An IEP is an Individualized Education Program designed under the Nation's Individuals with Disabilities Education Act IDEA. An IEP is required for any student receiving special education or other related services, and was designed to help ensure that all students receive the services and support they need to get a proper education. Specific diagnosis does not tend to have much bearing on what resources are available. Someone with Autism may have very different needs than a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), or Tourette's Syndrome, but there is no denying that they all have needs different from that of the "normal" student. The IEP recognizes more that a child has special needs which must be addressed, than which disability caused said need. The IEP guarantee's that a child's individual needs will be met; therefore, every child's IEP will look very different and is intended to be specific to their individual educational needs. Receiving a diagnosis of Autism won't so much affect which services are available, but it may affect which services you choose to utilize.
An IEP meeting is held, usually at the school. There will be a variety of people present, usually school officials, teachers, resource teachers, school counselors, occupational or speech therapists, etc. Also, you are encouraged to invite your own professional, for example, your child's therapist. Often times your child's neurologist or other doctor can be present via conference calling. You will discuss areas of disadvantage, and as a team will brainstorm ways in which to circumvent or encourage particular behaviors based on your child's strengths and weaknesses. You will decide which subjects your child needs special instruction in, and what their needs are socially. You will come up with unique ways to teach certain things, and if they don't work, you will try again with a new technique next time. You will offer advice to your children's teaching staff as to which things work at home and which do not, and hopefully, they will offer advice to you as adults who have years of experience with children. It is the law that every child be offered an opportunity to get a good education, and the school is required to do all they can to ensure that this is an option for your child too.
An open line of communication with your child's teacher is necessary for success in school. Most schools will attempt to place a child with a specific teacher if they know in advance that they will be placing a special needs child. Some teachers are much more patient and compassionate than others. If you have any trouble with a teacher, talk to them, if you can't work it out; ask for help from the principle. If you still cannot resolve the problem, ask for a new teacher. It does, and will happen. You are the most important advocate for your child. If you must, go to the superintendent, but do not stop till your child gets the education they deserve. There is no better line of defense than a good relationship with a great teacher.
There is much to know about the IEP, and it is helpful if there is a therapist or other professional in your life who can help you understand and sort it all out. Bottom line is that these children are precious, that they may have special needs, but that they are in their own ways, quite brilliant. It is crucial for educational staff to understand how to recognize and celebrate the wonderful talents that these children bring to the table, while nurturing those skills not readily available. The IEP makes it possible for parents and educators to work together to best balance all of these needs on an individual basis. Most IEP's are reviewed on a yearly basis, but you can ask for a meeting as often as you feel necessary, or as little as every three years. It is important to understand that you may not get it right the first time, and that you will continually be trying new things as your child grows. Persistence will eventually get you an end result that all can feel comfortable with. The following links may prove helpful in answering further questions.
http://www.ed.gov/parents/needs/speced/iep guide/index.html
http://www.aboutautismlaw.com/
http:/ /www.wrightslaw.com/info/iep.index.htm
http://school. familyeducation.com/special-education/education-and- state/34580.html
http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/ learning/iep.html
http://idea.ed.gov/