Students with Autism Served in Special Education: Trends from 2004-2012

Objectives: This paper examines trends in the experience of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in special education across states during the period of 2004-2012. Methods: Information based upon Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) data reported by states during 2004-2012 were used to calculate the percentage of children with ASD, number of special education personnel, and percentage of children with ASD in a regular classroom for 80% or more of the day. Results: The proportion of special education students with ASD nearly tripled between 2004 and 2012. Results indicate considerable inter-state variation in each of the outcomes. Conclusions: The variation in outcomes across states suggests that lessons may be learned from individual states about how to address the increase in the number students with ASD.