Appropriate Assessment and IEPs for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism is a complex, treatable developmental disability. Parents need to take special care to ensure that a comprehensive assessment and early identification provide the foundation for developing an appropriate and effective IEP.
In California, eligible children with "autistic-like behaviors" are entitled by law to an appropriate special education, including services such as specialized academic instruction, behavior therapy, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy. An experienced California special education lawyer can help ensure that the right services will be included in the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Los Angeles IEP Attorney for Cases of Autism or Asperger's Syndrome
Contact the Law Office of Caroline A. Zuk in Long Beach for a knowledgeable lawyer's advice about your legal and practical options for obtaining appropriate special education services for a student with autism or Asperger's Syndrome. Caroline Zuk applies the insights gained over decades of professional service in special education to benefit families who need to meet the challenges presented by autism and related disorders.
Here are some of the more common problems her law firm can help you avoid or overcome:
- Misdiagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder as an emotional disturbance, which can lead to incorrect decisions regarding placement and services
- Long-term disciplinary removals from school due to maladaptive behaviors arising out of the child's disability
- Failure to provide appropriate programming and services consistent with a child's unique needs
- Failure to recognize that children who are gifted in some ways may be disabled in others, sometimes referred to as "dual exceptionalities"
It can often be overwhelming to navigate the IEP process to obtain the right combination of special education programming and services for students with autism or Asperger's Syndrome. Nonetheless, our experience with the review of school-based assessments and our familiarity with the range of effective programs can help ensure that your child's IEP will be based on valid data and a careful identification of an appropriate placement and services based on a child's unique needs. Our law firm can also provide valuable advice during the Annual and Triennial Review of IEPs for children with autism or Asperger's.
To find out more about the ways your family stands to benefit from our experience with the law and procedure related to California special education for autistic or Asperger's students, contact the Law Office of Caroline A. Zuk in Long Beach.