Available Aids
When your child has been assessed and diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, you may feel inadequate to
ably help your child develop to the fullest extent of his or her capacity. As you start to look at treatment
options and at the sorts of aid available for a child with a disability, you will discover that there is help for
you. It is going to be tough to learn and remember everything you need to know about the resources that will be
most helpful. Write down everything. If you keep a journal, you will have a foolproof method of recalling
information. Keep a record of the doctor’s reports and the evaluations your child has been given so that his or her
capacity for special programs will be documented. Learn everything you can about special programs for your child;
the more you know, the more effectively you can advocate.
For every child eligible for special programs, each state guarantees special education and related services. The
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federally mandated program that assures a free and
appropriate public education for children with diagnosed learning deficits. Usually children are placed in public
schools and the school district pays for all necessary services. These will include, as needed, services by a
speech therapist, occupational therapist, school psychologist, social worker, school nurse, or aide.
By US law, the public schools must prepare and carry out a set of instruction goals, or specific skills, for every
child in a special education program. The list of skills is known as the child’s Individualized Education Program
(IEP). The IEP is an agreement between the school and the family on the child’s goals. When your child’s IEP is
developed, you will be asked to attend the meeting. There will be several people at this meeting, including a
special education teacher, a representative of the public schools who is knowledgeable about the program, other
individuals invited by the school or by you (you may want to bring a relative, a child care provider, or a
supportive close friend who knows your child well). Parents play an important part in designing the program, as
they know their child and his or her needs best. Once your child’s IEP is developed, a meeting is scheduled once a
year to review your child’s progress and to make any alterations to reflect his or her changing needs.
If your child is under 3 years of age and has special needs, he or she should be eligible for an early intervention
program; this program is available in every state. Each state determines which agency will be the lead agency in
the early intervention program. The early intervention services are provided by workers qualified to care for
toddlers with disabilities and are usually in the child’s home or a place familiar to the child. The services
provided are written into an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) that is reviewed at least once every 6
months. The plan will describe services that will be provided to the child, but will also describe services for
parents to help them in daily activities with their child and for siblings to help them adjust to having a brother
or sister with ASD.
Available Aids
Early intervention services
Autism Checklist
Autism Books
How Does It Feel To Have Asperger Syndrome
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