ASD Service Guidelines

These guidelines offer basic concepts in providing supports for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder/Pervasive Developmental Disorder (ASD/PDD). The information and recommended strategies and modifications were compiled by committees and agreed upon by the “Task Force to Develop Guidelines for Educating Individuals with ASD/PDD Ages Birth to 21.”

The guidelines are intended to serve as a tool that can be used to help families, educators, medical professionals, care providers and other service providers make informed decisions about children and young adults with ASD/PDD. They can be viewed as a map to the development of independence for the individual with ASD/PDD at the highest level possible in all life areas. The Guidelines are not a required standard of practice for the education of these individuals in Ohio.

This document was developed through the efforts of the Autism Task Force, a group comprised of parents and professionals. The purpose of the initial document was to provide guidelines in assisting families and professionals in assessing, treating, and developing educational programs for young children who exhibited characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder/Pervasive Developmental Disorder birth through five. There were three committees who contributed to the document, focusing on Family Support, Medical, and Education. The Autism Task Force completed the birth through five guidelines in partnership with the Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps and the Bureau of Early Intervention Services of the Ohio Department of Health.

It was the decision of the task force members to continue their efforts by writing guidelines for individuals with ASD/PDD ages six through twenty-one. The task force membership was expanded to include expertise in the areas of adolescents and adults with ASD/PDD. Additionally, a Community Transition committee was added. The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council supported the effort by providing staff assistance.

The birth through five and six through twenty-one documents were merged to create the final document as presented. The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council approved funding for a project to market and distribute the guidelines to professionals and families of individuals with ASD/PDD. Thanks are given to the members of the Autism Task Force for without their dedication and tireless efforts, these guidelines would not have been possible.

[ Download ASD Service Guidelines (PDF - 980KB) ]