The number of autistic students in the United States is on the rise. Indeed, according to CDC estimates, nearly 1 in 36 children have autism. This is a significant jump from 2021's 1 in 44 assessment and an even greater leap from the 1 in 110 they calculated in 2006.  

Autism is a developmental disorder affecting how a person communicates and interacts. This often creates unique learning barriers in traditional education, and rising numbers have some educators at a loss. However, it's a challenge that St. Louis universities embrace with open arms, where rising autism numbers aren't just about accommodation but empowerment.  

For questions about what your school should be doing to help your autistic student, the Student Defense Team can help. Call the Lento Law Firm's Team today at 1(888) 535-3686 or contact us online, and let us help defend your child's right to access education.  

What is Autism, and Why is it Rising? 

Autism is a developmental disorder affecting how a person communicates and interacts. Symptoms include various social and communication issues, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests, often affecting their ability to learn in a traditional school environment.  

However, while the number of autism diagnoses is rising, researchers are quick to stress that this doesn't necessarily mean autism itself is increasing. Instead, rising autism rates can be explained by three main things:  

• More screenings—in 2006, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that autism screenings become part of a child's routine pediatric visits.  
• Increased awareness—an uptick in overall mental health awareness has helped parents identify symptoms earlier and more frequently than ever before.   
• Expanded diagnosis criteria—recent updates to diagnostic guidelines now allow children to be screened for both autism and ADHD at the same time.  

Knowledge is power, and rather than seeing these increased numbers as a burden, schools should use the information to help them adapt to a better teaching method.   

Students With Disabilities Have the Same Right to Education 

All students have the same right to access education, regardless of mental health barriers or learning disabilities. St. Louis schools have not only recognized this fundamental right but also embraced it wholeheartedly. 

Learning adaptations like fidget toys, movement breaks, visual cues, and written instructions are mandatory for children in public schools. These adaptations have significantly reduced student stress and have improved concentration and overall learning satisfaction.  

Unfortunately, despite federal disability protections, there is no formal framework for helping students with disabilities succeed in college, and only 36% of autistic students ever reach graduation.  

St. Louis universities are dedicated to changing those numbers by specifically targeting the needs of autistic students. From sensory rooms to programs that help develop life skills, their efforts have helped triple the number of autistic applicants and have given many a sense of belonging and success they've never had before.  

Unfortunately, too many autistic students aren't being met with the same level of enthusiasm and may need help getting access to reasonable accommodations for their disability. 

Improving Education for Autistic Students  

If you have questions about how to navigate school bureaucracies and assert disability rights, the Education Law Team can help. Call the Lento Law Firm Team today at 1 (888) 535-3686 or contact us online, and let us help defend your student's right to education.