Parents often make decisions about a young child’s educational future at the time of an autism evaluation. Many educational angles are presented to parents during the autism screening process. The following information includes five choices parents make during the autism screening.
Option to consent to autism testing
First, parents have the option of whether or not to give permission or consent for a team to conduct an educational evaluation on autism or early childhood. Once the information is explained to the parents, some parents choose not to participate or not to have the child evaluated in the evaluation process. However, many parents welcome this opportunity to learn more about their children’s skills and abilities and to allow professionals to give their opinions related to the characteristics of autism.
Choice to agree or disagree with autism outcomes
Second, parents have the option of agreeing or disagreeing with the results and recommendations of the autism eligibility team and meeting. Some parents agree with the results of the multidisciplinary team’s evaluation, while other parents do not see their children in the same way. It is not uncommon for parents to say that he or she ‘does not behave in the same way at home as he or she behaved in the assessment’. At other times, the educational team may have different ideas than a physician or early childhood intervention specialist, so parents must choose how to review the evaluation results. There are times when parents disagree with the eligibility results, but still agree that the child be placed in a special education program.
Option to complete part of the educational program and assessment
Third, some parents complete an autism or early childhood assessment and only complete the eligibility portion of the assessment. However, after the results are submitted, some of these parents will make the decision not to complete the local school district’s Individual Education Program. Perhaps the child is doing well in another program or with behavior therapy, so the parent chooses not to accept a structured educational program in the school district.
Choice of location options
Fourth, parents have options to discuss placement options for the child with autism. Some children need more structured programs with intensive interventions, while other children need less support and can function in regular education programs with limited special education support and consultation.
Choice of location changes
Finally, parents have the option of working with special education staff to consider placement changes for individuals with autism. If a special education program does not meet the child’s needs, the type of program selected for the child may need to be modified. Parents have the option of asking the school to reconvene and have another meeting to discuss the possibility of trying an optional educational program on a temporary or partial basis to see if the child with autism can function and adapt to the new educational situation. Most importantly, parents are making important educational decisions to help young children with autism. Parental input is extremely helpful and valuable in evaluating a child’s autism and in the educational planning process.
