Autism IEP Starter Kit for Parents

An IEP describes a child's goals, special education, related services and supports under IDEA. An autism diagnosis alone doesn't automatically create an IEP; eligibility depends on an evaluation and the child's need for special education.

IDEA includes parents on the IEP team. The school must take steps to enable participation, including early notice and a mutually agreed time and place; other participation methods and interpretation can be needed. This doesn't give a parent unilateral control of every team decision. Under IDEA, the agency must give notice a reasonable time before proposing or refusing changes to identification, evaluation, placement or appropriate education. Ask what action is proposed or refused, why, and what information and alternatives were considered. You may inspect and review education records relating to your child that the agency collects, maintains or uses under IDEA Part B. The response must be without unnecessary delay, before an IEP meeting or the specified hearing or resolution session, and no later than 45 days after the request. This isn't a promise of every school record immediately or an unconditional copy entitlement. If you disagree with the agency's evaluation, ask about an independent educational evaluation and its criteria. Public funding has conditions: the agency generally must either arrange it at public expense or seek a hearing to defend its evaluation without unnecessary delay. A request isn't an unconditional guarantee of payment. IDEA requires informed consent for the initial evaluation and separately for initial special education services.

(1) Which academic and functional needs do the goals address, and how will progress be measured? (2) What education, related services and supports are proposed, and how will they be provided? (3) How will the child participate in learning and activities, and why is the proposed setting appropriate? (4) When and how will progress reports be provided, and whom can we contact with concerns? (5) How will the team review support if needs change or progress is limited?

Ask for relevant records and any available draft; don't assume a finished draft is always required in advance. Write the child's strengths, communication preferences and your main questions. Ask about bringing someone with knowledge or expertise about the child. Clarify each signature, notices, applicable state rules and deadlines. Keep dated copies of requests, responses and agreed next steps. Ask about recording rules before recording.

Ask whether a signature records attendance, receipt, consent or agreement. IDEA requires informed consent for the initial evaluation and separately for initial special education services. You can ask for time to review and explain a disagreement; don't assume withholding a signature always stops a proposed action. Check applicable state procedures and deadlines. If you disagree, explain the concern, ask how to document it and obtain the relevant notices and safeguards. A signature, meeting pause or informal discussion doesn't have the same legal effect in every situation. Check the applicable process promptly rather than assuming it stops a deadline. Your state's Parent Training and Information (PTI) center can help explain the process.