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Via the Seattle Children’s Autism Blog.
As the new school year approaches, many families with autistic children are navigating the challenges of preparing for this transition. Understanding the unique needs of these children is essential, and Seattle Children’s Autism Blog offers a guide with tips from the Autism Center Family Resources team to help. Their article highlights five key resources (below), ranging from tips on creating a supportive school environment to practical strategies for managing anxiety.
The Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO) is an agency within the governor’s office created by the Washington State Legislature in 2006. This agency is dedicated to resolving complaints, disputes and problems between parents, caregivers and public schools. They are specifically focused on knowing parents’ rights regarding special education. Anyone can contact OEO about a school-related issue or concern. They can be reached by phone or email, or by completing an intake online.
The OEO website has great resources and tools for families, such as clear articles about student rights and district responsibilities covering many different situations, and sample letters to request a special education evaluation or ask to schedule an IEP meeting.
Contact information
- Website: oeo.wa.gov
- Email: oeoinfo@gov.wa.gov
- Phone (toll-free): 866-297-2597. Interpretation in several languages is available.
The Washington Autism Alliance (WAA) is a community agency that provides advocacy and legal services to individuals with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families. WAA can support families with:
- Legal advocacy on issues related to special education and access to healthcare
- Family resource and insurance navigation
- Special Education Legal Clinic: Free consultation with a special education attorney (currently on pause; check the WAA website for updates)
- Special Education Legal Library: Links to special education law articles and resources
- Workshops: WAA hosts free workshops throughout the year, including their Blueprints to Special Education (How to Build Successful School Services) workshop taught by special education attorneys. Check their events page for upcoming dates and to register. (Tip: The next workshop will be on Saturday, September 21!)
Contact information
- Website: washingtonautismalliance.org. You will need to create a free account to access resources.
- Phone: 425-894-7231
The IEP Parent Partner Program can help:
- Answer questions on special education, IEP process, conflict resolution and resource referrals.
- Consult on IEPs and special education.
- Prepare, execute and debrief after an IEP or school meeting.
- Offer emotional and informational support during a conflict or concern with the school district.
They may be able to attend IEP meetings with you
Contact information
- Arc of King County
- Arc of Snohomish County
- Contact your local Arc or Parent-to-Parent organization to see if they offer an IEP Parent Partner program or other special education support.
Partnerships for Action, Voices for Empowerment (PAVE) offers support, training, information and resources to empower and give voice to individuals, youth and families impacted by disabilities in Washington, including:
- Articles, videos and helpful links explaining special education rights and processes
- Online events and trainings
- More personalized help from a PAVE representative, by filling out an interest form on their website
Contact information
- Website: wapave.org
- “Help request form”: wapave.org/get-help
- Subscribe to the PAVE newsletter for resources and events.
- Parents and caregivers are equal members of the IEP team! You can request meetings to discuss concerns or propose changes at any time. You can provide input on IEP goals and any other parts of the IEP.
- You can share your ideas and concerns with the IEP team and your child’s teacher in your own words, and it’s part of their role to fit this into the IEP.
- Remember, you are the expert when it comes to your child. Trust your instincts about what will work for them. Just as you can listen to and learn from the other experts on their IEP team – your child’s teachers and therapists – they should listen to and learn from you.
- Consult with your child’s providers to get their input on what type of support may be helpful at school.
- Interpreter services should always be provided for families who speak languages other than English. Letters, notices and written communication from the district should also be translated for families into their own language.
Read the full article, “Top 5 Resources for Back to School,” on the Seattle Children’s Autism Blog.
