Early behavioral or cognitive intervention can help autistic children gain self care, social and communication skills. Autism and schools have long been linked, and there are even schools for children with special needs. This is important because within two years of high school, less than half of those with autism spectrum disorder have paying jobs. This is the lowest rate of any group of disabled persons.

Autistic toddlers differ more strikingly from social norms. For example, they generally have less eye contact and turn talking, and often do not have the ability to use simple movements to express themselves. This is evident in the fact that often autistic children point at things. In many cases, autistic children cannot understand sarcasm either.

However, an estimated .5 percent to 10 percent of individuals with autism spectrum disorder have shown unusual abilities, ranging from skills such as the memorization of trivia to the rare talents of prodigious savants, such as rain man. In addition, unusual eating behavior occurs in about 75 percent of children with ASD, to the extent that it used to be a diagnostic indicator.

The fact that there are special needs schools that focus on teaching special needs children and working with special needs shows an advancement in the educational field. Autism and schools are sometimes linked, and a school psychologist can do a test to find the learning style of a child and the least restrictive environment for that child. If a special needs school fits their needs, they will suggest a transfer. For more information see this.