Rico is a 6th grade student who receives services under the autism eligibility category. Rico has a history of social skills difficulties, and discrepancies between Rico and his peers became more apparent during the intermediate grades. Rico was referred for special education services in fourth grade and currently receives specially-designed instruction and speech-language services in general education and special education settings. Although he’s academically gifted and generally well-liked by peers and adults, his social deficits may make him more dependent on adults and impact his independence in the future.