For a child with Asperger's syndrome, what aspect of their condition must the ARD committee evaluate?

The aspect that the ARD committee must evaluate is the combined effect of the disorder on educational performance. Children with Asperger's syndrome often experience challenges that span multiple domains of their lives, including social interaction, communication, and behavior. Evaluating only one aspect—such as academic performance or social skills in isolation—would not provide a comprehensive understanding of how the disorder affects the child in an educational setting.

The combined effect approach considers how these various challenges may interact to impact the child's overall learning and adaptation in a school environment. This holistic view ensures that interventions and educational supports are appropriately tailored to the child's needs, enabling them to succeed in their educational journey. Additionally, understanding the interplay of difficulties helps the ARD committee make informed decisions regarding services, accommodations, and modifications that the child may require to thrive academically and socially.