Special educational services to address the language and social skills deficits can be delivered in the classroom or as pull-out services. On the other hand, a child with mental retardation and autism should be placed in a class with similarly functioning students. Class size is ideally kept small, with a teacher and an aide trained in the educational and behavioral needs of autistic children. The education must be provided in the least restrictive setting and tailored to the unique, individual needs of the child. Ideally, the educational program should be a collaborative effort between the school and parents.
Autistic children are eligible for services through their educational system beginning at diagnosis.
Parents can contact their local Infant and Toddler or Child Find program. The use of behavioral interventions in the treatment of children with autism has been shown to be effective in improving social behaviors, and reducing or eliminating maladaptive behaviors. Since persons with autism vary widely in skills and behavior, it is important that a program be tailored to the individual. A program should be implemented only after a detailed behavioral analysis has been obtained. A good behavioral program will include methods to increase positive behaviors as well as behavior reduction techniques.