Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

A variety of Special Education services are provided to students who meet the state criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Bloomington Public Schools Services
Bloomington Public Schools has 8 classrooms for students with significant ASD needs: 5 in elementary schools, 2 in middle schools and 1 in high schools. For these students, they spend 40% or less time in the regular education setting and they spend 60% or more in the special education setting. Most the teachers in these classrooms are Autism Specialists. That means, according to the State of Minnesota, the have taught students with autism for 3 years or more and have at least 100 continuing education hours in the Autism field over the past 5 years.

Bloomington Public Schools also has students with less significant needs in every elementary, middle and high school in the district. These students are in regular classrooms for more that 40% of their day and in special education settings less than 60% of the time. These students are served by a variety of special education staff members. There is an Autism Specialist on all students teams identified as being served under the ASD category.

Students in Bloomington are identified by a team of school personal and the parents/guardians of the child. The initial evaluation can be initiated by the school staff or parents, but must be done with parent approval.

Students who are served under the ASD category may receive, based upon their individual needs:
- Academic and learning support
- Speech-Language services
- Occupational Therapy
- Services from a Social Worker
- Services from a School Psychologist
- Though they need to qualify, most students served under the ASD category also receive Adapted Physical Education.

Click here for criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder eligibility.

Contact Person: Peggy Locke, Ph.D.
952 681-6518
plocke@bloomington.k12.mn.us