Autism Laws

The U.S. Department of Education clearly lays out the laws regarding education and people with disabilities. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is to ensure a free appropriate public education (FAPE) and provide other services to assist in educational requirements. This also includes an individualized education program (IEP), which tries to make sure a child is getting FAPE. The team consists of the parent, the student, and at least one regular education teacher, one special education teacher, and a representative of the public agency. If they cannot all agree on the specified IEP, the parent can request a hearing to solve any disagreements. On a local level, the Office of Special Education, monitors the compliance to IDEA and has representatives for each state. Even with the laws working, there are still many special needs children that are not being adequately and appropriately educated.

There needs to be a channel that easily allows parents to choose a school that can educate the children. Ohio, Georgia, Florida, Iowa, and Arizona have passed autism legislation. Florida’s laws are ideal in that it applies specifically to a child with an IEP. Missouri desperately needs similar legislation to help protect the special needs children. Missouri currently serves more than 4,200 young people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and we need to strive to ensure all these people are given a chance at a quality education.