IEP are very important in the educational world of an autistic child. An IEP is an individualized education plan, basically it is a plan of attack on how to best teach your child and what goals are to be considered in assessing your child’s educational progress. So now we know what it is we need to understand what it includes or what should be included to help our child reach the highest level of success they can for their school year.

• It should include a detailed plan describing the type of educational program that will be provided to the child based on a thorough assessment of the child’s strengths and abilities, and what weaknesses they have that may affect their ability to learn.

• The modified learning expectations. If the child is not functioning at grade level in a specific subject it should be noted here. Basically, how the child’s expectations will differ from those of other grade level students.

• The alternative expectations. These as they goals for the child to reach in the alternative learning expectations, if they are behind a grade level perhaps it is to reach the current grade level in that subject by a specified time.

• A list of the skills and knowledge that will be assessed for each reporting period. Will it be the same as the other students with the subject breakdown or an overview of weakness and strengths and the goals meet this term.

• The accountability. Whose responsibility is what and who is expected to assist the child to reach certain goals. Is it all school based or is there a portion that is taught at home. ( Obviously full cooperation with the school on the teaching of the child would be the best option.)

An IEP is not

• a daily lesson plan.

• A list of all things that should be taught to the student that year.

• A program detailing all the portions of the curriculum, except in the areas that are modified for the student.

• A description of regular classroom teaching forms.

In working in cooperation with your child’s school in creating the IEP that fits your autistic child you can help in assisting and assuring that your child has the best academic outcome possible. Every child learns differently, your autistic child is no exception. Just like you would need to participate in any child’s schooling, it is vital that you participate in the schooling of your autistic child. You are their greatest educator and advocate. You need to be a full participant in their autistic world.