Socialization Development of Autistic Children in Public School Settings

With the advance in spectrum disorders, many public schools systems across the United States have begun to develop programs that are uniquely designed for at-risk children. For children with Autism Spectrum disorders, the complications of socialization are often a key focus of the school district’s program.

If you are the parent of a child who lives with an Autism Spectrum disorder, you may well understand the complications and dynamics associated with your child’s interests and social skills. While the complication of Autism Spectrum disorder developed early in your child’s life, the progression of the disorder, into grade school, often complicates the ability to develop peer relationships and, ultimately, perform academically.



When your autistic child enters grade school, it is important that you begin to develop relationship with the school teachers and officials. In many public school systems today, there are special education programs that are designed specifically for this demographic of children, with focus on socialization and unique academic structure. Using IEP, Individual Education Programs, your child’s progress through grade school is managed more closely and requires a more collaborative approach.



Unfortunately, in many school districts, children with Autism Spectrum disorders are not readily recognized at the onset. Therefore, if you already know that your child has been diagnosed with this developmental complication, it is important to let the school officials know from the first day your child starts school. In doing so, the school can begin, at an early age, to develop the IEP. While it is unfortunate, many parents of children with AS will defer telling the school of their child’s AS diagnosis in hopes the child will adapt to the normal curriculum. However, by doing this, you may be depriving your child of key opportunities in education and in peer relationship development.



Autism has become a condition of greater focus within the school systems. While there is still much to be learned about autism and Autism Spectrum disorder, we do know that children with this condition often require more unique approaches to education. As a parent, it is important to not deprive your child of academic success and in working with the school officials you can ensure, to some extent, your child is given the best possible opportunities for success. Creating the IEP, communicating with teachers on a regular basis, and assisting your child in home study will be an integral part of your child’s education when living with autism and Austim Spectrum disorder.

