When working with students with ASD and students with other disabilities, advocating for policies and practices that are inclusive and equitable for these students is an important facet of daily work. Equally important is the ability to teach students self-determination and self-advocacy skills so they can have the skills and opportunities to be involved in their educational process.

Conduct research related to advocacy, self-determination, and self-advocacy for students with ASD. Use your findings to write six page double space word paper that addresses the following:

• Introduce the ideas of advocacy, self-determination, and self-advocacy by providing a clear definition of each and research-based evidence explaining the importance and relevance of each as they relate to students with ASD.
• Explain the role of the autism specialist as an advocate for students with ASD. Include a discussion of the importance of documentation and data collection as part of the advocacy process.
• Describe three advocacy strategies and explain how these can be applied as part of professional practice when working with students with ASD. Use real-world examples or examples from your professional practice to illustrate your ideas.
• Analyze the role of self-determination in promoting self-advocacy skills in students with ASD. Include discussion and examples of evidence-based methods and strategies that can be used in professional practice to develop and encourage these skills in students with ASD.
• Summarize how you will advocate for students in your professional practice and teach, reinforce, and support the development of their self-determination and self-advocacy skills.

Support the assignment with a minimum of three scholarly resources.