ERIC Number: EJ1361711
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023-Feb
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0033-3085
EISSN: EISSN-1520-6807
Available Date: N/A
School Psychologists and Autism Identification: Present Challenges and Potential Solutions
Margiano, Suzanne G.; Sassu, Kari A.; Dale, Brittany A.; Caemmerer, Jacqueline M.; Bray, Melissa A.; Peters, Emily
Psychology in the Schools, v60 n2 p441-451 Feb 2023
Although federal law has provided guidelines for autism eligibility for special education, school-based autism assessment and eligibility vary widely across states and identification continues to lag behind national prevalence data. The main role of the school psychologist continues to be conducting evaluations for special education eligibility, and given current barriers, some school psychologists do not feel equipped to make a recommendation for autism eligibility. This article summarizes the barriers school psychologists face when conducting autism assessments in the schools, including systemic barriers, lack of training or professional development, resulting lack of confidence, among others. We conclude by highlighting recommendations for multipronged systemic changes that will improve the capacity of special education teams and specifically support the pivotal role of the school psychologist in conducting autism eligibility evaluations in the schools.
Descriptors: School Psychologists, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Disability Identification, Eligibility, Special Education, Educational Diagnosis, Barriers, Professional Development, Educational Needs, Self Esteem
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www-wiley-com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-us
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A