Education
Education and Autism Spectrum Disorders
Parenting a child with a disability presents unique challenges ; navigating the educational system and understanding special education can often be confusing. There are many terms and acronyms to learn. Infants and young children may need early intervention services, school age children may need programs, supports, modifications and accommodations to meet educational success. Children may enter school with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder or may have a suspected disability.
What if I suspect my child under the age of 3 has Autism?
The Early Intervention Program serving children with disabilities birth to three is part of Children’s Integrated Services.Children diagnosed with disabilities may be entitled to Early Intervention Services for infants and toddlers. Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Act may provide services. For children birth to 3 years of age, contact (CIS) or Children’s Integrated Services 1-800-649-2642. You can also contact the CIS coordinator in your region. If your child is found eligible for early intervention services, a team will meet with parents, gather information about the family and develop an Individual Family Service Plan or IFSP. Parents sometimes use tools to help them keep track of contacts they have made in finding services while they navigate. Visit the VFN web site for more information on CIS .
What’s after Children’s Integrated Services and Early Intervention?
This is a new online E-learning course about Early Childhood Transition: What happens when my child turns three? This course is geared for parents to help prepare their family and child for the transition from Early Intervention.
My child is 3 and has a disability, what programs are available?
Essential Early Education (EEE) is statewide program coordinates early childhood special education services for children ages three through five. EEE Services are administered by local school districts in conjunction with local early childhood service providers to ensure inclusive educational environments. Contact your local school district to find out the name of the EEE coordinator in your area. For more information or for questions, contact Kate Rogers, Essential Early Education Consultant, at (802) 828-5115 or kate.rogers@state.vt.us
What if my child has been diagnosed with Autism or I suspect my school age child has an Autism Spectrum Disorder?
If you suspect your school age child has a diagnosis of Autism or has already been diagnosed, there are many steps a parent can take at school:
- Speak to your child’s teacher and ask for a referral to the Educational Support Team to discuss and investigate your concerns.
- Once the team has met they will decide if your child needs further evaluation.
- They may recommend an evaluation through the 504 process or recommend your child has an evaluation for special education.
- If they do not qualify for special education, they may qualify for a 504 plan under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Who should you talk to and where should parents go for an evaluation?
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) , each school district is responsible for evaluating children ages 3-21 that are suspected of having a disability. Some children may be eligible for special education. Schools are responsible through Child Find to locate, identify and serve children with disabilities. Contact the local school for the name and number of the Special Education Coordinator. It is important to learn about the Special Education Process.
What is Special Education ?
Special education is specially designed instruction that cannot be provided within the school’s standard instructional conditions or through the school’s educational support system. Specially designed instruction (SDI) adapts content, methodology, or delivery of instructions, as appropriate, to address the unique needs of the eligible child that result from the child’s disability. SDI also ensures the child’s access to the general curriculum
Special education rules as defined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) provide for a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) of children, youth, and young adults between the ages of 3 and 21.
Three things are used to determine special education eligibility or sometimes referred to as the 3 gates of special education are:
- The presence of a disability
- The extent to which the disability is having an adverse effect in the basic skill areas
- Whether or not the student’s need is significant enough to require specialized instruction
If your child qualifies for special education, your child’s team will develop an IEP or Individual Education Program.
Not all children or youth who have an Autism Diagnosis meet the Eligibility for Special Education requirements. These students may be considered for a 504 plan ( Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act ). They may also need accommodations and Modifications and or related services.
Resources for Education
Where can parents go for help in understanding educational concerns?
Vermont Family Network Family Consultant Program Vermont Family Network Family Support Consultants help respond to concerns that parents and family members and professionals have by phone, email, or in person and are trained to respond to a variety of needs related to navigating the special education system. For additional information on special education, visit the Special Education section of the VFN web site.
Vermont Department of Education For information about special education programs and services for children ages 3-21, please refer to the Vermont Department of Education. For assistance with technical assistance and general questions about the special education process call 802-828-5114.
Article and Tips on Education for Children and Youth with Autism
Individual Education Program (IEP): Summary, Process and Practical Tips (Autism Speaks)
Online Dictionary of Special Education Terms
School and Community Toolkit: A Toolkit to Assist Members of the School Community in Understanding and Supporting Students with Autism (Autism Speaks)
Vermont Department of Education 504 Manual
Vermont Department of Education
Vermont Special Education Regulations
Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy
