According to IDEA 2004, which behavioral characteristic is commonly identified in students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?

Resistance to environmental change is commonly identified as a behavioral characteristic in students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Individuals with ASD may have a strong preference for routines and predictability, which can lead to anxiety or distress when faced with changes in their environment. This characteristic is linked to their difficulty in processing unexpected situations or alterations in familiar settings, making it challenging for them to adapt quickly.

This tendency to resist change is crucial to understand when developing individualized educational plans or creating supportive learning environments for these students. By acknowledging this characteristic, educators can implement strategies that provide structure and predictability, which can help reduce anxiety and improve overall functioning in the classroom.

Other listed characteristics, while they may appear in some individuals, do not represent the core behavioral traits typically associated with ASD. For instance, persistent defiance is more indicative of behavioral disorders, pervasive depression is not a defining feature, and increased social phobia with familiar people is less common than the anxiety associated with changes in their environment.