IEP/504 for Autism Spectrum
Parent Q&A
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504 Plan for Autistic Child
–Feb 6, 2024Hi Parents,
Our son was recently received a full psychological assessment through the school district. Even though he has a medical diagnosis of Autism, he did not qualify for an educational diagnosis of Autism and did not qualify for IEP services. He is a very kind, bright, empathetic child. He is very smart and I know will do well academically. However, I am still worried about how he will do socially. He has trouble picking up on social cues, initiating play in a way that others understand, and will sometimes use animal voices instead of voicing his needs. I appreciate it as his unique way of being, but also realize this could be difficult on the playground. Has anyone had experience creating a 504 plan for their autistic child? What sorts of accomodations did you include that proved helpful in a kindergarten class? Any suggestions on collaborating with classroom teacher or principal?
Feb 6, 2024My son turns 5 this October. He begins kindergarten in August 2024. He will continue with ABA one more year until he transitions into elementary school. A neurodevelopmental psychologist assessed our son and wrote a report, which includes that he requires a full-time one-on-one aide. Our son is nonverbal and is not potty trained. He also does not understand how to use utensils or does not feed himself. He cannot sit still and needs to constantly move his body to self-regulate. He was classified as moderate to severe. We are debating between the Lafayette School District and San Ramon Valley Unified School District (SRVUSD). We were told by a couple of families that they were unable to get SRVUSD to assign a one-on-one aide. This was despite their child needing one. This was not for an intensive case, but a case similar to ours. I am very worried about our son. We want to make sure he receives the right support and accommodations. Could someone please provide information on whether the Lafayette School District is resistant to providing a one-on-one aide? Additionally, I would appreciate any additional details about SRVUSD and any guidance on how to navigate these situations successfully. Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Jul 11, 2023IEP eligibility for child with high functioning autism
–Sep 14, 2020Hi parents
Has anyone gone through the process of getting their high functioning child on the spectrum eligible for an IEP? How does one show that a child's social, emotional and communication issues hinders his/her access to learning? I am hoping I can get some advice from you lovely people before the next time I talk to the school!
Thank you so much for your help. Stay safe.
Sep 14, 2020
I'm very surprised your child was assessed (not diagnosed since school assessments aren't diagnoses, they're assessment for eligibility) but not entitled to an IEP. To be honest, before we had the (private neuropsych) autism diagnosis for our child, the (previous) principal at our elem school worked so hard to obstruct my child's access to services. Please do not settle for the 504. In another recent post, others have recommended DREDF as a good resource for info and advocacy. I also eventually paid for COPAA membership, when I was looking for an educational advocate -- which has a forum of parents navigating legal and advocacy needs for children. It's helpful to hear how others frame their approach to school dynamics.
My kid lost two years of possible supports, including during the pandemic, and when I tallied just one year's expenses and costs to me, it was mind blowing, as well. Your child is entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). My kid is now thriving in a 1:1 teaching environment and they told me it's the first time since kindergarten they like school. They are in 6th grade. They are intellectually gifted, charming, and creative. Finally those qualities are nurtured and their challenges are supported.
if I had to do it again, I would not have settled for the intermediary steps. Happy to talk to you off the site.
Yes, my son had a 504 first and then an IEP, which we had to fight for. Did they evaluate social thinking and sensory integration (defensiveness and seeking)? Those needs usually require direct services (individual and/or group), in addition to accommodations. Districts cannot deny services simply because children are functioning within average ranges academically. They need to consider social thinking needs (services from an SLP with autism spectrum expertise) and sensory needs (services from an OT). Check out Social Thinking accommodations online for ideas. For collaborating with school staff, share with them Beyond Rain Man: What One Psychologist Learned Raising a Son on the Autism Spectrum (IndieBound.org).
I am not a parent of an autistic child and this does not answer your specific questions, but as someone with some experience on the education evaluation side of things - if you are concerned that the psych assessment conducted by the district did not accurately or thoroughly assess your child and the IEP is important to you, you have the right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) to be funded by the school district. Maybe you already know this, but just in case, posting here. You may not wish to request an IEE as the school can file due process if they disagree (which could lead to a hearing), but you do have the right.
Hi - I’d rather not discuss on a public forum, but you can contact me through this I believe.
Hi,
You know your child better than anyone else. Do you agree with the school district assessment? If not, you have the right to request an independent assessment from qualified specialists, at public expense. This request should be made in writing and directed to the school district.