state or another state... please do tell.

[Lisa S]

I don't know what Colorado's definition of autism is, but I have been told Catherine is not eligible for any state services for autism or anything else because her IQ has tested too high. I think it would have to be below 70 for her to qualify.

[Dave]

Lisa,
My guess would be no based on the IQ test. Here is the Federal "Definition".


A developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction. The term shall have the meaning given it in federal law at 34 CFR 300.7.

Federal Definition:
(i) Autism means a developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction, generally evident before age 3, that adversely affects 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. The term does not apply if a child's educational performance is adversely affected primarily because the child has an emotional disturbance, as defined in paragraph (b)(4) of this section.

(ii) A child who manifests the characteristics of "autism" after age 3 could be diagnosed as having "autism" if the criteria in paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section are satisfied.

[StrictNon-Confo]

Dave,

what the federal definition states is that it isn't an emotional disturbance issue, and it does not state IQ at all as part of the definition.

What Lisa has stated sounds more like a definition for services based on mental retardation, which I believe is where the IQ of 70 is the cutoff.

If they're lumping in only those with a measured IQ of 70 or less as qualified for services in Colorao, they're doing their best to avoid the majority of possible cases, but just because someone has an IQ of 70 doesn't mean they don't need some sort of service, and it definitely doesn't seem the least bit reasonable, if those that are considered "emotionally disturbed" in some sense qualify for services, because my observation has been that very few given that label have anywhere near that low of an IQ, at least in Michigan. Then again, perhaps where I was at was much more open to things, at least at that time: I know from having read my old high school's website that they've cut back funding on such things as gym for time and frequency, so I know those now living there likely won't get the opportunity/challenge/benefit of being required to run 2 and 1/4 miles as part of the requirements in 10th grade like I did, with the standard of measurement at the time of 22 minutes for full credit.

[Lisa S]

Then again, perhaps where I was at was much more open to things, at least at that time: I know from having read my old high school's website that they've cut back funding on such things as gym for time and frequency, so I know those now living there likely won't get the opportunity/challenge/benefit of being required to run 2 and 1/4 miles as part of the requirements in 10th grade like I did, with the standard of measurement at the time of 22 minutes for full credit.

Thank goodness I did not attend your high school, Strict! I would have never made it out of tenth grade. PE was always my most difficult subject.

[Dave]

anywhere near that low of an IQ, at least in Michigan.
In my research I came across a letter that addresses this issue directly in the state of Michigan. It outlines what happens when a person with autism meets the Federal definition of autism and not the "Michigan" definition.

http://www.ag.state.mi.us/opinion/datafiles/2000s/op10133.htm

[Dad]

Even if your autistic child has an IQ well above 70 they should still be able to qualify for services in all 50 States under 504 OHI. Mods and accoms are certainly not the same intensity of assistance as full blown autism coupled with MR would get, but then again if your HFA or Aspie child is of typical or above average intelligence using commonly applied testing instruments they probably can do well with more limited services and some mods and acooms.

Failure of a school to apply 504 is setting the stage for you to receive a judgement against more easily than under IDEA. Contact your OCR and discuss the issue with them.

Personally, I feel that ALL States whether they like it or not should ahve to adhere to the DSM-IV in tehir definition. PLaying word games like "medical diagnosis vs educational diagnosis" is simply a gatekeeper action designed not to serve their clients (students0 but to conserve the money so it can be spent on new football uniforms, pay raises for the admins and redecorating the Central Office.