According to IDEA, Autism Spectrum Disorder is:

• A. A development disability involving only physical coordination difficulties.
• B. A developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction, generally evident before age 3 that adversely affects educational performance.
• C. A temporary behavioral problem that resolves with maturity.
• D. A sensory impairment affecting hearing but not communication.

Answer: (B)

Autism Spectrum Disorder is defined under IDEA as a developmental disability that significantly affects verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction, is generally evident before age three, and adversely affects educational performance. This means it is recognized as a condition that can require special education services because of its impact on how a child communicates, engages with others, and participates in learning.

Think of autism as centered on communication and social‑interaction challenges, with the condition typically appearing early in life and creating educational needs because of its effects on learning. The other descriptions don’t fit: limiting it to physical coordination misses the core communication/social impact; calling it a temporary problem that resolves with maturity ignores its often persistent nature and ongoing support needs; and labeling it a sensory impairment affecting hearing but not communication mischaracterizes autism, whose defining features are the communication and social interaction difficulties.