When developing an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for a student with Autism, setting clear, structured, and achievable goals is crucial to their progress. One of the most effective ways to create meaningful IEP goals is by using the SMART framework. SMART goals ensure that the student’s development is measurable, specific, and tailored to their unique needs. Unfortunately, not all IEP goals meet these standards, which is why parents and educators must understand how to assess and refine them. Let’s explore what SMART goals are, how they can be applied to an IEP, and what steps to take if goals need improvement.

Did you know that one third of children who elope cannot identify themselves? Safety is always a top priority for children with Autism, especially when it comes to wandering behaviors, also known as elopement. A simple yet effective tool that can provide peace of mind for parents and caregivers is a medical ID bracelet.

The Service Delivery Grid in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is like a roadmap outlining the types of support, who will provide them, and where they will occur. This grid breaks down each service—whether it’s additional help from a special education teacher, sessions with a counselor, or time with a speech therapist—so that you can see how your child’s time is structured each week. Though it may seem complex at first, understanding the Service Delivery Grid can help you feel confident that your child is receiving the support they need to thrive.

In special education, collaboration between families and educators is essential to creating a supportive learning environment for students with unique needs. However, there may be times when families disagree with the school’s decisions regarding a child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). Understanding your rights and options when disagreements arise can be empowering and can lead to positive solutions for your child.

For many parents of children with autism, understanding behavior can feel overwhelming. The ABCs of Behavior—an approach widely used in both educational and therapeutic settings—provides a clear way to look at your child’s actions and understand what might be influencing them.

If your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or if you’re navigating the process of creating one, you’ve probably come across the term “Least Restrictive Environment” or LRE. Let’s dive into what LRE is.

Navigating the educational system can be overwhelming for parents of children with Autism. Two important tools that ensure students with disabilities receive the support they need are the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and the 504 Plan. While both are designed to provide accommodations, modifications, and support, they serve different purposes and have distinct eligibility criteria. Understanding the difference between an IEP and a 504 Plan can help parents advocate effectively for their child’s educational success.

When your child uses special education transportation, it's essential to feel confident that they are in a safe and supportive environment. To ensure you're informed and comfortable with the arrangements, it's important to ask the right questions. From understanding the type of vehicle used to knowing who to contact in case of concerns, these key questions will help you gather the information you need to make the best decisions for your child’s transportation experience. Here are 10 important questions to ask when your child is riding special education transportation.

Thanksgiving can be a wonderful time for family, food, and togetherness, but it can also present challenges for children with Autism due to changes in routine, unfamiliar environments, and sensory overload. With the right preparation, you can help make the holiday smoother and more enjoyable for your child. Below are some tips to help them feel ready and comfortable during Thanksgiving festivities.

Early Intervention (EI) in Massachusetts is a program designed to support children from birth to three years old who are experiencing developmental delays or are at risk of such delays. This program plays a crucial role in helping infants and toddlers develop important skills and in empowering families to support their child’s growth.

If your child is struggling in school or not making expected progress, it’s important to consider requesting a special education evaluation. This assessment, conducted by your public school district, determines whether your child has a disability and if they require special education services to support their learning needs.

In recent years, Massachusetts has made significant strides in expanding insurance coverage for individuals with Autism to access services. Services covered by medical insurance are classified as medically necessary, which qualifies them as treatments. Let’s review key legislation and various types of health insurance coverage available for Autism treatment in Massachusetts.

An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is a customized, legal document developed for a student who qualifies for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The IEP outlines the specific educational support and services a child needs to succeed in school. More than just a plan, it serves as a roadmap for providing the resources and accommodations necessary for students with disabilities to make meaningful progress in their education.

Children with autism are four times more likely to leave their homes without a parent’s knowledge than their non-autistic peers. Alarmingly, one third of these children cannot verbally identify themselves if found, and another third will face close encounters with drowning. Here are five essential tips to help prevent wandering and elopement and keep your loved ones safe.

Welcome to the Autism Society of Massachusetts Blog!

At the Autism Society of Massachusetts, our mission is to create meaningful connections that empower individuals within the Autism community. We connect people to the resources they need, offering support through education, advocacy, information and referral services, and community programs. As a local affiliate of the National Autism Society, we are dedicated to ensuring that every person with autism has the tools and resources to live fully.