Erica Grindinger
Special Education Intensive Resource
UNIQUE LEARNERS
Special Education Professional Portfolio
IDEA & DSM
IDEA
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
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A federal law that ensures students with disabilities receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
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Focuses on educational impact and special education services.
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Requires a multidisciplinary evaluation to determine eligibility for special education under specific disability categories, including Autism.
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The evaluation process considers academic performance, communication, and social skills in a school setting.
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Results in an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), outlining tailored goals and services to support the student in an educational environment.
DSM-5
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition
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Used by clinicians to diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) based on medical and psychological criteria.
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The process includes clinical assessments of behavior, communication, and social interaction across multiple settings.
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Diagnosis focuses on identifying the presence of persistent deficits in social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors.
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DSM diagnosis is necessary for medical and therapeutic interventions, but it does not automatically qualify a child for special education services under IDEA.
Key Differences:
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IDEA is education-focused and determines eligibility for school-based services, while DSM provides a clinical diagnosis for medical and therapeutic purposes.
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IDEA requires an educational team evaluation, while DSM involves a medical professional's assessment.