What type of classroom setting is least utilized for students with ASD?

Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are often placed in various classroom settings based on their individual needs, strengths, and the level of support they require. Special schools, while they can provide tailored programs for students with significant needs, are generally the least utilized setting for students with ASD. This is primarily because many students with ASD can benefit from inclusion in general education environments or resource rooms that provide a more integrated approach alongside peers.

Inclusion in general education fosters social interactions and learning within a diverse community, which is often crucial for students with ASD. Resource rooms can offer supplemental support while still allowing access to the general education curriculum. Separate classrooms and special schools may be necessary for those with more severe challenges or specific educational requirements, but they represent a more segregated approach to education. The trend in special education, especially for students with ASD, leans towards mainstreaming and inclusion to encourage social skills development and engagement with typical peers. Thus, special schools are less frequently chosen as the primary setting for educating students with ASD in comparison to the other options.