ABA Therapy Guide
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ABA Therapy Guide
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How to Advocate for Your Child During IEP Meetings

🧠 AI Summary:

Navigating an IEP (Individualized Education Program) meeting can feel overwhelming, but parents have the legal right — and responsibility — to be their child’s strongest advocate. With preparation, confidence, and effective communication strategies, you can ensure your child receives the supports they need to thrive at school. This guide covers everything from reviewing your child’s IEP to asking the right questions and following up effectively.

🤝 How to Advocate for Your Child During IEP Meetings

Introduction

The first time you walk into an IEP (Individualized Education Program) meeting, it may feel like stepping into a different world. The room is filled with professionals 👩‍🏫, stacks of documents 📑, and acronyms that sound more like code than education terms.

Many parents feel anxious about how to speak up or whether their voice will even be heard. Here’s the truth: you are your child’s most important advocate.

At On Target ABA, we’ve guided many families through the IEP process. With the right preparation and strategies, parents can go from feeling overwhelmed to feeling empowered — ensuring their child receives the services and accommodations necessary to succeed.

 

Understanding Your Role as an Advocate

Parents sometimes underestimate the power they have in shaping their child’s IEP. IDEA gives parents specific rights, which means you can:

  • Request an IEP meeting at any time.** You don’t have to wait until the yearly review if new concerns arise.
  • Bring outside evaluations.** Reports from ABA therapy, speech therapy, or medical assessments carry weight in shaping services.
  • Ask for changes if something isn’t working.** The IEP is a living document — it can (and should) be updated when your child’s needs change.

👉 Your role is not just to listen — it’s to collaborate, ask questions, and help design a plan that reflects your child’s real-life needs.

Preparing for the Meeting

Preparation is the key to feeling confident during an IEP meeting.

1. Review the Current IEP
Look at last year’s goals:

  • Which were met?
  • Which were not met?
  • Were the goals realistic, measurable, and meaningful?

1. Gather Supporting Data
Bring as much concrete information as possible:

  • ABA therapy progress notes đź“Š
  • Speech therapy reports 🗣️
  • Occupational therapy evaluations âś‹
  • Medical or psychological assessments 🧠

Data makes your requests harder to dismiss

3. Make an Advocacy Checklist
Write down:

  • Specific needs (e.g., sensory breaks, 1:1 aide, social skills support)
  • Questions for the team
  • Concerns about services

This ensures nothing is forgotten in the moment.

Effective Communication Strategies
The way you phrase concerns can shape how the team responds.

❌ “You’re not giving my child enough speech therapy.”
✅ “I’ve noticed progress on speech goals has slowed. Could we discuss adding another session?”

Tips for communication:

  • Stay calm and respectful.
  • Focus on solutions, not blame.
  • Tie every request back to educational benefit.
  • Take notes so you can follow up later.


Key Questions to Ask During the IEP Meeting

Here are essential questions to bring:

  • How will progress be measured and reported to me?
  • What accommodations are available for transitions or sensory needs?
  • How will ABA therapy recommendations be incorporated into the school day?
  • If goals aren’t met, how will the plan be adjusted?
  • How will communication between school and home be handled? (daily notes, weekly emails, etc.)

👉 Open-ended questions invite discussion rather than yes/no answers.
Handling Common Challenges

When You Disagree with the Team

It’s okay to say, “I don’t agree.” You can request:

  • A follow-up meeting
  • Mediation
  • The involvement of an educational advocate

When Answers Are Vague

If you hear: “We’ll try that,” respond with:
“Can we add that in writing with a specific timeline?”

When You Need More Services

Link your request directly to IDEA’s requirement of a *free appropriate public education (FAPE).* Show data proving why additional supports are necessary.

Following Up After the Meeting

Once the IEP is finalized:

1. Request a copy for your records.
2. Review every section carefully.
3. Keep a binder đź“‚ with:

  • IEPs
  • Progress reports
  • Teacher communications

4. Track progress monthly. Don’t wait for the annual review if something isn’t working.

Tip: Some parents also keep a digital version in Google Drive or Dropbox for quick access.


Helpful Resources

đź“– Related On Target ABA Blog Posts:

đź”—External Resources:

Final Thoughts

Walking into an IEP meeting prepared doesn’t just help you feel more confident — it can directly impact your child’s success. With the right mindset, documentation, and communication strategies, you can ensure your child’s needs are met both inside and outside the classroom.

At On Target ABA, we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you need help preparing for your next IEP meeting or want to learn how ABA therapy can complement school-based services, contact us today.