Does your child have a disability on the autism spectrum? Does your child's disability affect social skills development or make your child vulnerable to bullying, harassment, or teasing?
If you answered "yes" to either question, Massachusetts law (M.G.L. c. 71 § 37O) now requires that your child's IEP team consider and address the skills and proficiencies your child needs to avoid and respond to bullying. Consider bringing this issue up at your next IEP meeting, or request an IEP meeting today if bullying is a particular concern.
Because this law is new, you might need to educate your child's school of these requirements. If you need additional support, consider contacting the attorneys at Wong & Boscarine. Remember the ultimate goal of the new law - protecting our children from bullying.
Massachusetts' Anti-Bullying Law's IEP Requirements