I have been working at Nashua Schools (More than 10 years) Pros Large District so there are more opportunities for teachers to take on projects than smaller districts.
And many people with Autism do suffer from a form of Mental Retardation. For some reason I believe people feel better the more they can separate the two conditions and believe somehow it is better to have Autism non related to mental retardation.
About autism Autism is a complex biological disorder characterised by difficulties with speech; abnormalities of posture or gesture; problems with understanding the feelings of others; sensory and visual misperceptions, fears and anxieties; and behavioural abnormalities such as compulsive/obsessive behaviour and ritualistic movements.