Students with autism make up about 10 percent of those receiving
special education in Maryland’s largest school system. “A lot
has been changing,” said Kristin E. Secan, an instructional
specialist for services for students with autism spectrum
disorders. “And there is a lot going on.” Autism is a
developmental disability that can cause learning delays and
social and communication difficulties. Symptoms vary widely.
Montgomery County and other school systems across the country
have had to race to keep up with new diagnoses and wide-ranging
needs. Montgomery offers extra services to autistic students at
their home schools. There are also special center-based programs
to serve students with more severe or multiple disabilities. The
county has a preschool program for children with autism and has
tailored services for students diagnosed with Asperger’s
syndrome, a specific and generally milder form of autism. Two-
thirds of all students receiving services for autism in
Montgomery are taught in separate special-edu