Understanding the Landscape Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects a growing number of children. According to the CDC, about 1 in 31 (3.2 %) 8-year-olds  in the U.S. were identified with ASD in recent surveys. And while diagnosis rates vary by age, gender, and region, the upward trend underscores the importance of effective, responsive educational models. ( Bloomberg School of Public Health ) Boys are diagnosed more often than girls (roughly 3–4 times as often), though autism

The Scope of Behavioral & Mental Health Challenges “Behavioral disorders” is a broad term encompassing conduct disorders, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), ADHD with behavioral issues, and related emotional or regulatory conditions. According to recent data: Among children ages 3–17, approximately 8 %  have a diagnosed behavioral disorder (10 % of males, 5 % of females) in the U.S. ( CDC ) More broadly, children with mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral (MEDB) c

What Is Step Up for Students? Step Up For Students (SUFS)  is a nonprofit Scholarship Funding Organization in Florida that administers K–12 scholarships and educational choice programs. It manages several major scholarship programs that allow Florida families greater flexibility and access to quality education. In fact, Step Up administers approximately 98 %  of Florida’s scholarship programs. In a recent opening weekend, over 120,000 students applied  for K–12 scholarships.