IEP Insiders

Supporting a student who is both gifted and has learning difficulties can feel like trying to solve a puzzle without all the pieces. The strengths are incredible… but the challenges are very real. And too often, families and teachers are left guessing what to do next. This guide👇 provides clarity and direction.

A medical diagnosis doesn’t automatically qualify a student for an IEP—schools must determine how that condition impacts educational performance and access to learning.

Parents can request evaluations, ask questions, and advocate to ensure their child gets the support they truly need.

Proactive Behavior Plan Techniques - The Intentional IEP Having a proactive behavior plan in place can change the outcome of any school day. Here are some techniques and ways to start!

As parents and teachers, it's important to understand how a student receives an Individualized Education Program (IEP) under the federal IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) law... and it doesn't include a prescription from a doctor. 😉

🔑 Key Points to Know:

IEPs are not handed out like candy. Schools can’t just create an IEP for any student and doctors simply cannot write a script for the child to get an IEP. The process is thorough and based on a student’s individual needs.

1️⃣ Evaluation Process: To start, parents or teachers can request an evaluation if they believe a student might have a disability affecting their learning. This request can be made at any time. Once requested, the school has 60 days (in most states) to conduct the evaluation.

2️⃣ Eligibility Determination: A child must be evaluated to determine if they qualify for special education services. This involves a thorough assessment, and the results will inform the development of an IEP if found eligible.

3️⃣ Developing the IEP: If the student qualifies for services, the school must develop an IEP in collaboration with parents, teachers, and other professionals. The IEP will be tailored to the student’s specific needs and outline goals, services, and supports.

4️⃣ Ongoing Review: The IEP is reviewed annually, and parents (and teachers!) have the right to request a meeting at any time to discuss updates or concerns.

📝 Remember: The IEP process is meant to provide students with the support they need to succeed. It is not a quick or automatic process, but it is a crucial step in ensuring the educational needs of students with disabilities are met.

GREAT list!

25 Pieces of Advice for SPED Parents Not sure what to do before your child gets an IEP? Here are 25 pieces of advice for SPED parents before the IEP is written (and after!).

When clocks “fall back,” many kids with learning and thinking differences need extra time to adjust. Sticking to steady routines can ease afterschool meltdowns. Learn more about ADHD and sleep and get tips for better rest: https://u.org/3JFiQMG

When Schools Must Provide Feeding Therapy

Schools must provide feeding therapy if the child’s feeding challenges affect their ability to learn or take part in school.

This is because feeding therapy can be considered a “related service” under the IEP — something that helps the child benefit from their education.

Examples:

✅ The child can’t safely eat or drink during snack or lunch at school without help.
✅ The child tires easily or can’t stay alert because they don’t get enough nutrition during the school day.
✅ The child’s oral-motor weakness affects both feeding and speech development.

In these cases, feeding therapy might be provided by a speech therapist (SLP) or occupational therapist (OT) at school.
The IEP would include goals and supports to help the child eat safely, improve oral-motor skills, or participate in mealtime with peers.

🚫 When Schools Do Not Have to Provide Feeding Therapy

Schools are not required to provide feeding therapy if it is considered medical treatment rather than an educational need.

That means the therapy is focused on:

Strengthening swallowing muscles for medical reasons

Managing reflux, aspiration, or G-tube feeding

Addressing medical issues that do not affect classroom participation

In these situations, feeding therapy is usually provided through a medical provider or private therapist, not the school.
However, the school must still follow any medical feeding plans for the child’s safety (for example, positioning, food textures, or G-tube instructions).

💡 The Bottom Line

If feeding problems keep a child from safely or fully participating in school, the school must address it through the IEP.
If the issue is only medical and not related to learning or participation, it’s handled outside of school.

Auditory Processing Speed (APS) measures how fast your brain processes what you hear. It's vital for understanding speech. APS influences learning, listening, and responding quickly in conversations. Strengthen APS with listening exercises, like following audio instructions and practicing quick note-taking from lectures.

Is your child showing signs of struggling with words? Watch for these clues. Understanding these might be your first step towards helping them.

Thanks to Mid Kent Dyslexia for this visual.

Heading back to school can be exciting… and a little overwhelming — especially for kids who learn and think differently. 🎒

Small changes now can make a big difference in easing the transition.

Heading back to school can be tough for all kids, especially when they learn and think differently. Use the link to find tips to help. Then share your own advice for a smoother transition in the comments. https://u.org/4frXez1

Transition plans should reflect your child's unique strengths and interests by setting measurable post-secondary goals. Focus on creating practical steps that align educational and career aspirations with your child's skills for a clearer path to their future.