The school system is difficult for any caregiver to navigate. If your child has autism spectrum disorder, you may face several additional challenges when advocating for your child. For example, how do you get your child’s special education team to listen to your input? What do you do if you suspect your child’s IEP is failing them?
In this blog post, we’ll review the most effective ways to advocate for your child’s educational needs.
Be prepared.
When meeting with your child’s teacher, bring documentation! This can include things like prior assessments, their IEP, or grades. You can also include a list of your child’s strengths, as well as areas that need improvement. These lists should be divided into academics, socialization, communication, and behavior. As the year progresses, note any changes in mood, academic progress, or skill regression.
Monitor your child’s progress.
Regularly review your child’s IEP to ensure they’re making progress. (You can learn more about IEPs in this blog post.) Use scheduled meetings – like parent-teacher conferences or IEP meetings – to discuss your child’s goals, achievements, and challenges. You can also use digital platforms like email or online grade books to monitor your child’s grades, performance, and assignments.
Ask questions and be respectful.
A little respect goes a long way! When advocating for your child, steer away from accusations. Arguments lead to a breakdown in communication, making it harder to get your child the help they need. Instead, frame concerns as questions. For example, instead of accusing a principal of being unfamiliar with the law, ask them to read it aloud.
When meeting with teachers and others who help your child succeed in the classroom, always ask questions but remain respectful. These questions will help your child’s teacher understand your goals and how to help your child adjust to an academic setting.
Set realistic deadlines.
Whenever suggestions, solutions, supports, etc., are given in the meeting, ask for dates when those will be implemented. Additionally, ask how those interventions will be assessed and how you will be kept informed of the progress of these changes. Remember, you know your child best. If you feel that these deadlines need adjusting, let your child’s team know.
Take notes with pen and paper.
Have you heard the saying: “If it’s not written down, it didn’t happen?” This applies to your child’s education. When discussing your child’s progress, updating their IEP, or meeting with their special education team, document everything. If certain changes aren’t addressed or an IEP isn’t followed, your notes will serve as a reminder. Make sure to write everything down on paper – computer documents can be tampered with at a later date.
Join a support group.
Support groups can provide you with valuable information, resources, and emotional support as you navigate the school system. Other caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder will happily share advice about advocating for a child’s best interest. Talking to them may provide you with additional guidance, support, and community resources you weren’t aware of before.
Comments