Autism is one of the fastest growing areas of disability in children in this country as I have previously described , and which is well known to any parent of a child with autism. The paradox is the degree to which schools are so behind the curve in their understanding of this disability and how to design good quality programming. I have located two websites (free online) that present comprehensive information on educationally-based programs to teach children and young adults with autism.
The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council website covers autism from definitions to interventions, and has a wonderful overview of evaluations that can and should be applied to determine educational needs. It lists examples of accommodations and modifications that should be considered in the IEP process. The discussion of vocational opportunities and transition planning activities bring out critical topics that too often gets scant attention.
The other site is from the University of Iowa which presents a set of "best practices" for young children with autism and other resources for older children as well. A lot of the literature has focused on the young child with autism. Some of the most critical needs arise for children at the middle school level and belong. This site address some of those needs.