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Individualized Education Plans (IEP) for Children With Autism

Studies have shown that children with autism who receive early intervention treatments such as applied behavioral analysis, or ABA therapy, are much more successful in building the social, communication and daily life skills with which they typically struggle. That’s why spotting the early signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are so key for parents, caregivers, family members and medical professionals alike.

Children can be diagnosed with autism as early as 18 months old, though most don’t receive a diagnosis until around 3 or 4 years old — since that’s when signs and symptoms become more apparent. At that time, they may be recommended to undergo intensive ABA therapy, which uses positive reinforcement and repetition to help children with ASD modify their behaviors.

ABA therapy is very time-consuming, especially for children who are just starting out with the treatment plan. That’s why it often replaces early schooling for children on the autism spectrum, such as preschool.

However, ABA therapy is not a replacement for formal schooling. Instead, it should work in conjunction with formal schooling to give children the best support they need.

Depending on how much support a child may need when they enter the school system, they may require an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to outline specific accommodations they can receive in the classroom.

Below, we’ll discuss IEPs for children with autism in more depth.

Table Of Contents

What is an IEP?

An IEP is a formal document that is legally binding and outlines some specific services, goals and objectives for a student on the autism spectrum. In essence, an IEP serves as an educational plan that’s tailored specifically to the student in question.

It’s an all-encompassing plan that involves many different people — from teachers, school administrators and parents to therapists and any other professional who might work with the student.

IEPs detail the student’s functional and academic abilities, and in what areas they face challenges. It will also incorporate a wide range of services and support that the student needs, including specialized therapies, accommodations and instructions.

All of this is done to ensure that the student gets exactly what they require to meet whatever individual needs they have.

IEPs are also a “living document,” meaning they are updated each year after a full review process to ensure that the plan reflects progress the child has shown toward goals as well as their evolving requirements.

Why is an IEP Important for Children with Autism?

An IEP serves a very important role for children with autism. When children have an IEP, their needs are clearly stated, and schools must make the proper accommodations to ensure they get whatever they need.

This plan refers to not just academic needs but also developmental ones.

When children with autism receive an IEP, they benefit in a variety of ways, including …

  • Collaboration: An IEP forces a large group of people to collaborate and work together to be directly involved in a student’s education. This can be thought of as a more holistic approach to education than traditional schooling — even if it’s happening in a traditional school environment.
  • Goals: A major aspect of IEPs are setting clear goals and tracking progress toward them. These goals should be measurable in nature and address a student’s functional, social and academic development.
  • Support: Educators benefit from IEPs, in that they enable them to develop interventions that are tailored specifically to the challenges and strengths that each student faces. In a way, this forces everyone to look at the student, and autism in general, on an individual basis.
  • Protection: IEPs ensure that students and their families enjoy protections and rights that the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act provides to them. This ensures they receive all appropriate accommodations and services that are necessary for them to progress in school.

What Role Does ABA Therapy Play with IEPs?

We’ve already talked about the important role that ABA therapy plays in helping children build skills before they even reach school age. This doesn’t mean that ABA therapy can or should stop once the child reaches formal schooling, though — even if they have an IEP.

As mentioned, each individual child has unique needs, so some children will still need intensive ABA therapy as a supplement to their school-based learning. In fact, ABA therapy can be a part of a student’s IEP, if they have this need.

Specific accommodations can be made for ABA therapy to be integrated into the overall IEP, with ABA therapists being allowed to come into the school environment to work one-on-one with a student if need be.

That’s why formal schooling and ABA therapy should be looked at as complementary to each other, rather than working as individual support services.

Trust Blue Gems ABA with Your Child’s Treatment

IEPs are essential for children with autism. There are many benefits to them, including ensuring legal protections and getting whatever accommodations and services the child may need while they’re in formal schooling.

Even when a child receives an IEP, though, they may still require ongoing support through ABA therapy, depending on their specific needs.

At Blue Gems ABA, our team of experienced therapists is dedicated to working with children with autism and helping them grow. We do this through personalized ABA therapy treatment programs that can work independently from, or in conjunction with, your child’s IEP.

For more information, contact us today.