Every child deserves a chance to get the most out of their education. As you know, children with autism need a little extra support to make this happen. This is why schools offer Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). At Monarch House’s autism clinic in Toronto we work with parents and caregivers to help with the preparation and planning for IEP meetings. These programs are essential for ensuring that children with autism receive the educational assistance and accommodations they need to succeed. Sometimes these meetings can often feel overwhelming, so we are here to support you and offer some guidance about the process. 

Here are ten tips to help you effectively navigate IEP meetings and advocate for your child with autism Toronto.

1. Focus On Your Child’s Needs

When you’re nervous or unprepared it is easy to meander off point. At Monarch House we can help you with the jitters by putting you on track in your preparations. For starters, keep the discussion centered on your child. We can help you put together a specific list about how autism impacts their learning and what accommodations or services are necessary for their success. We’ll open our notes about your child so we can find examples and data to support your requests.

2. Ask Questions And Clarify Terms

If you’re not used to going to big boardroom meetings, you might feel completely out of your element. At Monarch House, we can walk you through the process a little and help you feel more at ease before the big day. For instance, one thing to keep in mind is that you shouldn’t hesitate to ask for clarification if you don’t understand something. The IEP process often involves jargon and technical terms. We can help familiarize you with some of this vernacular. Ensuring you fully understand the plan and what each section represents is crucial for your child’s education.

3. Request An AgendaI In Advance

Things are going to go much more smoothly if you and the school both operate along the same framework. Don’t be shy about asking the school team for a copy of the meeting agenda beforehand. There’s only so much time available, so knowing what will be discussed allows you to prepare accordingly and ensures that your concerns will be addressed in that window.

4. Prepare A List Of Goals And Concerns

No two children with autism are alike. Your child’s specific needs are going to be completely different from the other children in the classroom. Therefore, before the meeting, write down your child’s unique strengths and challenges. Be sure to outline any goals you would like to see in the IEP. Additionally, address any concerns you have about their current educational plan. This preparation will help you stay focused during the discussion.

5. Bring A Support Person

You’re going to have a lot of balls in the air, so it’s going to be easy to get overwhelmed. You might need some extra help. At Monarch House, we can do a roleplay trial run with you to prepare you for the session. Then, on the day of the meeting, consider bringing a friend, relative, or advocate along with you. Having someone there for emotional support or to take notes allows you to focus on the conversation and ensures you don’t miss important details.

6. 6. Educate Yourself On The IEP Process

Understanding the framework of the entire process will give you a leg up in the discussions. At Monarch House we can help you with this. Before attending the meeting, we can walk you through how the IEP process works. You’re going to want to familiarize yourself with the rights available for your child. We can ensure that you are comfortable with the terminology and legalities. This will empower you to advocate effectively.

7. Communicate Collaboratively

At Monarch House, we believe in an all-hands-on-deck approach to raising a child with autism. This goes for their education as well. Working towards this requires you, us, siblings, relatives, and your child’s educators all pulling together. In a similar vein, an IEP meeting is a team effort. You might need to work collaboratively with educators, principals, counsellors, therapists, and educational assistants to make sure that your child’s needs are addressed. While it’s imperative to advocate for your child, it’s also important to listen to these educators and specialists. The idea is to build a cooperative relationship by expressing appreciation for their efforts and working together to develop the best plan for your child.

8. Organize Important Documents

It pays to be organized. Get yourself a filing cabinet and keep all records related to your child’s education. Have separate folders for evaluations, progress reports, behaviour plans, and communication with teachers. For the meeting, bring a copy of these documents to reference specific data that supports your requests and  concerns.

9. Take Notes During The Meeting

You’ll thank yourself later if you make a point to stay organized while the meeting is going on. Keep detailed notes during the meeting. Be sure to document key points, make note of agreed-upon goals, and set action items. This record will help you follow up on commitments and track your child’s progress over time.

10. Review And Reflect Before Signing

While not exactly set in stone, an IEP is going to be the official, formal document that educators use with your child for the rest of the year. So, before signing off on it, take time to review the IEP carefully. If something feels unclear or missing, request time to process the information or reconvene for further discussion. Your child’s education is worth getting right.

The secret to successful planning for an IEP meeting is to think like a Boy Scout and ‘always be prepared.’ Navigating IEP meetings for your child with autism in Toronto can be challenging, but with some future planning and collaboration, you can ensure your child receives the support they need to succeed. At Monarch House we have a professional, interdisciplinary staff of occupational therapists, behavioural therapists, psychotherapists, and speech pathologists that are here to help. Remember, you are their strongest advocate, and your voice is critical in shaping your child’s educational journey.