Did you know that the number of people being diagnosed with autism has dramatically increased since the 1980s? This is probably due to more patients being correctly diagnosed, greater awareness about the problem, and potentially due to genetic and environmental variables we do not yet fully understand. In the past, children with autism were often misdiagnosed and, for this reason, did not receive the care and assistance that they needed. Here are three things you should know about finding the right schools for children with learning disabilities.

1. Autism is a Spectrum Disorder

Autism appears in multiple forms, ranging from high functioning individuals who can achieve social integration to individuals who will need assistance and supervision throughout their lives. When you are looking for schools for children with special needs, you want to look for places that are equipped to handle multiple types of children. About 1 in 50 children are diagnosed with some form of autism, according to the CDC, so having someone work with your child who understands what they are capable of achieving is key to developing and improving skill sets.

2. Working to Achieve Greater Independence

A quality special needs school is not just concerned with taking care of your child. They also want to help your child reach their full potential. In schools not centered around working with special needs children, many underperforming children get lost in the shuffle. Their inabilities to do tasks or activities are sometimes taken for granted and they are not given positive pushes toward exploring new territory. All special needs students in the U.S. receive Individualized Education Programs, or IEP, that detail how the school will help them.

3. How Can You Help Your Child?

Putting them in a positive environment where people are qualified to work with them is a positive start. Experts recommend that parents of autistic children be consistent in their environment to encourage learning, stick to a schedule, reward good behavior, and create a private home safety zone where the child can relax. The needs of every child are different, so see if schools for learning disabilities are properly equipped and set up to be a good place for your child.

Have tips on working with special needs children? Let us know in the comments!
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