Q & A: Autism and Eligibly

Question:

Does an autism diagnosis automatically make a child eligible for an IEP?

Answer:

No. An autism diagnosis does not automatically make a student eligible for an IEP. In order to be eligible a student must both have a disability AND require specially designed instruction (i.e. something different than the general education curriculum) in order to make effective progress (progress in the general education curriculum commensurate to the student’s potential). In Massachusetts, effective progress includes academic, social, and emotional progress. Therefore, a student could be receiving good grades and still qualify for an IEP.

If you are concerned about your child's special education supports and services, contact the Boston area law office of Wong & Boscarine.

Mass Advocates for Children Youth Fellowship

Massachusetts Advocates for Children invites young adults 18-26 with Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or Intellectual Disability to apply for a state-of-the-art Young Adult Leaders Fellowship that offers an opportunity to learn the professional skills needed to advocate on behalf of other youth with disabilities. The Fellowship is a partnership between Massachusetts Advocates for Children and the Institute for Community Inclusion at UMass Boston. The Young Adult Leaders Fellowship involves a one year part-time advocacy training under the direction of the Autism Center advocate and senior attorney. This is a half-time time fellowship, and a small stipend is provided.

More information and the application is available here.