What should I ask for in an IEP?

Question

Mom of Asperger's son (Autism) prepareing for an IEP meeting from preschool to the school disterict. First meeting with school district next week. Any info on what to ask for??

Answer 1

Ask for Social Skills training and any Life Skills-type training that may be helpful. Also see if there is some Assisted Technology that may be available for your son's type of Autism. Children with Austism like schedules and routines.

Answer 2

Check into the websites below, one is to the US Dept. Of Education's IEP Guide..it will tell you everything you need to know about an IEP including a sample form; the second is to Wrights Law, it will tell you everything you need to know about your and your childs rights and it also has information on tips and strategies to get the most out of the IEP, they also have many other articles involving IEP's, IDEA, etc.

Answer 3

Know that the IEP is viewed as a binding contract. So, ask as many questions as you feel  are required. The previous responder is correct in that there are staff at the meetings to help.



However, it is a joint effort between parent and teacher that wins the race. No one party to the contract has all the answers. You know things about your child's medical history, for example , that they don't. That  level of disclosure can be very helpful.

You can request accommodations for testing, assessment, seating, finishing tasks ect for your child. The request for the accommodation should tie to the instructional goals and behavioral objectives.

Try searches on  the above terms, (behavioral objectives and or instructional goals). You will get a few hits, lol! However, this should provide some insight into the process the school systems uses.

Good Luck

Answer 4

The best thing to do is to prepare before you go to the IEP meeting. You need to work out what help your child needs and the best way the school can provide this, so make a list. Remember you know your son best and know what suits him best. Be prepared to compromise on some things but at the heart of the IEP your sons welfare and education must come first. Without knowing more about your sons needs it is difficult to be specific but do take some one else with you who knows your son well. Good luck.

Answer 5

I am a special education case manager so I have a lot of experience.  You should have received all of the evaluations prior to the meeting.  Services in an IEP are based on the evaluations completed.  I would say that typically students at that age on the spectrum usually qualify for speech services, possibly occupational therapy, and depending on how severe maybe some ABA training.  The student should be placed in an early intervention program where he attends school.  Again, he would only qualify for services if those evaluations were done and they deem he is in need of support.

Answer 6

There will be plenty of staff and a psychologist at the meeting to help guide you through, and then you will have an idea for future meetings on what you might ask for in the future.

You should have at least 2 meetings per school year, or more if you request it.

Good luck.