The Impacts of Public Education on the Learning Ability of Autistic Children

Abstract

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that appears in earlier years of childhood (18 months-2 years old); it affects important human behaviors such as social interactions, communication skills and building relationships with people. Therefore, the educational planning for an autistic child is crucial because it must address the needs related to autistic disorders and the needs of other conditions associated with autism (e.g. sensory problems, mental retardation, and language impairment). The goal of this research paper is to analyze how the teaching methods and class organization of the Kalamazoo public schools impact the learning ability of autistic children. The primary form of treatment for autistic children is education. Therefore, under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975, it became the responsibility of the state to provide services to these children.