Children on the autism spectrum vary widely in their strengths, challenges, and needs. The best environment for some children on the spectrum is a public school where they can spend time with neurotypical children, but a good deal of children on the spectrum learn and function better in a very controlled environment. Ohio started the Autism Scholarship in 2003 and it has since created an ecosystem of autism focused schools and has given parents the ability to choose an environment best suited for their children.

Ohio's Autism Scholarship is a voucher program that enables parents to choose a school that specializes in teaching children with autism. This has allowed the creation of small private schools that focus on the needs of children in specific areas of the spectrum. Thanks to this system my 8-year-old son William has been able to attend a school that can support his very complex needs.

Congress needs to reauthorize the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and amend it to create the National Autism Scholarship. This can be done by expanding the "least restrictive environment" clause. Using Ohio's program as a template would also remove uncertainty and speed integration. 

With the rapid rise and severity of children diagnosed with ASD, it will be a great relief for public schools across the country to get help from specialized schools in their community.