How Do I Request ABA in My Child's IEP?

What's happening

You're considering requesting Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for your child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) to better support their learning needs, particularly if they are on the autism spectrum. ABA is a therapeutic approach that can help address various social, communication, and learning challenges by using positive reinforcement strategies. While you believe ABA could significantly aid your child, you may feel unsure about how to initiate this request and what steps are involved in integrating it into the IEP.

Why it happens

Schools, guided by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), are expected to provide Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) to meet your child's unique needs. However, understanding and navigating school systems can be complex, and resources such as ABA might not be automatically included in every school's current offerings. This gap often means that guardians must be proactive in advocating for specific services, ensuring these are documented in their child's IEP to ensure the child's educational goals are met effectively.

What parents should know

• You have the right to request a review or modification of the IEP to include ABA services.
• Schools are generally expected to consider whether a requested service will help achieve the educational goals set for your child.
• You can request an IEP meeting at any time to discuss potential changes to the plan, such as adding ABA.
• Although outside evaluations aren’t always necessary, having a professional recommendation for ABA can strengthen your case.
• Remember, the decision to include new services in the IEP requires team consensus, which includes your input as a key team member.

What you can do next

1. Contact your child’s case manager or the special education coordinator to request an IEP meeting.
2. Document your reasons for requesting ABA, including how it aligns with your child's educational goals.
3. Gather any evaluation or reports from professionals that recommend ABA as a beneficial service for your child.
4. Prepare to discuss specific goals and how ABA will support achieving these at the IEP meeting.
5. Follow up with a written request if your verbal request to include ABA is not acknowledged promptly.

In summary

You're not alone in navigating the process of requesting ABA services for your child. The most crucial step is to initiate the conversation with your IEP team and bring any supporting evidence to the table. If you want to get a sense of where ABA or other services fit within your child's current IEP, the free Service Minutes tool can provide a helpful overview. This is educational information, not legal advice.