An IEP, Individualized Education Plan, is a parent's greatest weapon and worst nightmare. It offers hope and a plan, but it more often offers sleepless nights and anxiety attacks. As a member of various Autism support groups - the two subjects that seem to create the most buzz are vaccines and IEPs. While I believe a vaccine discussion is tantamount to war, IEPs seem to bring everyone together with various experience, advice, information, and commiseration.
It is baffling to me that a tool that was created and regulated by the Federal government to offer an equal opportunity education to all children is now becoming an excuse by education administrators to fail these same children. Each state and each school district is permitted to determine how they apply the guidelines and how they designate a child's disability. In certain instances, they have little power such as obvious physical impairments. But for children with ASD, there is so much wiggle room that the schools are able to maneuver around the proper designation.
As an example, I offer my 6 year old son, Zack. He was medically diagnosed with Autism, actually PDD-NOS, when he was just turning 3. He was placed in a head start preschool program at our local elementary school with an amazing teacher who is also a special education teacher. His designation on his IEP was "preschooler with a disability" as this was the only designation available for a child his age. He was offered and received services for speech, behavior, and OT. All perfect for his needs. For two years of preschool and then kindergarten, Zack received all of these services under his original designation and made tremendous progress. Then came the mandatory 3 year redetermination. What a nightmare!
We filled out a TON of questionnaires, he was evaluated by his therapists and then we met with the school psychologist. Because the DSM was changed, and everyone is now grouped under ASD, the state and district changed their guidelines to closely match. The psychologist decided to re-diagnose Zack as having social communication disorder and therefore try to change his services. She simply did not care that he had a medical diagnosis nor did she care that we could offer many examples of how he meets the educational diagnosis for ASD. It was during this very difficult and tortured time that I learned a few important lessons.
Lesson 1 - Know your parental rights in the IEP process! They are required to provide you with a copy of these rights at every new IEP meeting. READ this document every time it's offered!
Lesson 2 - Learn and understand the educational diagnosis requirements for your state and school district. Google it! Spend the time to be an expert! The schools will expect to know more than you, don't let that happen.
Lesson 3 - Don't get bullied! Unfortunately, there are people in the educational system that will try to bully you in this process. Whatever else you take from this, remember this one thing - an IEP is a TEAM effort! You are a valuable part of this team and ultimately the TEAM must agree on what goes in the IEP.
Lesson 4 - Don't be afraid to advocate and fight for what you believe and want for your child. You are always going to be the biggest and best advocate for your child.
Lesson 5 - Remember what is most important. The ultimate goal of an IEP is to provide the proper support and services. The designation is important, however it isn't the most important thing.
Do not be intimidated by this process. If you follow my lead, and heed the lessons I have listed, you will be empowered to provide the educational experience your child deserves. This might be a smooth process or it might cause you angst, tears, and frustration. Either way, if you are armed with the proper information and attitude, you will be victorious!
Good luck and know that you are not alone. Feel free to follow me, message me, or provide feedback about your own personal experiences. We are only a community if we work together to empower one another.
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