The human understanding of mental disorders is still a relatively young practice as we are just finally starting to understand autism spectrum disorders like autism, Asperger syndrome, and other non specified autism-like conditions. The number of people being diagnosed with autism has steadily been increasing since the 1980s with the typical diagnostic criteria for autism requiring that the symptoms make themselves apparent before a child’s third birthday. Autism itself is a neural development disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and communicative skills that includes repetitive, restrictive behavior. Although autism has a strong genetic basis, the nature of autism is complex and may be caused by rare mutations instead of genetic variations. Whatever the cause, special education programs are available to teaching special needs children for life.

The Benefits of a Special Needs School Program

Children with autistic tendencies show less attention to social stimuli; these children smile and look at others less often, even responding less to their own name. This inherent learning block can be overcome with a specialized school program intended to help hone children’s behavioral or cognitive skills and gain self-care, key social skills, and develop their communicative capabilities. While overcoming obstacles, some autistic children discover usual abilities or gifts, these autistic savants make up 0.5% to 10% of the total population of those diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorders. By overcoming adversity and nurturing skills, students are given lifelong skills that will help them later on in life.

Developing Lifelong Skills

If left unprepared, those with autism spectrum disorders may not be able to integrate themselves into normal society; statistics show that within two years of graduating high school less than half of those with autism spectrum disorders have paying jobs. Those experienced with working with learning disabilities are able to develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for each student that caters to their own unique needs. With the proper environment anyone has the potential to succeed and thrive!