Thursday, 07 January 2010

• Autism Therapy/Back To School I.E.P.

  Back to school today?  Or if you’re like our family, that happened several months ago.  Have you already had your I.E.P. meeting to discuss your child’s autism therapy for the school year?  Do you even know what an I.E.P. is?

  An I.E.P. is an (I)ndividualized (E)ducational (P)rogram (or plan).   A roadmap, if you will, to your child’s education for that school year.  It will help your teacher and you measure your child’s progress throughout the school year.  What you might not know is that it is a LEGAL AND BINDING CONTRACT BETWEEN YOU AND THE SCHOOL.

  There’s a great definition of an I.E.P. in About.com: 
  

  http://specialchildren.about.com/od/specialeducation/f/iepfaq01.htm

  It lays out the services your child is entitled to and why.  Goals that your child is striving for in this school year, autism therapies and autism education that he or she will receive and a behavior plan.

  Parents should do their homework before entering into an I.E.P. meeting and have an idea of what autism therapies and autism education they want for their child that particular year.  They should also have in mind whether they want one-on-one assistance for their child or inclusion.  Autism education is key when entering into these meetings.  And be prepared to negotiate.  Your school might not have a particular service available but may be able to offer an autism therapy in a different setting (ie:  send your child out of house for a particular type of occupational therapy).  You must be your child’s advocate.  A great place to bone up on legalese is the website Wrightslaw.com

  http://www.wrightslaw.com/

  I.E.P.’s don’t have to be a source of stress, if you are armed with the information you need for your child’s best interest.  Know what autism therapies and autism education your child needs to move through this school year.  Know whether he or she will do best in an inclusion classroom or with an aide.  And know the law.  Best of luck in this upcoming year!

  If you have any other suggestions or comments, please do share!  We look forward to hearing from you!

  Many blessings-

  Deb

  • 7:45 PM
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