It depends on your state. In Illinois, the law requires local education agencies to make service logs for a child’s IEP related services available to the child's parent or guardian at any time upon request for speech and language services, occupational therapy services, physical therapy services, school social work services, school counseling services, school psychology services, and school nursing services. Here’s the legal citation for Illinois: www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/010500050K14-8.02f.htm Here is a FREE example of a records request letter for parents & guardians: www.breakingautism.com/resources.html

We're so glad to hear this was helpful! Please let us know what questions you have or topics you'd like us to cover. This is how we all grow!!

@@BreakingAutism I am Indian

We are happy to help you either directly or help you find resources if we can. You’re welcome to reach out to us at [email protected].

Hey there! It sounds like you're facing a challenging situation with your child's school. We're so sorry to hear that. Please know this isn't legal guidance, as we do not know your child, the data, your state, and do not represent you. This is purely to help you start to know what questions to ask and to prompt you to seek sound legal counsel in your area. Here's a few areas you might want to look into: First off, it's important to know your rights under IDEA, which ensures children with disabilities get the education they need. If the school is disputing your child's autism diagnosis after five years, that's certainly concerning. You have the right to advocate for your child, challenge any proposed changes to their Individualized Education Program (IEP), and request independent evaluations if needed. Remember, you're not alone in this journey. Seeking advice from professionals who specialize in autism spectrum disorders can provide valuable support. Wishing you and your child all the best!! Other parents and professionals, please comment and share your resources here! That is how we all grow.

Thanks for sharing your perspective! It's true that seeking guidance from medical professionals, such as doctors or psychiatrists, can be crucial in addressing health-related concerns for your child. These professionals can provide valuable insights and support in understanding your child's needs and crafting appropriate plans or orders for the school to follow. However, it's worth noting that educational institutions also play a vital role in ensuring that children with disabilities receive the support and accommodations they need to thrive academically. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) outlines specific rights and procedures for students with disabilities in the educational setting, which can complement the recommendations provided by medical professionals. Ultimately, every child is different. It's critical we remember that. Collaborating with both medical professionals and school personnel can lead to a comprehensive approach in supporting your child's well-being and educational journey. Always remember to advocate for your child's needs and seek guidance from qualified professionals as needed. Parents and Professionals -- What are your thoughts?

We see discipline issues constantly in Illinois. It's terrible to see incredible kids who aren't being supported get disciplined for manifestations of their disabilities such as sensory dysregulation (check out our video on "Is it Sensory or Is it Behavior?"), or the child does so as result of a school's failure to provide an appropriate education (FAPE). Either way, it's important to know your child and your rights!

We're so glad you found this helpful! PLEASE let us know what questions you're facing.

Please please please let us know what other questions you have!! We are in the process of building our next series and want to make sure we're answering your top questions!

There are federal laws (including under the IDEA, sites.ed.gov/idea/regs/b/f/300.613) and state laws (for instance Student Records Act). Every state is different, so we recommend you consult with a special education attorney in your area. But we have an example letter on our website: bit.ly/ExampleParentLetters and you can often find example requests request letters on the Federal & State special education sites.

@@BreakingAutism data? The data I am talking about is the one use to create iep goals. School has been difficult and playing alot of games. I had to ask twice to get a re-evaluation on my son. My husband just got hired last month. We don't have money for an attorney and I don't know who would in this economy.

@@simplydee2567 Have you requested the raw data and any/all reference data related to your child?

@@BreakingAutism I will

Let us know how it goes!

We're so glad to hear this is helpful!!

Please please please let us know what other questions you have!! We are in the process of building our next series and want to make sure we're answering your top questions!

That's WONDERFUL to hear this is helpful!!

Please please please let us know what other questions you have!! We are in the process of building our next series and want to make sure we're answering your top questions!

Glad to hear this was insightful! We are very selective in the professionals we work with, and Dr. Angie is one of the best! Stay tuned for our upcoming expert series.

And please let us know what other questions you have!! We are here to serve and want to make sure our next series is as helpful as possible,

Let us know what state you're in. You should definitely consult with an attorney or advocate at the least. We're SO glad to hear you're looking for an ODD expert too. If we have people we trust, we will absolutely send you their information. You can reach out to us at [email protected] We are rooting for you!!! Please let us and the community know what happens. We are in this together,

You are so welcome! Let us know what other videos you'd like to see.

We're so glad! That's why we do it!!

Let us know what other topics you'd like covered.

Have you requested that they amend the IEP Notes? If so, who have you asked to make sure those changes are made (sometimes you need to speak with someone other than the teacher). If that is not successful, you have several options. One includes filing a Parent Input Statement within your child's records and having that included with the IEP. For tips on how to write an effective Parent Input Statement, check out this video: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fcubh9WCtbibmn0.html You might consider getting written feedback from experts on your child's team as well (including private experts) to dispute what is being said. Of course you always have dispute resolution options, which are discussed in detail here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/l61yZ9x12r_DaIk.html

What parts do you not agree with and what state do you live in? In most states the IEP represents the school’s offer of FAPE and a parent does not have to agree with it to be adjusted. Also, a parent can not request a teacher change the IEP without a team meeting in most cases as that would be a violation of your child’s rights under IDEA.

