Caring for your child with autism is difficult even in the best of times. If you are struggling financially, it can be even tougher. It is estimated that it costs a family $1.4 million to $2.5 million to raise a child with autism. Furthermore, many parents cannot work full-time because their child with autism needs round-the-clock care. But can you get paid to stay home with your child with autism?
As summer draws near and you go back to work, you need to search for childcare for your little one with autism. This includes finding someone who provides reliable, devoted, and quality care for your child. Having a child with special needs makes searching for someone even more complex: you may have to ask more questions to find the right person who matches your requirements. So how do you find the best daycare for your child with autism?
If you are the parent of a child with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or another disability, he or she may be eligible for special education services. But what if, after your child has been evaluated and receives an IEP (Individualized Education Program), your child still does not receive the attention or services he or she needs in school? If you cannot resolve the dispute by talking through the disagreement, The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides a formal way to make a complaint against the school. It is called a "due process” and it is the way you file an IEP violation against your child’s school.
A due process complaint is a letter filed by you, or someone on your behalf, when you disagree about whether your child was correctly determined to be disabled, whether he was evaluated properly, whether your child with special needs has been placed in the appropriate environment at school, or the provision of a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to your child was allocated.
Whenever a due process complaint is received, you and the local educational agency (LEA) involved in the dispute must have an opportunity for an impartial due process hearing. A due process hearing is a formal meeting held to resolve conflicts between parents and schools.
Information You Must Include in the Due Process Complaint Letter
Within five days, a decision is made to determine whether the due process letter is legally sufficient and then you will be notified immediately in writing. If the hearing officer rules that the due process complaint is not sufficient, the decision will identify how the notice is insufficient so that you can amend the notice, if appropriate.
If the due process complaint is determined to be insufficient and is not amended, the due process complaint could be dismissed.
Due process takes time. If the situation isn’t resolved easily, you also may need an attorney or advocate. Understanding your legal rights and how due process works can help you decide if it’s the right path for you.
If you feel overwhelmed and you need help, please contact us.
American Advocacy Group is on the front lines every day, making positive change happen for people diagnosed with Autism, Down syndrome and a range of diagnoses across the continuum. As a leading advocate for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, and the premier provider of the support and services people want and need, we understand the system and know how to take action in regard to your best interests.
CONTACT US FOR HELP.
Dial (877) 762-0702 or email us at [email protected].
When you are raising a child with a disability like autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or similar, it can be financially difficult. Over 40% of families with a child with a disability report experiencing significant financial stress. As many as 30% of parents of children with disabilities quit their jobs or significantly cut back in order to provide care for their child. This isn’t anything new to those of you who are experiencing these issues. That’s why it’s so important to find out how to get paid for raising a child with special needs. But how long can your child get disability benefits?
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