Autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that may cause social, communication, or behavioral challenges.

The degree to which students with ASD experience any of these challenges varies, leading to the use of the term “spectrum.” The learning, thinking, and problem-solving abilities of people with ASD can range from gifted to severely challenged. ASD does not necessarily affect a student’s thinking, learning, or problem-solving, or a student’s physical appearance. 

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that approximately 1 in 54 children have been identified with ASD.

Sources: cdc.gov and ed.gov
 

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The Brick-by-Brick Program

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The Brick-by-Brick program harnesses the power of LEGO-based play to enhance communication, boost confidence, and develop social skills in neurodivergent children. Designed in collaboration with leading child development experts and supported by the LEGO Foundation, this program is built to promote inclusion and empower children to thrive. It offers a wide range of training and resources to support educators to create playful, impactful and engaging learning experiences. Through creativity and collaboration, the Brick-by-Brick program creates a supportive environment where every child can

WPS

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WPS provides a broad range of educational and psychological assessments and related intervention resources. These resources assist special education teachers, certified academic language therapists, school psychologists, psychologists, speech and language pathologists, educational diagnosticians, occupational therapists, classroom teachers, reading specialists, administrators, counselors, and other clinicians in helping school-aged children make academic, social, emotional, and behavioral progress. Our tools can be used system-wide, school-wide, at the grade level, classroom level, and

DADD Statement on Autism and Secretary Kennedy's Remarks

DADD
April 18, 2025 - Yesterday’s comments from HHS Secretary Kennedy are deeply disappointing, profoundly damaging, and unacceptable. The suggestion that autism is a “preventable” condition, particularly...
Publish Date: 
April 18, 2025

One-Stop Support: Simplifying Resource Access for Parents of Students with Disabilities

Screenshot of One-Stop Support: Simplifying Resource Access for Parents of Students with Disabilities
An article discussing the importance of creating a central hub for parents of students with disabilities to access resources in one location. For example, the primary utility of the Social Skills Virtual Theme Park is to serve as a comprehensive resource for both students and parents. By bringing together various activities, games, and practical tools, the website empowers parents and educators to support students with disabilities in developing vital social skills. It also provides a central hub where families can access helpful resources, making it easier to navigate the often complex world of special education and disability support.
Submitted by: 
Victoria Perez

DADD Teacher of the Year

Award type:
Achievement/Honorific
Last Updated:  24 January, 2025

This award recognizes exceptional educators working in some capacity with students who have autism, intellectual disability, or other developmental disabilities. 

Deadline:
October 01, 2024
Presented by:
DADD

DADD Para-Educator of the Year

Award type:
Achievement/Honorific
Last Updated:  24 January, 2025

This award recognizes exceptional paraprofessionals working in some capacity with students who have autism, intellectual disability, or other developmental disabilities.

Deadline:
September 24, 2024
Presented by:
DADD

Social Justice Award

Award type:
Achievement/Honorific
Last Updated:  24 January, 2025

This award honors individuals who embody DADD values and work to address and break down systemic inequities based on disability and other marginalized identities. The recipient will have a track record of promoting social justice through their actions, both personally and professionally, making a lasting impact on autistic students/students with autism, intellectual disability, and/or other developmental disabilities.

Deadline:
September 09, 2024
Presented by:
DADD

Early Career Research Award

Award type:
Achievement/Honorific
Last Updated:  24 January, 2025

Given to someone who is beginning their career and showing promise as a researcher. Individuals who finished their doctoral work less than 5 years ago are eligible. These nominees must be contributing to research related to students with autism, intellectual disability, and other developmental disabilities in a significant way.

Deadline:
September 24, 2024
Presented by:
DADD

DADD Research Award

Award type:
Achievement/Honorific
Last Updated:  26 July, 2024

This award recognizes exceptional researchers in the area of education for students with autism, intellectual disability, or other developmental disabilities.

Deadline:
September 24, 2024
Presented by:
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Related Topics

Intellectual/Developmental Disability
Gifted and Talented
Learning Disabilities

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