The Successful IEP Meeting

Since my son has been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, I have spoken to many parents of special needs children.  A common theme of dissatisfaction has emerged from these conversations.  Most parents express frustration with the lack of appropriate services provided for their children by the school.  Because of this (and other factors), I was very nervous about my son’s IEP meeting (See The “Individualized Education Plan”).

However, I am happy to report that this meeting could not have gone better!  I left the school in a daze because I was so relieved.

I believe the single biggest factor for success is effective communication.  I was afraid to speak during the meeting because so many of the issues surrounding my son’s diagnosis are still emotionally charged for me.  I didn’t trust myself to remain calm and composed.  So I wrote everything down in advance.  I gave the special education teacher a copy of the medical report, a description about my son’s last experience in school (see “What to do about bullies?”) and a detailed list of accommodations that I thought my son needed.  I am going to include my list below for any parents of children with autism.  However, keep in mind that this may only be a starting point for another child.  Your child may need more or fewer accommodations than I requested for my son.  Still, I was given every single thing that I asked for, and I left wishing I had come with an even longer list!

Possible Accommodations

Impaired Executive Function

1) Written cues for instructions work really well for our son.  A checklist for trouble spots works well too.  Ex.  A checklist of things he needs to do to get ready to go home.

Communication

1) Touching him on the shoulder gently to get his attention helps him to focus in.  Asking him to repeat back instructions works well too.

2) Speak clearly and as literally as possible to make sure he understands.

Sensory

1) Allow gum chewing during class work times.

2) Deep pressure breaks.  (Erase chalk board, carry a stack of books to the library, etc.)

3) Encourage him to practice deep breathing techniques when he feels overwhelmed.

4) He needs to be on a keyboard during writing time.

Slow Processing Speed

1) No timed tests.

2) Remove time limits from standardized tests.

3) Cut down work or allow more time to finish tasks.

4) Give advance warning and extra time to clean up, prepare for transitions, etc.

Social Accommodations

1) Peer training for his classmates.  (See “Support through peer training”)

2) Buddy system during tricky social times like cooperative learning?

3) Assistant help during recess time to help him practice the social skills he is learning.

The rest of the IEP team had some great ideas as well, and the actual list of accommodations for my son is longer than this one.  Also, as I learn more about autism, I find that I can think of more ideas which I may want to add to his IEP later.  Keep in mind that the parent can call a meeting at any time to change the existing IEP.