Support in School

IDEA governs how children with disabilities (including autism) are supported in school. The federally regulated process starts with determining whether the child has an identified disability under one of 14 categories. The child is evaluated through standardized assessments to determine whether he or she requires specially designed instruction through an IEP. Parents can request an evaluation if they are concerned about how their child is performing at school. It is recommended to request this in writing. While each child is treated as an individual, there are some core concepts outlined in IDEA that are helpful for caregivers to understand. IDEA states that children with disabilities should be educated in inclusive environments with typically developing children to as great an extent as possible (in other words, the federal law principle of least restrictive environment). However, such placement should not negatively affect the child’s progress or minimize the services that should be provided as outlined by an IEP. Stated simply, the child should be provided with all needed support to be successful in the regular classroom or supported in an alternative placement when additional supports are necessary.

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