It is required that your child must be enrolled in school beginning at the age of six or you could face potential criminal charges.

It is important for your child to have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) at your local school district, which is the legal document that sets your child’s yearly educational goals. It is designed to meet the educational needs for a child who may have a disability. Asking for an IEP starts with requesting a Multi-Factored Evaluation (MFE), which is an assessment of your child’s skills and needs. Your child’s IEP helps ensure your school district provides the services that are right for your child’s needs.

After the initial IEP, an annual meeting is held to assess goals, progress and that your child still qualifies for an IEP.

Ensure your child has the services they need starting with services you can get through your school system and IEP. Next consider what other benefits and programs you might access to help you financially (see the “Other Government Support” section below). Consider the different types of therapy that are best for your child. Thoroughly read through your due process rights for IEPs. Your school will provide you with a guide to IDEA which includes this information. The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) ensures that all children with disabilities are entitled to a free appropriate public education to meet their unique needs.

Consider including your child in an IEP meeting even for part of it to help them learn gradually to become self-advocates (meaning to advocate for themselves). Connect with your school parent advocates or mentors who may be a great resource. Different states call them different things.

Bear in mind that your state may offer special programs to help such as an autism scholarship that you may be able to use for private schools or services. For example, in Ohio there is the Ohio Autism Scholarship Program.

If You Have Concerns about Your Child's IEP

You do not have to sign the IEP at the IEP meeting if you have any doubts and want to think about it, even if the school pressures you. If you have questions, the Milestones free autism Helpdesk is here to support you.

Your IEP is a living document. While your school may prefer to meet once a year, you have the right to request additional IEP meetings and request changes if circumstances have changed. If school has changed any services in the IEP and your child is struggling, call a meeting. More frequent check-ins with your IEP team can also be called to monitor progress.

If you have a dispute about your IEP or other issues, special education attorneys can provide help and may offer a free initial consultation before you hire them. Legal Aid may also be available in your area to provide complimentary or lower cost support. The Milestones Helpdesk can help.

For detailed information about IEPs, visit the Milestones IEPs web page and this IEPs article in the Education section of the Milestones Autism Planning (MAP) Tool.

Additional Resources

Milestones Legal Resources Tool Kit

Milestones School Tool Kit

Organization for Autism Research (OAR) Guide to Assessment and Guide to Naviating the Special Education System.

Other Government Support

It is vital for parents/guardians to have a will that outlines who your guardians would be and advance directives. This detailed article walks you through wills and advance directives, as well as related financial issues.

Important Financial Information

Note: If you are concerned about a loved one's ability to maintain government benefits and/or resources, you should consult with an experienced attorney in special needs law for assistance.

If your child receives or might receive government benefits based on income limits, bear in mind that you cannot have more than $2,000 in assets or cash in your child’s name (always check the current status for yourself).

Open an ABLE account, which is a special savings account for people with disabilities that does not affect needs-based benefits such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). It may have different names in different states, for example in Ohio it's called a STABLE account. This Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI) workshop video give information about STABLE accounts and special needs trusts.

Depending on your state, you may be able to apply for Board of Developmental Disabilities services. It requires a diagnosis of a developmental disability such as autism to be eligible. Some services may be income dependent but registering with your county might still provide other services. Ask when applying or discuss it with the Milestones Helpdesk. Counties may or may not have income limits and vary in services offered. For those in Ohio, check out the Milestones Getting Help from the Ohio DODD Tool Kit.

Applying for Benefits

You may want to explore if your child qualifies for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a federal program that provides financial help for children and adults with disabilities who have low income and resources. It is based on your child’s diagnosis and your family’s household income and resources. Your child can receive SSI as early as infancy if your child meets the disability criteria as well as the financial requirements.

Start by reviewing the Social Security Administration's (SSA) website and the application process which includes providing documents like birth certificate and medical information and signing permission to allow Social Security to speak with your medical providers. You can contact the SSA which administers the program.

Note that there is an ongoing evaluation to re-determine that your child still qualifies every certain number of years. This often requires you to go to a doctor or medical professional you don’t know as they select who they want you to see.

You and your child may qualify for Medicaid and SNAP (food stamps) benefits depending on your income level. Also look into your state social services or child and family services for possible assistance, in Ohio it is the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) and/or the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities.