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What is an IEP and How Do You Know if Your Child Needs One for School?

In ADHD, Autism, Educational Strategies & Tips, Intellectual Disability, Learning Disabilities, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Parents, Special Education by Rachel Wise

Intro Are you wondering if your child needs special education services or an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or how children obtain an IEP? In order to qualify for an IEP, your child needs to receive an evaluation in school (or at home if your child has not started school yet or attends homeschool or cyber school). Depending on your child’s …

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What is an Intellectual Disability? (With Printable Milestone Checklists)

In Intellectual Disability, Parents by Rachel Wise2 Comments

What is an Intellectual Disability (ID)?Intellectual disability (sometimes called cognitive disability, or previously mental retardation) is a term used to indicate that an individual demonstrates significant deficits in intellectual functioning (reasoning, learning, problem solving) and adaptive functioning (e.g., communication, self-help skills, social skills). Children with intellectual disabilities generally take longer to develop than average peers their age. They often take longer to speak, walk, potty …

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Is Labeling Children Good or Bad? The View of a School Psychologist

In ADHD, Autism, Counselors, Educational Strategies & Tips, Educators, Intellectual Disability, Learning Disabilities, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Parents, Special Education by Rachel Wise

I am a school psychologist. My main job is to evaluate students to see if they are eligible for special education. In order for a child to be eligible they have to meet criteria for one of 14 disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA). If they do not meet criteria for at least one of these …

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Should You Request an Evaluation by a School Psychologist if Your Child Consistently Has Trouble in School?

In ADHD, Autism, Behavior Strategies, Educational Strategies & Tips, Intellectual Disability, Learning Disabilities, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Special Education by Rachel Wise

The contents in this article refer to public schools in the United States. If your child attends private school or school outside of the United States, speak to your child’s school to find out if their policies for addressing the matters discussed in this article are the same or different. Why Would You Request an Evaluation by a School Psychologist? …

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10 Important Tips Before Your Child’s Next IEP Meeting

In ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism, Intellectual Disability, Learning Disabilities, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Special Education by Rachel Wise

What Is an IEP? If you have concerns about your child’s progress in school, you can request an evaluation from a school psychologist to determine if your child qualifies for an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Other support professionals such as a speech-language pathologist or occupational therapist (for visual-motor or sensory concerns) may be involved in the evaluation process as well. …