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Autism and the Public School
If you're reading this, you've probably just learned your child has autism. The most important thing to remember is you're not alone, 1 child in 110 is autistic. There are many people parenting a child with autism, and there's more information available than ever about the disorder and how to live with it. You're probably concerned about your child's schooling, how your child will manage in the public school system, and what it'll mean for you career wise.
The public school system must provide for and educate all children, including children with disabilities like autism. Know the key components to the public school special education system. The first and most important component is what's called an IEP, the Individualized Education Plan. This is a documented plan carved out by education specialist , educators and parents, to ensure the goals and needs of your child. This plan also creates a plan to measure your child's progress.
Placement is one of the key tasks of the IEP. There are some children who will do well in regular classrooms. A special education teacher will work with your child and perhaps other children with disabilities. This type of instruction is called mainstreaming. There are some children who need individual instruction during the school day. There are school districts that provide just autistic classrooms. What determines your child's placement is guided by the IEP. Parents have a voice in this process.
IEP's are renewed and reevaluated annually. It is also modified if you the parent and the education specialists see little progress and deem it necessary. If this process becomes one of contention and conflict it may be necessary for the intervention of child advocates and or lawyers.
Finally, what about your career? Do you continue working? Honestly, that depends on your child's specific needs. If you do work, you'll want to work during hours when your child is in school. It's also a good idea to have a relative or family friend, with whom your child is comfortable, available in case of emergency.
Find resources in your community such as support groups. Don't forget you are not alone.
The public school system must provide for and educate all children, including children with disabilities like autism. Know the key components to the public school special education system. The first and most important component is what's called an IEP, the Individualized Education Plan. This is a documented plan carved out by education specialist , educators and parents, to ensure the goals and needs of your child. This plan also creates a plan to measure your child's progress.
Placement is one of the key tasks of the IEP. There are some children who will do well in regular classrooms. A special education teacher will work with your child and perhaps other children with disabilities. This type of instruction is called mainstreaming. There are some children who need individual instruction during the school day. There are school districts that provide just autistic classrooms. What determines your child's placement is guided by the IEP. Parents have a voice in this process.
IEP's are renewed and reevaluated annually. It is also modified if you the parent and the education specialists see little progress and deem it necessary. If this process becomes one of contention and conflict it may be necessary for the intervention of child advocates and or lawyers.
Finally, what about your career? Do you continue working? Honestly, that depends on your child's specific needs. If you do work, you'll want to work during hours when your child is in school. It's also a good idea to have a relative or family friend, with whom your child is comfortable, available in case of emergency.
Find resources in your community such as support groups. Don't forget you are not alone.
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