Which IDEA eligibility categories require special education services, with two examples being Specific Learning Disability and Autism?

• A. Specific Learning Disability and Autism
• B. Hearing impairment and Orthopedic impairment
• C. Emotional disturbance and Visual impairment
• D. Intellectual disability and Speech impairment

Answer: (A)

Under IDEA, students qualify for special education services when they have a recognized disability and need specially designed instruction to access the curriculum. Specific Learning Disability and Autism are two such categories, representing different ways a student might need targeted supports. A student with a specific learning disability typically struggles with core academic skills (like reading or math) despite average or above-average intelligence, so they benefit from explicit, intensive instruction and accommodations. A student with autism often needs structured routines, social-communication supports, and sometimes other therapies; these supports are designed to help them participate and progress in the general education setting.

In practice, once a comprehensive evaluation confirms one of these categories and shows a need for specialized instruction, an individualized education program is developed to outline the specific goals, services, and accommodations. Other IDEA categories exist as well, and they would similarly lead to services if the evaluation determines a substantial need for specialized instruction.