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The Exceptional Edge by NASET (07.18.25)

Special Education news, trivia, and insights

The National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) empowers special education teachers, advocates, and professionals with practical training, trusted resources, and meaningful connections - supporting those who make a difference in the lives of students with diverse learning needs.

Did you know that 1 in 50 school-aged children live with Tourette Syndrome (TS) or another Persistent Tic Disorder?

As an educator, we know you want to support your students in the best way possible – including students who experience tics and other co-occurring conditions. We have compiled a comprehensive list of resources to assist educators and school personnel in in developing effective support plans to allow children with TS and other Tic Disorders to thrive, both socially and academically. Below and across our site you’ll find many free resources about TS and accommodating students with TS in the classroom.

Happy Friday! 

POLICY & FUNDING CHANGES The Supreme Court cleared the way for federal cuts to the Education Department, sparking worries about the future of special education services. Twenty-four states are suing over the freeze of $7 billion in education funding, while former special education leaders are urging Congress to keep special education programs protected. School districts face budgetary chaos from frozen federal funding, and schools are bracing for a wave of parents seeking opt-outs.

RESEARCH BREAKTHROUGHS Scientists identified four distinct autism subtypes with unique genetic profiles that could revolutionize diagnosis and treatment. A massive study of 1.2 million children found no link between aluminum in vaccines and autism or ADHD. Pediatricians received updated guidance on diagnosing developmental disabilities, while experts highlight how mental health supports are crucial for special education success.

EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS Major retailers like Walmart and CVS joined forces to expand disability access through The Access Coalition. A new sports league launched specifically for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities. California is showing how states can step up for young students with disabilities, while Special Olympics and Nike announced a three-year partnership to expand opportunities for athletes with disabilities.

29% of children aged 3–5 receiving IDEA Part B services have speech or language impairments?

The Tourette Association of America has compiled a comprehensive list of resources to assist educators and school personnel in in developing effective support plans to allow children with TS and other Tic Disorders to thrive, both socially and academically.

Shout Out to Last Week’s Winners Who Correctly Guessed, “Augmentative and Alternative Communication”: Maria Espiritu, Cheryl Blocher, Laurie Rochlin, Rowena Spetka, Lauro III Esquilona, Latorrya Buie, Corinn Mildenberg, Jennifer Long, Joanna Blau, Laurine Kennedy, Joycelyn Whitley Cooper, Cynthia Turcotte, Kelly Jacobsen, Cynthia Maurice, Titus Jeffrey Arreola, Dr. Nicole Wells, Joanna Elder Mathewson, Cathy Cardenas, Marisol Hernandez-Reyes, Suzanne Cherry, Karrissa Ebert, Bonnie Baldwin, Karen Frantz-Fry, Erika Musgrove, Ellen Kay, Jermeika Mattis-Marsh, Patrick Gilbert, Tracey Christilles.
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-B.B. King