Your Autistic Child's IEP: Steps to Take

Exceptional Education students have IEP's or Individual Educational Plans. If your autistic child does not have an IEP, one should be written for them by the educational team. It does not depend on your child's functioning level or abilities whether or not an IEP is available. As an exceptional student's parent, you always have the right to request an IEP. These plans address how to better assist your child in learning. Following are the steps a parent needs to take in order to have a child study team discuss your child's Individual Educational Plan.

1. Discuss with your child's teacher that you feel your student might need an education plan. It is good advice to be open with your child's teacher and not accusatory. The teacher may not be aware that it is your wise to have a plan for your child.

2. Contact the Guidance Office at your child's school to request an Individual Educational Plan. The Guidance Counselor will be the individual who will set up the child study team for the meeting. The team will usually consist of a Guidance Counselor, the regular education teacher, any special education teachers that are involved in the child's education, a psychologist if necessary and any other school personnel or administrators that might work directly with your child. Ask the opinion of each of these members about how your child can best be education.

3. Before going to the IEP meeting, write down issues you want addressed concerning your autistic student. Some issues to discuss are communication needs, communication systems, such as Board Maker, routines for your child, and social skill training. The team will write goals to address these areas. Also ask if your child will be served in a regular classroom, an inclusion classroom, or an inclusive Autism classroom.

4. Parents have the right to request psychological and educational testing at the expense of the school board. If you feel your child would benefit from such services, be sure to ask the child study team.

5. Before leaving the IEP meeting, request a copy of your child's IEP form. Many parents do not realize it is their write by state law to have a copy. Also, ask how often the plan will be reviewed.

Hopefully these tips and suggestions will make your IEP experience a bit easier. Knowing the correct questions to ask, can make your autistic child's education experience that much better in the future.