The number of children diagnosed with Autism (or Autism Spectrum Disorder - ASD) has increased dramatically in recent years.  Some reports indicate the incidence of children with disabilities in the autism spectrum is as high as 1 per 150.  Recent developments have resulted in great promise for children with ASD diagnoses, especially when services are initiated at young ages as soon as possible after diagnosis.  Research demonstrates that with appropriate educational programs, children with autism can thrive.

However, children with ASD, face tremendous obstacles in the public schools, as policy makers and administrators frequently limit service options based on erroneous presumptions about limited competence and educational potential of children with autism.  Although school districts are obligated to provide special education services to children with disabilities starting at age three, many children fail to receive services vital to their development.   Parents and local educators frequently are uninformed about the full array of services and supports available to meet the individual needs of children with autism, as well as being unaware of the legal obligation to provide services which reflect the full competency and potential of individuals with autism.   It is therefore essential to provide parents and educators with information about state-of-the art programs and services for children with autism, while providing technical assistance and advocacy for parents who require direct support.

To address this important concern, Massachusetts Advocates for Children successfully launched an Autism Special Education Legal Support Center in 2003 to provide training, technical assistance and advocacy services to ensure that children with autism overcome lowered expectations and receive equal educational opportunities. 

MAC expanded the project in 2004, with generous support from Jane's Trust, the Nancy Lurie Marks Foundation, the Flutie Foundation, the John W. Alden Trust, the McDonough Foundation, and the Boston Bar Foundation. 

Massachusetts Advocates for Children (MAC) is leading efforts to secure passage of H. 3804 (An Act Addressing Bullying of Children with ASD. This bill helps ensure that supports and services are provided, as appropriate, to address the needs of the individual child with ASD to avoid and respond to bullying through the IEP process. (click for fact sheet)

The Center worked with Senator Creem and Representative Bradley to re-file legislation which will help to ensure that teachers receive training in augmentative and alternative communication methods necessary to educate children with disabilities who are nonverbal or who have limited speech. Thousands of children (including children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, cerebral palsy, and acquired brain injury), rely on augmentative and alternative communication methods to interact with others, and many students are now being included in regular education.

S. 223 An Act to Improve Augmentative and Alternative Communication Opportunities for Children with Disabilities (the “AAC Bill”) was introduced again this year and is similar to legislation filed previously. The earlier legislation passed in the Senate but was not voted on in the House prior to the end of the legislative session in June 2008 and did not become law. The bill directs the Board of Education to revise regulations for educator licensure so that all teachers are adequately prepared in methods of communication other than speech to facilitate interaction, to ensure that students with such disabilities can access the general education curriculum and to facilitate inclusion.

S. 223 AAC Bill; AAC Bill Summary; AAC Fact Sheet; AAC Panel Testimony from Joint Education Committee Hearing on October 20, 2009

To read about your rights regarding assistive technology and devices (including augmentative and alternative communication) under federal special education law. click here

Navigating the system when you have a loved one with Autism can be the most daunting task many parents are often faced with. It does not have to be, there is HOPE and HELP but it is a challenge. We have provided some useful links with vital information to help you become the strongest advocate you can be for yourself and for your child. Should you need any further information, please feel free to contact our helpline, we are here to help.

Tips for Parents available in English and Spanish (Consejos para Padres)

Tips for Professionals available in English

The Autism Parents & Professionals Training Project

Service Options available in English and Spanish (Opciones de Servicios)

Autism Special Education Legal Support Center Brochure

To learn more about the Autism Special Education Legal Support Center and ways we can help you click the icon to download our brochure.

Autism Brochure

Autism IEP Law Summary

Autism Medicaid Waiver Description

There is still much work to be done, however, it is also worthwhile to take a step back and reflect on the accomplished work that continues to inspire us to do the important work that we do. Learn more about our accomplishments, click here.

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