{"id":400,"date":"2015-09-16T23:15:40","date_gmt":"2015-09-17T06:15:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/autismla.us\/1\/?page_id=400"},"modified":"2015-10-18T21:06:32","modified_gmt":"2015-10-19T04:06:32","slug":"elementary-school","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.autismla.org\/1\/elementary-school\/","title":{"rendered":"Elementary School"},"content":{"rendered":"Worried About Your Elementary School-Age Child? <\/b><\/span>
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Many parents don\u2019t think anything unusual is going on if their child is a \u201clittle professor\u201d spouting off facts, or a very shy child. When you understand what autism is, however, the features of autism can be clearly seen in the elementary school years. When a child is around other students at school, important differences in socialization, communication and behavior can become more noticeable. Parents, teachers or staff may notice these differences and become concerned, especially if a child is having a hard time keeping up with the academic or social demands of school.<\/p>\n

When we see the features of autism in a school-age child, we notice that the child is not doing things we expect them to do, and is doing unexpected things. For example, we expect school age children to talk and play with others. We do not expect children to be alone on the playground or have problems fitting in with the expectations of the teachers and students.<\/p>\n

One of the first things you can do to help your school-age child who is diagnosed with autism is to be sure you understand the social, communication, behavior, sensory, physical and cognitive\/learning differences that are part of autism. You need to know how each of these features affects your child because he or she will probably need help to develop in each of these areas. Adults need to work together and make a plan to help the child with autism learn new skills and make progress in all areas of development during elementary school. After all, a child with autism who has developmental differences is \u201cchasing a moving target.\u201d Peers are continuously and rapidly developing social, communication, and play skills, along with academic and thinking skills. Elementary school is NOT the time to minimize the needs of students on the spectrum!
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\nNot Sure if Your School-Aged Child Has ASD?<\/b><\/span>

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If you are not clear about what Autism is, or if you are concerned about your child who does not have a diagnosis, you will want to read the section on this website called Birth to Age 3, then come back to this page. Look at the Picture Dictionary of Child Development<\/a> that focuses on how young children learn to relate to others, communicate and play. After you read it, you can use the Picture Dictionary Checklist to make notes about any differences that you may see in your child, now and in the past. The checklist has room to write down your examples, questions and concerns. You can then discuss these things with a pediatrician or other professional.
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\nSpecial Education for School-Age Children<\/b><\/span>

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Elementary-age children can develop and grow significantly with comprehensive educational programs and therapeutic treatment to address their needs. Federal educational law known as IDEA law requires all states to provide an appropriate education, at no cost parents, to eligible children with disabilities, from the age of 3. This means that a child with autism may be entitled to receive the specialized education supports and services that he needs to learn and develop. These policies reflect the importance of providing education and support services to help a young child at every developmental stage, and address the special needs of the child that arise from his or her disability.<\/p>\n

There is a process in which families and the local education agency (usually the school district) can develop an Individual Education Program (IEP) for the child. Assessments are done to discover the needs of the child and determine if the child is eligible for special education. If the answer is YES, goals are written to support the child in learning what other children of the same age are learning. Services and supports are provided to help the child meet her goals. The IEP process can be initiated for any child of elementary school age through referral by parents or staff.<\/p>\n

More information will be added to this page to help you navigate the elementary school years, understand the IEP process, legal rights, service options, and the role of the regional center. We will also talk about getting ready for middle school! Come back and visit again!
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\nResources<\/b><\/span>

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