Let’s be honest, preparing for your child’s IEP meeting – whether it’s the first or the 20th – can be overwhelming, especially if your child was recently diagnosed with autism. What is an IEP and where does one begin?! An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a plan or program developed to ensure that a child…
Addressing Issues with Virtual Learning and Wearing a Mask
2020 was a trying year for everyone, especially children with special needs and their teachers. As I’ve talked to families, I’ve seen many issues arise that have never been a problem in the past. Most seem to center around two primary topics: virtual learning and mask wearing. Here are some of the more specific issues…
Documenting Your Concerns in Your Child’s IEP
This article was contributed by Teresa Mebane, an Autism Resource Specialist in the Wilmington region and an autism mom. Now that school is back in session, it’s time to think about your child’s IEP. Do you ever feel your concerns are not being heard? Have you left an IEP meeting with unanswered questions? Here are…
Tips, Myths, and Facts about the IEP Process
This article was contributed by Nancy LaCross, ASNC Autism Resource Specialist in the Raleigh area and mother of an adult son with autism. The Autism Society of North Carolina has 18 Autism Resource Specialists serving all 100 counties in our state. We receive phone calls from parents and professionals about lots of issues, but the most…
Communication is Key!
Editor’s Note – The following post was written by Autism Society of North Carolina Parent Advocate/Trainer Juliette Heim. For some of our children, the beginning of the school year has already begun, and for others, school is just around the corner. There is often uncertainty, anxiety, and the fear of the unknown that accompanies this…