More autistic children are attending public school than ever before. Many teachers, administrators, and school support staff lack the background and training to meet the unique needs of autistic students. It falls to the parents to make sure that their child’s challenges, whether with social interactions, communication, or behavior, are addressed with research-based interventions within the school setting. To assure this, parents must have a basic understanding of special education services, their child’s rights, and their own.
This special education guide is a resource for parents. Its purpose is to give each family the information and tools needed to successfully navigate the education system anywhere in the country. More specifically, it offers:
- Background on special education in the United States
- An understanding of the laws and regulations about special education
- An overview of the timeline of services
- A detailed explanation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
- Tips and techniques for being an effective advocate
- Sources and links that will help you identify specific state resources and find more in-depth information
- Lists and definitions of terms that are frequently used in school systems
