Advocating for Your Child with Autism in an IEP Meeting

Back-to-school season often brings Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings. For parents of children with autism, these meetings can feel overwhelming—but understanding your rights and knowing how to advocate for your child can make a big difference. A well-prepared parent can help ensure their child receives the support and services they need to thrive in school.

At Gliszen Therapeutic, we’re here to help you feel confident and empowered as you navigate the IEP process. Here’s a practical guide to preparing for and advocating in your child’s IEP meeting.

This information is provided as a resource and is not legal advice. For additional support please contact an Educational Advocate or Attorney for legal advice.

Understanding the IEP Process

An IEP meeting brings together parents, teachers, therapists, and school representatives to discuss your child’s educational plan. While reviews are required annually, meetings can be requested anytime changes are needed. The goal is always collaboration—ensuring your child’s education is tailored to their strengths and needs.

Your Rights Under IDEA

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal law that guarantees children with disabilities access to education. Two key components are:

Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE): Your child is entitled to specially designed instruction to meet their unique needs—at no cost.
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE): Your child should be educated alongside peers to the maximum extent appropriate.

Knowing your rights helps you advocate effectively. Parents can request changes or testing in writing. The school must respond within 60 days, and the IEP must be completed within 30 days after testing.

You are entitled to ten days’ notice before an IEP meeting, allowing time to prepare. Required team members include you (the parent), the general education teacher, the special education teacher, and a representative from the Local Education Agency (LEA). Depending on your child’s needs, specialists like a psychologist, OT, PT, or SLP may also attend. If key team members are unavailable, you have the right to postpone the meeting.

Preparing for the Meeting

Approach the IEP meeting as a collaborative conversation focused on your child’s best interests. Preparation is key:

Gather Records: Collect provider reports, progress notes, teacher observations, and your own notes in an organized binder.
Invite Advocates: If you work with a BCBA, therapist, or other professionals, consider having them attend to provide additional insights. Notify the IEP lead ahead of time.
Prepare Questions: Write down questions or concerns you want addressed.
Leverage Your Expertise: You know your child better than anyone. Bring your perspective confidently to the discussion.

Communicating Effectively

Meeting with your child’s teachers before the IEP can be helpful. This pre-meeting conversation allows you to set an agenda, clarify expectations, and make the actual IEP meeting more productive.

Identifying Your Child’s Strengths and Needs

Successful advocacy starts with a clear understanding of your child:

Strengths: What are your child’s interests, talents, and motivators? Highlighting strengths helps guide goal-setting.
Needs: Where does your child struggle? What supports or accommodations help them succeed? Be specific—this information is central to creating an effective IEP.

Sharing these insights ensures your child’s education plan is tailored to them.

Setting Goals and Objectives

When setting goals, consider your child’s strengths and use the SMART framework:

Specific: What exactly will your child learn?
Measurable: How will progress be tracked?
Attainable: Is the goal realistic for your child?
Results-Oriented: What outcomes will indicate success?
Time-Bound: When should the goal be achieved, and how will it be reviewed?

SMART goals help the team focus on meaningful, achievable progress.

Understanding Accommodations and Modifications

Accommodations make learning accessible and comfortable for your child. Examples may include:

Visual schedules or instructions
Noise-canceling headphones
Low-distraction environments for testing
Visual charts to track progress

Consider potential accommodations ahead of time so you can share your insights during the meeting.

Following Up After the Meeting

Your involvement doesn’t end once the IEP is finalized. Regular communication with teachers and therapists helps ensure your child’s needs continue to be met. Attend parent-teacher conferences, check in periodically, and ask questions whenever necessary. Ongoing collaboration is the key to your child’s success.

