Educational Services For Students
With Autism
Students with ASD often need a little more help with school than those who are neurotypical. That is why school systems across the nation have implemented various academic services that are there to help you and your student thrive!
Here are some educational services that will be incredibly beneficial to your child's success throughout their school career.
The Individualized Education Program
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is necessary to have before your child receives any other special education services. IEPs are individual plans created between the caretakers and other educational professionals. Together, you will create a specialized path for your student with autism.
What could be in an IEP? An IEP may include:
- Annual goals for what the child should be able to achieve
- The services that will be provided to the child like supplemental education, special aids such as headphones or stress toys, and a modified lesson plan
- When the services necessary will kick in and how long they will last
- If the child will need some time to learn separately from their peers
Keep in mind that your decision to create and check on an IEP for your student is legally protected. This means you always have the right to be involved in any educational decision that is made with your child no matter what.
Other facts about IEPs:
- IEPs are only administered to students who have a condition that falls underneath the IDEIA umbrella and who need specialized services to succeed in school.
- Private schools do not create IEPs. Instead, they help students with special needs create whar is called an Individual Services Plan (ISP).
- Colleges do not have IEPs. Instead, students must apply for accommodations through disability services.
Extended School Year
An Extended School Year (ESY) is just like what it says: A school year that is extended beyond that of an average one. ESYs are custom-made and available only for students with documented disabilities who need more time to learn. An admission, review, and dismissal committee (ARD) will determine what services your student will be able to utilize, including an ESY. This means that not all students who have an IEP in place are eligible for an ESY. The IDEIA states that the requirements are set on a state-by-state basis. If your child is able to get an ESY in Georgia, that does not necessarily mean they will get an ESY in Texas.
An Extended School Year is not summer school. Instead, it is any time school is not in session (like summer break, winter break, spring break, etc.). If you and educational professionals agree that your child may lose a significant amount of academic skills over any school break, then ESY may be a good option for them.
Some questions to consider are:
- Does your student tend to lose knowledge and skills over short breaks like Thanksgiving and spring break?
- Will a break in schooling mess up any progress that your student is making towards their IEP goals?
- Is your student just beginning to master a skill like reading or counting?
- Does your student constantly need help retaining skills during the normal school year?
Do not be afraid to ask if your child could benefit from an Extended School Year! You never know what could help them reach their academic goals!
Sources:
- https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-an-iep?_sp=60a3de11-15da-42f4-ad48-4b03d337715f.1662845210050
- https://www.parentcenterhub.org/iep-overview/#who
- https://www.washington.edu/accesscomputing/what-difference-between-iep-and-504-plan
- https://tea.texas.gov/academics/special-student-populations/special-education/programs-and-services/extended-school-year-services-for-students-with-disabilities
- https://www.tsd.state.tx.us/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=170905&type=d&pREC_ID=2101617&tota11y=true
- https://www.understood.org/en/articles/extended-school-year-services-what-you-need-to-know
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