IEP Meeting Prep Checklist for Autism Parents

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Before the Meeting — Know Your Rights

Request a copy of the draft IEP at least 3 days before the meeting
Review last year's IEP — did your child meet their goals?
Look up your state's special education parent rights (procedural safeguards)
Know you can bring a support person (advocate, spouse, therapist) — no permission needed
Write down 3-5 things that are going well for your child this year
Write down 3-5 areas where your child is still struggling

Before the Meeting — Prepare Your Input

Write down your vision for your child for the next 12 months
List any evaluations or reports you want to share (private therapist notes, medical records)
Prepare questions about any services being proposed or removed
Note any concerns about the current placement or classroom environment
List any accommodations that are working — and any that aren't
Think about transition goals if your child is 14+ (vocational, independent living)

At the Meeting — Opening

Ask for an overview before signing anything
Ask how your child's current goals were measured — what data was collected?
Ask who on the team works directly with your child
Request that all acronyms be explained in plain language

At the Meeting — Reviewing Goals

For each goal: ask what it looks like when your child achieves it
For each goal: ask how progress will be measured and how often
Ask if goals are specific enough to be objectively measurable
Push back on vague goals like "will improve social skills" — ask for specific criteria
Make sure at least one goal addresses your child's biggest challenge area

At the Meeting — Services & Placement

Confirm the hours/frequency for every service (speech, OT, ABA, etc.)
Ask why the proposed placement is the least restrictive environment
Ask what would need to happen for your child to move to a less restrictive setting
Ask about extended school year (ESY) — is your child eligible?

Before You Leave

Do NOT feel pressured to sign the IEP at the meeting — you can take it home to review
If you disagree with anything, ask for it to be noted in writing
Get a timeline for when services will start
Ask for a copy of the signed IEP and any meeting notes
Schedule the next check-in or progress review date

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