Educational Needs of Students with Autistic Spectrum Disorder: Role of School Psychologists

By Betty Connolly, CATS Program Chair

With a growing number of students in our schools being identified with autistic spectrum disorders, it is crucial that school psychologists be knowledgeable and experienced in this area.

Although there continues to be some debate in the field regarding the appropriate role of the school psychologist in the actual diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorders, there is no question that we are often the first professionals to conduct psycho-educational assessment of these students. We are often called upon to provide information to the medical community or to developmental specialists to assist in a clinical diagnosis. In addition, with the growing field of research regarding appropriate educational interventions, we must be able to address programming and placement issues and provide appropriate consultative and support services. We also must be prepared to support parents and help them under

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