A plain-language guide to IEPs for parents of children with autism: what an IEP is, the steps to get one, how to prepare, and free resources.
An IEP, or Individualized Education Program, is a written plan for the special education services a public school gives a child with a disability. If your child has autism, it can set out services such as speech therapy, a classroom aide or behavior support. This guide covers how an IEP works, the steps to get one, how to prepare for the meeting, and where to find free help.
Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
What is an IEP? | A written plan for special education services, built for one child. |
Who writes it? | A team: parents, teachers, school staff and, when it fits, your child. |
Does autism mean an automatic IEP? | No. The school evaluates your child first and decides if they qualify. |
How do I start? | Ask the school for an evaluation in writing. |
How often is it reviewed? | At least once a year. Your child is re-evaluated about every three years. |
Where can I get free help? | The three national guides below, and your state's parent training center. |
How Does the IEP Process Work?
Ask for an evaluation. Send a short written request to your child's school or district. Say you think your child may need special education services and want an evaluation. Keep a copy.
Give your consent. The school needs your written permission before it evaluates your child. Evaluation is free.
The school evaluates your child. This can include testing, classroom observation and your input. Federal law sets a deadline, and states can set their own. Ask the school what the date is.
The team decides if your child qualifies. If your child does, the team writes the IEP together. If not, you can ask why and what you can do next.
Write the IEP. It lists your child's present levels, yearly goals, services, and how progress will be measured.
Review it every year. You can ask for a meeting sooner if something is not working.
How Can I Prepare for an IEP Meeting?
Write down your top two or three goals for your child before the meeting. A short list keeps the meeting on track.
Bring recent reports, such as an evaluation, a therapy summary or progress notes from your child's BCBA.
Ask for the draft IEP and evaluation results a few days ahead if the school can share them.
Bring someone with you if it helps, such as your child's BCBA, a relative or an advocate.
Ask questions until the plan makes sense. You do not have to sign at the meeting.
Ask how progress will be measured and how often you will get updates.
Who develops a student’s IEP?
Crafting an IEP is a team effort that involves input from parents, teachers, other school staff and, whenever possible, the student themselves. This is why many parents of children with autism stress about the process; if you’ve never helped write an IEP, it can be a daunting endeavor. Keep reading for resources that will help take the process from daunting to totally doable.
Free IEP G uides and Toolkit
The National Autism Association’s ASD and the IEP Process Toolkit:
The ASD and the IEP Process Toolkit from the National Autism Association is an invaluable resource for parents and educators alike. The toolkit is designed to help parents “understand your child’s right to a free appropriate public education (FAPE), and how to work together with your school district to create an effective IEP.” It’s completely free and can be accessed easily here.
The Autism Society’s IEP Resources:
The Autism Society has an entire page on its website dedicated to the IEP, with tons of resources for parents, from an in-depth explanation of what an IEP is to information about the legal requirements on the part of teachers and schools to helpful tips for navigating the IEP meeting as a parent. Check it out here.
Autism Speaks is one of the go-to resources for the autism community, so it’s only natural that they would have a truly top-notch set of resources about IEPs. In addition to a slew of information about what IEPs are and the process for crafting them, Autism Speaks also has an Autism Response Team (also known as the ART) that users can connect with for help with more information about IEPs and more. Access the Autism Speaks IEP resource page here.
How Does ABA Therapy Connect to Your Child's IEP?
School and therapy work best when they use the same goals. If your child gets ABA therapy, share the treatment goals with the IEP team and ask how school can support them. Your child's BCBA can sometimes help by sharing progress data, joining a meeting or explaining which strategies work at home.
Intercare's School Services team works with schools on behavior support, including what caregivers can expect. To learn how school-based ABA works, read our guide to navigating school ABA services.
IEP Resources for Teachers and School Staff
Teachers and school staff can use the same three guides, which explain the legal basics and what a good IEP looks like. If your school needs help with behavior support for a student with autism, Intercare's School Services team works with schools on a case-by-case basis.
M.S., BCBA
