As the term "spectrum" implies, a wide range of cognitive,
communication, and social abilities is represented in children
with autism. The diagnosis ranges from autism with varying
degrees of cognitive, social, and communication disabilities to
Asperger syndrome, in which the student has normal intelligence
and language development but has deficiencies in social and
pragmatic skills (Ervin, 2007). Still, most children with autism
have some level of intellectual delay and speech and language
problems. Some of these children do not speak; others have
limited language skills; and others use repetitive phrases. Yet
most experts agree that it is the physical and emotional
detachment from other people and the severe communication
difficulties that are the hallmark symptoms of autism (Richard,
1997). What works for one student with autism may or may not
work for another. A technique that works for a student today may
not work tomorrow. There is no "mold" for the child with autism.
Therefore, it is imperative to be p