Special Education Tips & Links

Check list of items to remember:

  1. Audio tape every IEP meeting (with district or regional center)
    • School district needs to know in writing 24 hours prior to meeting
    • Note: Even when your attorney tapes a meeting – you should also tape each meeting. Tape players fail!
  2. Do all communication in writing (if verbal, follow up in writing)
    • If you fax the communication – save the confirmation sheet
    • If you mail the communication – send the mail return receipt confirmation via registered mail. 
  3. Bring all necessary individuals to IEPs: i.e., clinic supervisor, speech path, OT, aides – anyone that has valuable input and needs to be part of the IEP team.
    • Bring ALL team members when Goals & Objectives are to be reviewed, discussed and approved.
  4. Talk with other parents (similar age & needs / similar schools or in your district)
    • Go to support groups to meet parents in your district
    • Start a support group just for your school district (gain support from the district, this is part of the Lanterman Act.)
  5. Get outside evaluations – do not rely on the school district or regional center to evaluate your child for their needs! They are part of the process – not the entire process!
    • Typically parents go for outside evaluations on some or all of the following issues; behavioral issues, ABA or Floortime clinical supervisors, speech, occupational / physical therapy, sensory, child psychologists or child neuropsychologist. 
    • Note: See Autism Resources. Many of these providers have a waiting list for service but MAY have availability for an independent evaluation. Make sure to leave the needs properly in your message that you are looking for an outside evaluation.
  6. Share evaluations with your school district. Fax and mail these evaluations at least one week prior to meeting so that they have time to review these evaluations.
  7. Come to your IEP meetings prepared! Have goals and objectives reviewed on your child prior to the meeting!
    • Be ready to discuss the importance of the goals and objectives as it relates to your child. Have the appropriate team members there to discuss these items.
  8. Write all needs into IEP including a GFCF Diet!!
  9. Understand how progress reporting is done on your child
    • If they do not meet your needs, state that in your IEP what your needs are!
  10. You are an important team member on the IEP TEAM! Make your opinions, recommendations and feelings KNOWN.
  11. When considering Fair Hearing – consult an attorney for viability of case.
    • Have the attorney create/discuss a budget for fair hearing including expert witnesses and all other costs.
  12. When going through hearing evaluate what your family will settle for. In settling points, please consider:
    • Amount of services
    • Amount of reimbursement (be sure to include attorney’s/advocate fees, expert witness fees, and other expenses.)
    • Non-fee based contract items, including but not limited to:
      • Level of services
      • Who can do services
      • What times services can be done
      • Reimbursement timelines in writing!
      • What documentation is required for reimbursement? (i.e. copies of invoices, canceled checks.)
      • Aides qualifications and transference rules for aides
      • Other items such as: assistive technologies, transportation fees, type of transportation, etc.
      • How can make up hours for missed sessions be made up?
      • Specify year round services (as opposed to extended year services which normally just cover through July with no services in August!) There needs to be enough services so there are no regression of skills.
      • What are your bottom line needs? (i.e., what will be covered via school district, regional center, health insurance? Look at the complete package of providers and be specific as to what you need from all of them.)
  13. You are your child’s best advocate – not regional center/ school district not anyone else.

BEST BOOKS ON THE IEP/SPECIAL EDUCATION PROCESS

The Complete IEP Guide: How to Advocate for Your Special Education Child by Lawrence Siegel, 2007 edition.

AUTISM: Asserting Your Child's Right to a Special Education by David A. Sherman, 2007.

Web Site with Test Information:

This is the web site will ALL THE STANDARDIZED TESTS done on special needs kids. Review these testing guidelines with each professional reviewing your child’s case.

www.stoeltingco.com/tests/category/iq.htm 

California Resources

School District & IDEA LAW:

Inclusion in Typical Education Environments

And these two sites are not specific to autism, but may be helpful:

DISCLAIMERS: When it comes to matter of the law and policy – please consult an attorney or advocate on your child’s behalf. This information represent advice from parents DO NOT USE THIS INFORMATION AS LEGAL ADVICE! CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY ON YOUR SITUATION!

Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) provides general information of interest to the autism community. The information comes from a variety of sources, and Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) does not independently verify any of it. The views expressed herein are not necessarily TACA's.