IEP (Individualized Education Program)

An individualized education program (IEP) is a written plan for a public school student with a disability who needs special education. Federal special education law requires it. The plan says how your child is doing now and sets measurable yearly goals. It also lists the services and supports the school will give, such as speech therapy, and how progress will be reported.

A team writes the IEP, and you're on it. The team also includes a special education teacher, a school district representative and someone who can explain test results. It reviews the plan at least once a year. For an IEP, autism has to affect how your child does in school, and your child has to need special education because of it. So a diagnosis alone doesn't guarantee one.

Getting an IEP starts with a school evaluation, and you can ask for one. Federal rules give the school 60 days from your consent to finish it, unless your state sets its own timeline. Saying yes to the evaluation isn't saying yes to services. If you disagree with the results, you can ask for an independent educational evaluation.

If your child is found eligible, the first IEP meeting must be held within 30 days. You can bring people who know your child, such as a private therapist. Eligible children under 3 get an individualized family service plan (IFSP) through early intervention instead.

• Ask the school about timing: Ask the school what its evaluation timeline is, since states can set their own.
• Ask about progress reports: Ask how often you'll get progress reports on each goal.
• Ask your behavior analyst: Ask your Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) what from therapy might help you prepare for the IEP meeting.