Educating a Child with Autism
- By Jenn O'Donnell
- Published 06/19/2008
Jenn O'Donnell
Jenn O'Donnell is an Education Specialist specializing in teaching students with moderate to severe disabilities. She is certified by the state of California and is currently completing her Master's degree in Special Education.
Parents must decide what education services and treatments would benefit their child. The public school district offers services including early identification, evaluation and assessments but most importantly a "free appropriate public education"(FAPE). FAPE is one of the key requirements of IDEA. FAPE requires that an appropriate education program be provided for all school aged children with no cost to families. The question that is asked by families and educators is what is the definition of "appropriate"? Each child is different and families have many different beliefs about what is best or "appropriate" for their child.