Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). In addition to autism, the other PDDs are PDD-NOS (PDD-Not Otherwise Specified), Asperger’s Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Many parents and professionals refer to this group as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

A complex developmental disability, autism typically appears during the first two years of life. It is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Both children and adults on the spectrum typically show difficulties in non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities.

Autism knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries; family income levels; lifestyle choices; or educational levels, and can affect any family and any child. Although the overall incidence of autism is consistent around the globe, it is four times more prevalent in boys than in girls.

My family member has received an autism spectrum diagnosis. What should I do next?

Ten years ago, 1 in 10,000 children was diagnosed with autism. Today, the number is closer to 1 in 150 and receiving a diagnosis on the autism spectrum has not become less overwhelming. In addition to initially understanding your family member’s diagnosis, this explosion in need has resulted in public and private agencies attempting to respond through an often bewildering array of services and programs. The good news, however, is that the programs, services and information are out there. The law is evolving to meet the new challenges for families, providers, and the kids themselves. At the Law Offices of Caryl Oberman, we can help you navigate through this maze of agencies and paperwork, ensuring that your family member’s needs are being met. Let us share our knowledge and expertise with you to protect your family member’s interests and guarantee she receives all of the supports and services to which she is entitled.

At each stage in your family member’s life, her needs may change and so do the processes in place to meet those needs. In the early intervention stages, from birth to age 5, services are crucial and provide valuable preparation for upcoming school years. From age 5 to possibly 21, the IEP will govern your family member’s educational experience before transitioning into adulthood. Our firm aims to empower you to successfully advocate for your family member and can assist you during each step of the process.

Early Intervention: Ages 0-3

Research has shown that the earliest years of childhood are critically important to children’s long-term development and their success as adults. Early Intervention (EI) is designed to enhance early childhood development and education for children with disabilities, including autism. After a Multi-Disciplinary Evaluation (MDE) identifies your child as eligible for EI services, a program is developed through an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) for a specified service location. At age 3 the child will begin a transition to preschool services.

For children with autism, EI is especially critical to their development. The IFSP should deliver services that address the child’s areas of need in a manner that matches the preferences of the family as well. An IFSP can address learning readiness, speech and language skills, social interaction, and physical and occupational therapy. Families and professionals should coordinate services across home and community settings to promote maintenance of skills in all environments. Techniques associated with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) have proven to be effective in remedying problematic behaviors and fostering positive skill development for children with autism.

The Law Offices of Caryl Oberman can work directly with you and your service providers to create an IFSP that accurately addresses all of the child’s needs, as well as guide you through the networks of Medical Assistance and Intermediate Units. Let us help protect your interests and ensure that your family member does not miss out on critical hours of intervention services.

School and Special Education: Ages 5-21

As your child approaches age 5 and entrance into the educational system, families and educators work together to assess your child’s educational needs. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, each child with a disability is entitled to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) that prepares them for independent living. The main vehicle for delivering FAPE to your child is the Individualized Education Plan (IEP), a document that states the child’s present level of educational achievement and articulates measurable annual goals with short-term benchmark objectives. The IEP then acts as a sort of service contract with the school, describing the child’s educational program and related services and binding the school to deliver those services. (For children with needs besides autism, a discussion of 504 Plans should be included here as well)

The services and needs discussed in the IEP should drive the placement choice. Just because a student carries an autism diagnosis does not mean she must be placed in a school’s autistic support classroom. Under the IDEA, children are entitled to an education in the least restrictive environment. The first step in placement decisions should be modifying the general education curriculum and environment to meet the child’s needs before deciding to put the child in a more restricted environment.

The IEP must be reviewed annually and, if necessary, can be modified at any time. It is an incredibly important document in your child’s educational career and can be equally as confusing. At the Law Offices of Caryl Oberman, we have extensive experience in drafting and negotiating IEPs alongside our clients and educators. Our goal-oriented practice encourages IEP drafting meetings to be collaborative discussions among families and educators to decide how to best meet the needs of the child and efficiently deliver services in the most appropriate setting. By working with our firm, we will ensure that the school responds and adapts to the needs of your child, and not the other way around. If the public school district in which you reside cannot meet your child’s needs, we can assist you with selecting and funding an appropriate placement in a private school. We can also represent you and your child in a Due Process Hearing if necessary.

Transiton to Adulthood: Ages 14+

Although children under IDEA are eligible for special education services until age 21, in Pennsylvania the IEP team will begin planning and preparing for life outside of school at age 14. Included in the IEP will be a transitional plan that will require the school provide training in skills that lead to independence—whatever that may look like for your family member. Some of the many areas covered in a transitional plan include job training, social skills, hygiene, independent living skills, purchasing skills, transportation training, personal confidence, coping mechanisms, community/culture knowledge, safety, and sexuality discussions.

Our firm can assist you and your family member create a meaningful and beneficial transition plan. We can introduce you to the various agencies and professionals available to you who focus on transition and skills training. Ms. Oberman herself is a hearing officer with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation with years of experience in facilitating successful transition plans. Whether the future holds college, vocational training, facilitated living arrangements or entering the workforce in a secure or segregated setting, our staff is well-prepared to meet your needs.