ASD Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield ASD facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which of the following behaviors are common signs of restricted, repetitive behaviors in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder? → Intense interest in a specific topic or object
2. Speech-generating devices (SGDs) used as AAC for individuals with ASD should ideally be programmed to reflect the user's: → Age-appropriate vocabulary matched to the individual's communication needs and interests
3. Which emerging technology is being studied as a potential tool to improve social skills in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder? → Virtual Reality (VR)
4. Which federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with ASD? → ADA
5. Which of the following is an ethical consideration when working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder? → Respecting the individual's autonomy and preferences
6. Grief responses experienced by parents at the time of their child's ASD diagnosis have been described using which theoretical framework? → Chronic sorrow model and/or Kübler-Ross stages of grief
7. A behavior intervention plan (BIP) for a student with ASD should ALWAYS be based on results from which process? → Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)
8. Occupational therapists (OTs) addressing sensory processing in ASD most commonly use which intervention framework? → Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) therapy
9. Which of the following tools is considered a "gold standard" for assessing Autism Spectrum Disorder? → ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition)
10. Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder often have challenges with social interactions. Which of the following behaviors might reflect these challenges? → Avoiding eye contact
11. Which of the following best describes the purpose of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for a student with Autism Spectrum Disorder? → To provide a tailored educational plan with specific goals and supports
12. Social Skills Training (SST) groups for individuals with ASD are MOST effective when they include which component? → Peer-mediated practice with neurotypical peers
13. Functional academic skills instruction for students with significant ASD focuses on teaching skills that: → Have direct relevance to daily living, employment, and independence in adulthood
14. Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs) combine which two theoretical frameworks? → ABA principles and developmental science
15. At what age can Autism Spectrum Disorder typically be reliably diagnosed? → 18-24 months
16. Which federal benefit provides monthly income support for adults with ASD who have limited income and have NOT worked enough to qualify for SSDI? → Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
17. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) adapted for individuals with ASD is MOST effective when it includes which modification? → Use of visual supports, concrete examples, and explicit emotion education
18. Theory of Mind (ToM) deficits in ASD primarily affect which communication skill? → Understanding that others have different perspectives and beliefs
19. The Zones of Regulation framework, used with individuals with ASD, categorizes emotional and regulatory states into how many zones? → Four color-coded zones representing different arousal and emotional states
20. Shutdown behaviors in ASD (withdrawal, non-responsiveness, reduced communication) are BEST understood as: → A nervous system protective response to overwhelming sensory or social input
21. The Hanen Centre program 'More Than Words' is specifically designed for: → Parents of young children with ASD to improve their child's social communication
22. Caregiver fidelity, or treatment integrity, in ASD home programs is best measured by: → Direct observation of caregiver skill implementation compared to a written protocol
23. Which approach uses visual scene displays (VSDs) to support communication for individuals with complex communication needs, including ASD? → Dynamic AAC with contextual scene-based displays
24. PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) is primarily used to address which area of deficit in individuals with ASD? → Functional communication
25. Which of the following are common social communication challenges faced by individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder? → Difficulty understanding sarcasm
26. When IDEA eligibility ends for a student with ASD, ongoing support services may be accessed through: → State developmental disability agencies and Medicaid waiver programs
27. Sensory seeking behaviors in individuals with ASD (e.g., spinning, hand flapping, seeking deep pressure) are understood to serve which function? → Neurological self-regulation to modulate arousal levels and achieve sensory equilibrium
28. Executive function supports that benefit students with ASD in academic settings include which of the following? → Graphic organizers, checklists, visual timers, and task breakdowns
29. Which of the following is a key component of the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R)? → Parent interview covering developmental history and behavior
30. When delivering caregiver training for ASD, practitioners should FIRST conduct which step? → Assess caregiver's current knowledge, skills, stress levels, and priorities