-
Navigating the Legal Rights and Entitlements for Your Student with Autism
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal law that governs the education of children with disabilities, including autism. Congress’ purpose in passing IDEA 48 years ago was to open the school doors for children with disabilities and provide them “a free appropriate...
-
The Power and Potential of the IEP
To address the inequity of limiting special needs children from obtaining an appropriate public education, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) was implemented in 1975 across the United States school systems. The IEP is an educational road map for children with disabilities. It is required by...
-
A Call for Reform of the Least Restrictive Environment
Section 1412(a)(5) of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) outlines regulations regarding the least restrictive environment (LRE). The statute states: To the maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities, including children in public or private institutions or other care...
-
Strategies for Navigating College for Students with Autism
College is a transformative period in a young adult's life, offering a platform for growth, self-discovery, and academic achievement. However, for students on the autism spectrum, navigating the challenges of college life can be particularly overwhelming. College students with autism spectrum...
-
Preserving Educational Stability: Understanding the Role of Pendency in Tuition Reimbursement Cases for Students with Special Needs
Parents of children with special needs sometimes face a daunting challenge when it comes to securing appropriate educational services. Fortunately, many legal avenues exist to advocate for an appropriate education. One critical aspect that often goes unnoticed is the indispensable role of pendency...
-
How to Advocate Successfully at School for Your Child with Autism
You want what’s best for your child with autism, but you’re not a teacher or a speech and language pathologist. How do you get the school’s special education team to listen to your ideas? What do you do if you suspect your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) is failing...
-
Pathways to Resolution of Special Education Conflicts
When conflict arises in an educational setting, there are multiple ways to resolve it. Some are small and easily resolved but may potentially lead to bigger conflicts and issues. Sometimes the conflict is substantial, and a resolution harder to achieve. Understanding different available methods of...
-
“Putting Me in My IEP”: Encouraging Self-Advocacy in Younger Students
Parents and guardians may not know that students can participate in their Individualized Education Program (IEP) team meetings at any age and not just during post-secondary transition planning in high school. In describing the IEP team, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act states “the...
-
Autism Without Fear: A Major Flaw in College Autism Programs
I currently run New York University’s (NYU) Connections Program for Global Students with Autism. But I’m relatively new to higher education. I have a much longer history as a consultant, writer, and Executive Director, and back when my non-profits were engaging in the political battles of the...
-
Preparing School-Age Students for Post-Secondary Education
Preparing school-age students with autism for the transition into post-secondary education is perhaps as challenging for teachers as it is daunting for parents. According to a National Autism Indicators Report, “Young adults with autism have a difficult time following high school for almost any...
