My 6 yr. old son is autistic and the school is fighting me to get the help he needs, What do I do?

Question

He needs what is called an IEP. ( individualized learning program) and the school just doesn't want to take the time to do it. It makes me mad because he is so smart, they are just bein ignorant. HELP!

Answer 1

If your son in in a public school then by law they have to provide your child with the IEP.  Make sure you have provided the school with diagnosis of Autism and let them know you are aware of your child's legal rights.  Most schools will not mess around with a well informed parent because they know that the parent can cause them all sorts of problem with the school district.  If the school still does not want to have the IEP, then contact the school board and maybe even the local media.  

I applaud you for standing up for your son.  As a teacher, I had an autisitic child in my class and it was his mom that did not want the IEP.  You don't know how many services your child can recieve unless you ask.  Bravo!  

Answer 2

An IEP is to be written for a student with a disability that meets the federal and states guide lines for placement for special education. Autism is one of the disabilities on the list. It sound like the school does not want to wast money on testing.  So hear what you have to do. Fight for your child's right for placement. You are his advocate.

First what you need to do is write a referral or request for an evaluation in writing. Write in any observations and why you want to have testing done. Also send any doctors evaluations done stating he is autistic. Take it to the school and the district office, have an office personal sign and date it. Make sure you get a copy. After the request the evaluation needs to be completed with in a reasonable time. (in CA it is 90 days) after the parent gives consent. Try to find a Regional center in your state. Each state should have one, just goggle it. They can help you out with a referral.

After the child is found eligible for services, the IEP team will meet. You are a member of that team.

I also am sending you webb site on IEP's and the web site for the regional center near where I live. They may be able to help you find one near you.

www.inlandrc.org

www.ed.gov/parents/needs/speced/iepgui...

Answer 3

Before a school can provide services in an IEP - there HAS to be an evaluation.  You should request one in writing and the school has to have a meeting with you to discuss what the concerns are in the academic area and begin the process.  At 6 however, it is POSSIBLE that while he may have an outside diagnosis it does not impact his academic progress at this time.  Since and IEP is ONLY for ensuring there are supports and strategies in place to me educational needs, if there are currently no educational needs - even with and outside diagnosis there would be no IEP.

It is possible that a regular education school team could determine there needs to be some accomodations in his classroom and could serve him under a '504' plan.  A 504 is not special education so you would have to ask your school who the 504 coordinator is.

Answer 4

where you are not familiar with this i suggest an advocate try contacting

The Federation for Children with Special Needs

http://fcsn.org/index.php

Autism Society of America

http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageS...

Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy

http://www.wrightslaw.com/

also google in your state low cost or free special education advocates

in my state though there called Individualized Education Plans

Answer 5

the school has 60 days from the day you request an IEP to start evaluating your son, or they are in violation of SO many laws, and leave themselves open for a  HUGE lawsuit.  keep dates of when you've spoken to them about an evaluation or IEP...either is good enough when it comes to this.  as soon as you say either word, that's a red flag that they need to get their butts in gear.  this site outlines your rights.

Answer 6

If he has delays such as academic, speech, fine motor or gross motor the IEP is what he needs.

If he has no delays but needs support, he needs a 504.  Have you looked into dueprocess?  I have heard of parents fighting to get services and winning through a due process hearing.  In the procedural safeguards handbook it talks about how to appeal.  Also you can contact your districts parent information center, the special needs pta, or contact a district representative.  Do you have a local autism society chapter?  You will find lots of information there.  Also have you looked at wright's law?

Answer 7

Believe me, this is normal for ALL schools in the US. Schools are so corrupt with special ed that it aint' even funny.

The first thing you have to do is learn the laws for IEP (special ed) and follow them. Here's the best site for that -

www.wrightslaw.com

The first thing you will have to do to see if your child can get an IEP is to write a letter to the district special ed director stating --

This letter is to request an initial full educational evaluation testing in all areas of suspected disabilities to determine if my child is eligilble for special education services as specified by IDEA law.

They will HAVE to do this eval. If they don't, then you file a formal state complaint with your state dept of education.

If you need help, email me  [e-mail]

Answer 8

contact the board of education and ask exactly what steps you need to take to get your child the help he needs, make sure you write down names who you talked to and what they tell you