You have the right to attach your Parent Input to the IEP for the record. Also, any emails or documents you send become part of your child’s records. Also, depending on the discrepancy and some other factors, you may have options on how you can dispute the notes. Here are some resources: - Keys to writing parental input: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fcubh9WCtbibmn0.html - Video on requesting your student’s records to confirm your emails and input are included in the record: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/f9dmq9SL1b66l40.html - Example letter to request records: www.breakingautism.com/workshops.html - Video on options for resolving special education disputes: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/l61yZ9x12r_DaIk.html Please check your state laws as well as understand your federal protections, and consider speaking to a specialized attorney or advocate in your area! We’re SO glad you’re asking questions.

I am not sure what state you are in, in the state of Minnesota if you have not signed or communicated that you disagree with the IEP after 14 days they will automatically follow through the IEP. However you may ask for an IEP meeting to change goals.

You can make a complaint with the state ed. Dept. They're breaking federal law (IDEA). You can demand a reconvene of iep meeting and request a PMS be present as well as any advocate not associated with district who sees your child because of their disability. Also when you demand the meeting give a letter both in writing and email that is a list of your parental concerns. They have to record all of that in the meeting by law. You have every right to have an independent education evaluation paid by the district and argue for a better placement elsewhere. If they continue you have a right to due process.

No, it's very important that you check your local laws. The IDEA is a federal law that dictates what states must do, but states have perimeters within that scope that they can act (which is influenced by state law and case law). Hope this helps!!

@@BreakingAutism yes, thanks!

Of course. We are SO glad you’re asking questions! It’s incredibly important for you, your child, and others reading this.

She is amazing, isn't she? She practices in several states and is based out of Illinois. To reach her, email [email protected]

That is completely false. As the parent, you have the right to a copy at any given time. Your child's teacher should be giving you a copy whenever requested.

Have you considered requesting all of your child's records? Here's a sample letter for students in Illinois: www.breakingautism.com/files/134019598.pdf You might want to ask for their written policy and all emails (including those related to communication with you and your child's teacher). To answer your questions, you should have ALL records prior to an IEP meeting and have access to the IEP team. You are a member of your child's IEP. Without access to other members of his IEP team, you are not able to be an informed member of the IEP team. For more resources: www.breakingautism.com/Resources.html

@@BreakingAutism Awesome information that I wish I had. How do I go about obtaining a sample letter for students in the state of WA? Thank you

@@19daniellegut So happy to hear that! We highly encourage your read through your rights in WA as well as Federal rights under the IDEA. For instance, here are the rights to parents for access to records based on your State Legislature: app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=28A.605.030#:~:text=The%20parent%20or%20guardian%20of,as%20authorized%20by%20RCW%2028A. We were also able to find some guidance in your state, which is also linked below. We are not experts in your state and this is not legal advice; so we highly encourage you to reach out to a local agency or law firm. There are many agencies that provide legal guidance at no or very little cost in your state. Meanwhile, here is the example letter we were able to find: sealk12.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Requesting-Student-Records.pdf Best of luck!! Please let us know how it goes!

@parentingfrontier why

Thank you for sharing!! The more we network and share, the more we can empower our children. There ARE things that families can do. Remember, the federal law requires that a child is evaluated in all areas of suspected disability (emphasis on suspected) AND that an IEP meets the "unique needs of the child" (not what the school has or "allows" - don't be trapped by this!). Hope this helps - happy to help if you need more guidance [email protected]

Needs and present levels drive goals. From there, assuming that's accurate, the goals and accommodations can be developed in the IEP!

We are SO joyful to hear these workshops and videos have been helpful. Fortunately Parents DO have rights & options, the first part is getting the knowledge to empower yourself. What was most helpful that you’d like others to know about? ❤️

First, it’s important to know you have MANY options. That said, consider emailing your district about your concerns of your child’s needs while keeping a record and activity log (see the ‘Make-up Minutes’ and following ‘Keeping A Record’ sections of the video, around min 2:30). If your child is seeing other professionals, ask them to send you reports regarding their professional opinion of your child’s need and their concerns (ideally based on observations or other testing). Last, consider making a formal request in writing. If you and your District disagree, you have several options to consider. For guidance there, check out our FREE Parent Workshop on Special Education (on our Home Page at BreakingAutism.com). Always look at your local rules and consider getting a special education advocate or attorney. Again, these are just considerations & should be thought through in light of your child’s need, local rules, and such. Best of luck to you & your family!

We agree! Outstanding person to have on your side and an amazing thought-leader. Great content for parents & professionals on truly understanding RTI (MTSS), 504 Plans, and IEPs. Enjoy :)