Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder, is a group of mental disorders characterized by problems with social and communication skills. This can include sensory problems which can make chaotic environments different for those with autism to handle as well as requiring routine and structure in their daily schedule.

IEPs, which stand for Individualized Education Plan, are used with the K-12 school system to assist children who have been diagnosed with mental, physical, or emotional impairments to provide them with additional assistance within the classroom. Each IEP is written to the specific needs of each student and each program outlines the student's specific needs, what services need to put in place by the school to reach these goals, and how the school will collect data to prove they are assisting the child with reaching their goals.

An example of goals for a student with autism who is verbal but has sensory issues and will lash out with behavioral issues when over stimulated could be:

1. The student will raise their hand and ask the teacher to go to a designated quiet spot when needed 80% of the time.

1. The designated quiet spot will be a enclosed desk with a bean bag chair in the back of the classroom. 
2. The teacher will send a report of the daily behavior on a home card on a daily basis.

2. The student will follow prompts of the teacher to go to their designated quiet spot when needed 80% of the time.

1. The teacher will ask for this to occur if the student does not request to do this within 5 minutes of      showing agitated behavior. Agitated behavior is defined as tapping the desk and hitting themselves in the side of the head.
2. The student will stay in their quiet spot for a minimum of 10 minutes but no longer than 15 minutes.
3. The teacher will send a report of the daily behavior on a home card on a daily basis.

When looking at these two examples you will see that the behaviors being targeted are behaviorally specific for what the student's behaviors are, what actions the school will take, and how it will be tracked and what the goal level is to reach the goal.