Many students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have specialized interests and passions that are highly reinforcing. Such special interest areas (SIAs) are more than mere hobbies or simple curiosities. Rather, the SIAs of an individual with autism may be characterized by (a) significant depth and breadth of knowledge about the area, (b)…

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the degree with which Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans prepared for middle school students with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) conformed to best practices and included evidence-based services. Specifically, we examined the problem areas identified in the statement of…

Discusses the development and preliminary evaluation of an experimental statewide system of services in North Carolina for seriously behaviorally/emotionally disturbed adolescents. The program successfully provides these youngsters with appropriate treatment, education, training, and care suited to their individual needs, including community-based…

This paper presents results of an evaluation study of the Fostering Individualized Assistance Program (FIAP), an effort to provide individualized wraparound supports and services to foster children with emotional/behavioral disturbances and their families (foster, biological, and/or adoptive). The program aims to stabilize child placement and…

A case study, in-depth description, and analysis of a youth tutoring youth program are presented in this document. The approach used in preparing the study--mainly utilizing participant observation, site visits, and structured interviews--are detailed in a separate chapter. This is followed by a chapter of background information in which the…

The Education for All Handicapped Children Act mandates a free and appropriate education for all handicapped children between the ages of 3-18 (to be extended to 3-21 by 1981). The premises upon which the act was formulated as well as its provisions are described. (RL)