Supporting students with ASD.
Sample Solution
Introduction
Effective collaboration is essential to meeting the communication needs of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). When all stakeholders understand and can articulate how they interact and communicate, the student is better positioned to receive the support they need.
This guide provides an overview of the legal requirements for collaboration, a comprehensive list of stakeholders involved in supporting students with ASD, and specific information on how each stakeholder can contribute to the student's communication success.
Full Answer Section
Why is Collaboration Important?
Collaboration is important for several reasons. First, it allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the student's needs. Each stakeholder has a unique perspective on the student, and by sharing this information, the team can develop a more holistic approach to supporting the student's communication development.
Second, collaboration helps to ensure that all stakeholders are on the same page. When everyone is aware of the student's goals and objectives, they can work together to provide consistent and coordinated support.
Finally, collaboration helps to build relationships between stakeholders. These relationships are essential for creating a supportive and collaborative environment for the student.
What the Law Says about Collaboration
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that schools provide special education services to students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment (LRE). This means that students should be placed in regular classrooms with their non-disabled peers whenever possible.
In order to ensure that students with ASD are able to succeed in the LRE, schools must provide them with a variety of supports and services. These supports and services may include:
- Related services: Related services are services that are necessary for the student to benefit from their special education program. These services may include speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.
- School support staff: School support staff may include paraprofessionals, school counselors, and social workers. These staff members can provide a variety of supports to students with ASD, such as help with communication, behavior management, and social skills development.
IDEA requires that schools collaborate with parents and other stakeholders when developing and implementing a student's individualized education program (IEP). The IEP is a document that outlines the student's needs and goals, as well as the specific services and supports that will be provided to meet those needs and goals.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the confidentiality of student records. However, there are certain exceptions to FERPA, including the exception for school officials with legitimate educational interests. This means that school officials can share student information with other school officials who have a legitimate need to know that information in order to provide the student with educational services.
Potential Consequences of Not Following Legal Guidelines
If schools do not follow the legal guidelines for collaboration, they may be at risk of violating IDEA or FERPA. This could result in a variety of consequences, such as:
- Parents may file a complaint with the state education department. If the state education department finds that the school has violated IDEA or FERPA, they may order the school to take corrective action.
- Parents may file a lawsuit against the school. If the parents win the lawsuit, the school may be ordered to pay damages.
- The school may lose federal funding. IDEA requires schools to comply with certain requirements in order to receive federal funding. If a school does not comply with these requirements, they may lose their federal funding.
Stakeholders Involved in Supporting Students with ASD
There are a variety of stakeholders who may be involved in supporting students with ASD. These stakeholders may include:
- Parents: Parents are the primary stakeholders in their child's education. They have a deep understanding of their child's needs and goals, and they are often the first to identify when their child is struggling.
- Teachers: Teachers are responsible for providing instruction to students with ASD in the classroom. They work with other stakeholders to develop and implement the student's IEP.
- Related service providers: Related service providers, such as speech-language therapists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists, provide specialized services to students with ASD. They work with the student's teachers to ensure that the student's communication needs are being met in the classroom.
- School support staff: School support staff, such as paraprofessionals, school counselors, and social workers, provide a variety of supports to students with ASD in the classroom and in other settings.
- Administrators: School administrators are responsible for ensuring that students with ASD have access to the services and supports they need to succeed. They also work to create a supportive and inclusive school environment for all students.
Role of Each Stakeholder
Each stakeholder plays a vital role in supporting students with ASD. Here is a brief overview of the role of each stakeholder:
- Parents: Parents are responsible for advocating for their child's needs. They also play an important role in