Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) benefit from Individualized Education Program (IEPs).
When your child has an IEP, you are required to go to many meetings with your child's school to make sure the
IEP is helping your child. IEP meetings can be intimidating because the school has many staff people
present with lots of information and opinions.
An education advocate is a person you can hire to help you get the most out of IEP meetings
for your child and make sure your child's school is following the special education law. Advocates
are often psychologists, social workers, lawyers and former special education teachers. They can
help you understand what is in your child's IEP and what changes the school wants to make.
They can help your child get services if the school has denied them. The advocate can help you
make sure your child is getting all the help and services he or she needs. Some charge a fee but some may work for free.
Make sure your advocate knows the special education law for your specific area, because laws vary from state to state.
