My Child Has Autism, what Now?
You've just learned that your child has autism. In case you didn't know you are not alone 1 in 110 children have been diagnosed with autism. Now there are more resources than ever for parents of autistic children. One concern you may have is your child's education. How do the public schools handle children with autism, especially your child? What does this all mean if you are in the workforce? Do you need to become a stay at home parent?
Every public education system is required to provide adequate academic opportunities for all children, including those with autism. There are many factors involved in the education process. The first step is the creation of the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). You, your child, and a team of specialists and educators from your district will meet and lay out specific goals and needs, as well as ways to measure progress.
Placement is one of the key tasks of the IEP. There are some children who will do well in regular classrooms. A special education teacher will work with your child and perhaps other children with disabilities. This type of instruction is called mainstreaming. There are some children who need individual instruction during the school day. There are school districts that provide just autistic classrooms. What determines your child's placement is guided by the IEP. Parents have a voice in this process.
IEP's are renewed and reevaluated annually. It is also modified if you the parent and the education specialists see little progress and deem it necessary. If this process becomes one of contention and conflict it may be necessary for the intervention of child advocates and or lawyers.
Finally, what about your career? Do you continue working? Honestly, that depends on your child's specific needs. If you do work, you'll want to work during hours when your child is in school. It's also a good idea to have a relative or family friend, with whom your child is comfortable, available in case of emergency.
Find resources in your community such as support groups. Don't forget you are not alone.
Every public education system is required to provide adequate academic opportunities for all children, including those with autism. There are many factors involved in the education process. The first step is the creation of the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). You, your child, and a team of specialists and educators from your district will meet and lay out specific goals and needs, as well as ways to measure progress.
Placement is one of the key tasks of the IEP. There are some children who will do well in regular classrooms. A special education teacher will work with your child and perhaps other children with disabilities. This type of instruction is called mainstreaming. There are some children who need individual instruction during the school day. There are school districts that provide just autistic classrooms. What determines your child's placement is guided by the IEP. Parents have a voice in this process.
IEP's are renewed and reevaluated annually. It is also modified if you the parent and the education specialists see little progress and deem it necessary. If this process becomes one of contention and conflict it may be necessary for the intervention of child advocates and or lawyers.
Finally, what about your career? Do you continue working? Honestly, that depends on your child's specific needs. If you do work, you'll want to work during hours when your child is in school. It's also a good idea to have a relative or family friend, with whom your child is comfortable, available in case of emergency.
Find resources in your community such as support groups. Don't forget you are not alone.
About the Author:
Learn more about children. Stop by Charlotte Miller's site where you can find out all about your child's needs and what you can do .
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