NAC388.387. Eligibility of pupil with autism.

     1. A pupil is eligible for special services and programs of instruction if the eligibility team, comprised of the persons set forth in subsection 2, determines that the pupil has autism and, by reason thereof, needs special education and related services.

     2. The eligibility team must consist of:

     (a) A school psychologist.

     (b) A teacher of special education or a person with a specialized knowledge of autism.

     (c) The regular classroom teacher of the pupil or, if none, a person qualified to teach the pupil.

     (d) A specialist of speech and language.

     (e) A parent of the pupil.

     (f) One or more persons who have sufficient knowledge of the pupil to interpret information relating to the pupil’s social, emotional, developmental and familial condition. Such persons may include an administrator of the school, a nurse, a counselor, a school psychologist or any other certificated or licensed professional.

     3. The eligibility team shall conduct an evaluation of the pupil to determine whether the pupil is eligible for special services and programs of instruction pursuant to this section. Such an evaluation must:

     (a) Assess the:

          (1) Health and medical status;

          (2) Developmental history, including, without limitation, the rate and sequence of development and a clear statement of strengths and weaknesses;

          (3) Cognitive abilities;

          (4) Social and emotional condition in multiple settings;

          (5) Academic achievement;

          (6) Adaptive skills; and

          (7) Speech, language and other communication skills,

Ê of the pupil; and

     (b) Consider the:

          (1) Sensory regulation;

          (2) Self-help and independent living skills;

          (3) Behavior problems;

          (4) Symbolic and imaginative play;

          (5) Activities and special interests; and

          (6) Motor skills,

Ê of the pupil.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Education, eff. 11-23-93; A by R039-98, 5-29-98; R085-99, 2-16-2000; R064-08, 9-18-2008)