The IEP Guide for autism parents.

Both come from federal law, but they do different things.

• IEP (Individualized Education Program) — under IDEA. Provides specialized instruction and related services (speech, OT, ABA, social skills). For students whose disability affects their ability to learn.
• 504 plan — under Section 504 of the Rehab Act. Provides accommodations (extra time, sensory breaks, fidgets) in the general classroom. No specialized instruction.

The clock only starts when you make the request in writing. Email is fine. Keep a copy.

Dear [Special-ed director's name],

I am the parent of [Child's full name], DOB [Date of birth], currently in [Grade] at [School]. I am formally requesting a full and individual initial evaluation for special education eligibility under IDEA, including assessments in: cognitive, academic, speech/language, occupational therapy, social-emotional, adaptive behavior, and autism-specific measures.

My concerns: [Your top 2–3 concerns]

Please send the consent forms and a copy of the Procedural Safeguards. I would also like written confirmation of receipt and the date the 60-day timeline begins.

Thank you,
[Your name & contact]

Send to the principal AND the district's special education director. Ask for a read-receipt or a reply confirming receipt.

Under IDEA, once you give written consent to evaluate:

• 60 calendar days to complete the evaluation (some states use 30–90 school days — check yours).
• 30 calendar days after eligibility is determined to hold the IEP meeting.
• Notice before the meeting. Federal law requires notice early enough that you can attend. Many districts aim for about 10 days. You can waive notice, but you don't have to. Check your state's rule.

Autism is one of 13 IDEA categories. Your child may qualify under Autism, Speech or Language Impairment, Other Health Impairment, or a combination. The label matters less than the services on the IEP — but you can disagree with the chosen label.

• You (and anyone you bring — advocate, grandparent, BCBA, therapist)
• General education teacher
• Special education teacher / case manager
• A district representative who can commit resources
• Someone who can interpret evaluation results (often the school psychologist)
• The student, when appropriate (required at age 16 for transition planning)

Every annual goal should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.

Weak: "Student will improve social skills."

Strong: "By June 2027, when given a structured peer activity, Student will initiate one verbal interaction with a peer in 4 out of 5 opportunities, measured weekly by the speech-language pathologist using event recording."

• Speech-language therapy (pragmatic / social language, AAC if non-speaking)
• Occupational therapy (sensory, fine motor, self-regulation)
• Physical therapy
• School counseling / social skills group
• 1:1 paraprofessional / aide
• Assistive technology (AAC device, visual schedules)
• ESY — Extended School Year (summer services, if regression is documented)
• Transportation as a related service
• Parent training and counseling (yes, this is a legal IDEA service)

When the call is about behavior — suspensions, informal removals, or a request for an FBA — the school behavior guide covers the 10-day rule and manifestation reviews.

IDEA requires the child be educated with non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate. Placement is a spectrum: general ed → general ed with push-in → resource room → self-contained → separate school. The team must justify why less inclusion is being chosen, not why more.

1. Don't sign the IEP as written if you disagree. Whether you can consent to only part of it depends on your state.
2. Request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at district expense.
3. File a state complaint (60-day investigation, free).
4. Request mediation (free, voluntary, often fast).
5. File for due process — formal hearing, you'll likely want an attorney.