I have been teaching students with autism now for 4 years. I just recently found out that they count my room as a cross categorical room and not an autism unit. All of my students have been medically diagnosed with autism and qualify for special education services under the category of autism. The Ohio Department of Education has a case load limit of 6 students for an autism unit. The case load limit is 12 for a cross categorical classroom. Can you have a cross categorical classroom made up of entirely children who have autism? I have 8 students currently in my room, 6 of which are low functioning. I just find this very shady.... If you have a cross categorical classroom made up of entirely one category (autism) wouldn't it be an autism unit?
Here in Orem Utah, where my preschool, sproutlings preschool, is located, the case load limit is 12 regardless of category.
