This is one of the toughest but critical pieces to raising a child with ASD. If you are not there making sure your child’s rights are not being taken away NO one else will! Kids have a right to participate in everything in school and if your child struggles with a certain aspect it is your right to ask that the school get adaptations for your child to participate.

There is a right way to do this though. You need to consider yourself part of the team of people there to help your child succeed. Actually you are the manager of that team. What kind of manager are you? Do you recognize the individuals that are doing a great job? Are you communicating your expectations about each team member and your goals for your child, then checking or following up to see that your expectations are being met? What are you doing at home that can contribute to the overall success at school? Communicate these things so every one knows and will follow your example and commitment to the goal. Helping your child learn as much as possible, be a good student and member of the school community.

Also be sure to get information and input from professionals out side of the school district about things that might help your child in school. I utilize several; PACER a non profit organization that advocates for parents and individuals with disabilities, Developmental Pediatrician, our Dr has written several letters letting the school know what adaptations need to be in place for our child to learn, Psychologist what is their overall input, Speech and OT therapists they communicate with the speech and OT people at school. When all these things are in place you know you are doing everything you can to be sure your child is not left behind and is learning.

Eventually you will need to teach your child to start doing these things for themselves, be assertive.