IEP Meeting Preparation & Follow-Up Checklist

Empowering Your Child's Educational Journey

BEFORE THE MEETING: Building Your Foundation

📋 Review Your Meeting Invitation

Confirm meeting purpose is clearly stated
Check if your child is invited (required at age 14+)
Review who's attending and their roles
Verify date/time works for your schedule
Note any team member excusal requests

📝 Respond Thoughtfully

Return invitation promptly with your response
Request alternative dates/times if needed
Ask for phone/video participation if necessary
List anyone you're bringing for support
Share your meeting agenda and concerns
Request IEP draft in advance
Approve/disapprove any excusal requests

📁 Organize Your Child's Records

Current and past IEPs
Report cards and work samples
Evaluation and assessment results
Progress reports on academics and goals
Communication logs (notes, emails, calls)
Behavior plans (FBA/BIP if applicable)
Medical records, therapy reports, outside evaluations
Any other relevant documentation

💭 Prepare Your Voice

Reflect: What has been accomplished?
Identify: What has worked well?
Consider: What needs more attention?
Document: Your concerns and your child's concerns
Create: A vision statement for your child's future
Write: Prioritized list of questions and requests
Gather: Supporting documents and research
Connect: Talk with your child about their school experience
Prepare: Your child for meeting participation (if attending)
Consider: Bringing photos/video to share your child's strengths

DURING THE MEETING: Your Voice Matters

🤝 Participate Fully

Arrive 10-15 minutes early
Bring all notes, records, and materials
Connect with anyone you invited
Request introductions and role clarifications
Identify the meeting note-taker
Share your parent input and concerns
Express ideas, opinions, and feelings openly
Ask questions when anything is unclear
Request breaks as needed

✅ Before the Meeting Ends

Review meeting notes for accuracy
Confirm all concerns were addressed
Ensure IEP language is clear and specific
Schedule follow-up meeting if needed
Clarify who's responsible for each IEP component
Document any disagreements in writing
Thank team members for their contributions
Request your copy of the completed IEP

AFTER THE MEETING: Sustaining Success

🌟 Follow-Up Actions

Send thank you notes to participants
Write clarification notes for any overlooked items
Contact WI FACETS if you have concerns about decisions
Review IEP with your child (when appropriate)
Share IEP copy with other professionals working with your child
Ensure all teachers/support staff know about IEP updates

📈 Stay Connected Year-Round

Monitor IEP implementation regularly
Maintain ongoing communication with teachers
Address issues promptly as they arise
Review IEP periodically throughout the year
Request additional meetings when changes are needed
Celebrate successes and progress
Document your child's growth and achievements

🔄 Special Considerations

For Students 14+ (Transition Planning)

Ensure Post-Secondary Transition Plan (PTP) is completed
Verify transition assessment was conducted
Review goals for: Employment, Education/Training, Independent Living
Confirm transition services are identified
Prepare for transfer of rights at age 18

Remember: You Are Making a Difference

🌟 Your Expertise Matters

You are the expert on your child - Trust your instincts and knowledge
Your love and advocacy are powerful forces for positive change
Every question you ask opens doors to better understanding and support
Your voice carries the weight of unconditional love and deep knowing

🔄 This Is a Journey of Growth

The IEP meeting is the beginning, not the end of meaningful progress
Your active participation shapes your child's future in beautiful ways
Each meeting builds upon the last, creating momentum toward success
Small steps forward are still steps forward - celebrate every victory

💚 Caring for Yourself Along the Way

Take breaks when you need them - self-care strengthens your advocacy
Acknowledge the emotional weight of this process - it's normal to feel overwhelmed
Celebrate your dedication - showing up for your child takes courage and love
Connect with other parents who understand this journey
Remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness
Trust that you're doing your best with the information and resources you have

🌈 Hope and Possibility

Your child's potential is limitless - the IEP is a tool to unlock it
Every accommodation creates new pathways for learning and growth
Your advocacy today builds independence for your child's tomorrow
Challenges are opportunities for creative solutions and deeper understanding
Your child's unique gifts will shine with the right supports in place

🤝 You're Not Alone

A community of caring professionals wants to see your child succeed
Other families have walked this path and are cheering you on
Your child's team is invested in their growth and happiness

At Gliszen Therapeutic, we believe every child deserves an education that celebrates their strengths and supports their needs. With preparation, knowledge, and advocacy, you can help ensure your child thrives in school and beyond.

This information is provided as a resource and is not legal advice. For additional support please contact an Educational Advocate or Attorney for legal advice.