The challenges of educating a child diagnosed with various autism disorders are best met by parents with knowledge and a guiding set of principles//.

With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now estimating that as many as 1 in 150 children may be affected by an autism spectrum disorder, more parents than ever are facing concerns and questions as they send their children into the school systems.

Oliver Wendt, an assistant professor of educational studies and speech, language and hearing sciences, researches developmental disabilities including such disorders, which often are characterized by social and cognitive impairments as well as severe communication difficulties.

"It's important for parents, educators and clinicians to keep an overview of how different intervention and treatment programs are affecting the child," he said. "There is no tried and true method. Education and therapy needs to be tailored to fit each individual child."

Wendt, who is currently researching communication strategies for those autistic children who have no functional speech or language, offers these tips for parents trying to ensure their children receive strong educational and therapeutic support:

* Work with your school system to ensure that your child is being taught several forms of communication. Since nearly half of all children with autism may never develop functional speech or language, it is important to give them outlets for expression. Even children who have some speech may find it difficult to interact using language at all times. Options include gestures and sign language, teaching the child to select graphic symbols or line drawings appropriate to his or her needs or feelings, and electronic speech-generating devices.

"Tantrums and inappropriate behaviors at home and school, such as biting or hitting, are very often a result of when a child with autism is frustrated with communication," Wendt
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