Stakeholder Definition of their role, and how they provide support to

individuals on the spectrum

Parent or Guardian Parents and guardians are the primary providers for individuals
with ASD. They are often the first people to detect the
characteristics of ASD within the individual. They support
individuals with ASD by being a strong advocator for them in
requesting resources and services that will allow their children to
have an extraordinary life despite their disability. Parents and
guardians also provide support to individuals on the spectrum by
creating positive home environments and educating themselves
on interventions.

Special Education Special Education Teachers are educators that oversee and
Teacher provide instruction for individuals with ASD. Special Education
Teachers support individuals on the spectrum by being a school-
based advocator for people with ASD. They also ensure
appropriate accommodations and evidence-based interventions
are used to support the individuals’ educational needs.

General Education General Education Teachers teach individuals with ASD. They
Teacher support individuals with ASD by incorporating the necessary
accommodations into their classroom and adhering to
specifications of routines and structures that maybe with their
IEP.

Administrator Administrators represent individuals with ASD as their Local

Educational Agency (LEA). They support individuals with ASD by
ensuring the school is abiding by the individuals’ Individualized
Education Plan (IEP).

School Psychologist School Psychologist conducts assessments to present data to

reveal whether or not by law an individual can qualify for Special
Education services under ASD. They support individuals with
ASD by providing the IEP team with recommendations to best
meet the needs of the individual.

Speech-Language Speech-Langauge Pathologists are experts in language and

Pathologist communication. They support individuals with ASD by equipping
them with the skills they need to effectively communicate with
others. Speech Pathologists help individuals understand how to
take turns in social groups in communicating with others and
understanding others’ perspectives as well.

Occupational Therapist Occupational Therapists are evaluators of sensory, motor,

cognitive, social, and communication skills of children and adults
with autism that are related to their participation in everyday life
 activities. They support individuals with ASD by providing
interventions to assist with their motor skills, sensory integration,
and self-regulation.

Board Certified Behavior Board Certified Behavior Analysts are educated on behavior and
Analyst how behaviors can positively or negatively impact a student.
Behavior Analysts support individuals with ASD by teaching
behavior strategies to assist in behaviors that impact their
learning. Behavior analysts also support the IEP team in
understanding the behaviors of the individuals with ASD to ensure
appropriate accommodations and or behavior plans are in place.

Physical Therapist Physical Therapists are people who provide exercises to help
build strength in a person’s muscles. They specifically help
individuals with ASD by providing exercises to increase their
mobile mobility.

Paraprofessional The paraprofessional role is to give classroom assistance to

children with ASD. Paraprofessionals support individuals with
ASD feel comfortable in the classroom and they ensure
individuals with ASD help to provide their accommodations in the
classroom. Often paraprofessionals support individuals with ASD
by becoming trusted adults for them.

Vocational Specialist Vocational Specialist explores job opportunities for individuals

with disabilities after they leave their k-12 education. Vocaitonal
Specialists guide individuals with ASD and their families on how
the individual will sustain an independent life where they live and
take care of themselves as independently as possible.

Adapted Physical Adapted Physical Education Teachers instruct modified physical

Education Teacher education classes for those with disabilities. They specifically
support individuals with ASD by creating an unstructured class to
meet the needs of individuals with ASD. Adapted Physical
Education Teachers assist individuals with ASD to understand
how to participate in cooperative activities during unstructured
play.

Pediatrician The pediatricians’ role is to assess individuals’ developmental

growth. They evaluate whether or not a person is diagnosed with
ASD. They give comfort to families and individuals with ASD in
walking them through the process of understanding the
characteristics of ASD.

Nutritionist Nutritionists’ role is to determine the food needed for individuals

with ASD. They support individuals with ASD in understanding
how they process food and how the food they eat can affect their
senses.

Social Worker Social Workers’ role is to provide social-emotional support to

individuals with ASD. They support them by monitoring their
social-emotional health and providing appropriate intervention
when needed such as one-on-one and or group counseling.