Autism, the Law, and Schools

School districts are facing more IDEA cases as a growing number of students are diagnosed with autism. What policies and procedures should be in place?

In an article in the American School Board Journal...

Autism. The very word sends chills down the spine of school attorneys and tempts board members and superintendents to think about their waning bank accounts.

That description is not meant to be rude or disrespectful. Sadly, throughout the United States, the special education needs of autistic children are a frequent source of conflict. In nearly all cases, the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) applies and imposes certain obligations on school districts.

IDEA requires a special team -- including in-school experts -- to collaborate with parents to devise a learning plan tailored to the unique needs of a particular autistic child. Drafting an individualized education program (IEP) can be as traumatic as a no-holds-barred wrestling match -- and with no rounds and no time limit, school districts cannot be saved by the bell.So, both sides battle on, using every law, policy, and procedure at their disposal.

Read more HERE.