SEP 17, 2020

Letter From the CEO: Navigating Back to School for Kids with Autism

Nothing about 2020 has been typical and back to school season is no different. This fall, thousands of students across the country are skipping the classroom for Zoom sessions and other forms of distance learning. This is a big adjustment and can be tough on any kid, but for children with autism, distance learning programs can seriously derail the entire education process. That’s why we’re dedicating this issue of the newsletter to what it means for children with autism to go back to school in 2020—and how their parents and loved ones can help navigate the choppy waters ahead.

For many children with autism, education is truly a team effort. Even under normal circumstances, of course, parents and caretakers play a huge role in an autistic child’s success at school, joined by teachers, counselors, therapists, and others. All of these people come together to craft an autistic child’s IEP (Individualized Education Program). IEPs require thoughtful planning and cooperation from everyone involved in educating, caring for, and treating a child with autism and the process and be daunting, especially for those who haven’t been through it before.

In this month’s newsletter, we’ve put together guides to all of the resources you’ll need to master the IEP as well as helpful tips for helping a child with autism succeed during distance learning when their IEP will no doubt have to adapt and change quickly.

I always welcome feedback and love hearing from you. If you want to reach out about the newsletter or any other Autism related matter, don’t hesitate to email me at arnon.heller@intercaretherapy.com.

Arnon "Noni" Heller Psy.D. CEO