| Kids with a Sensory Integration and/or PDD conditions | | | | of IEP goals for children with PDD be focused in the |
| have very unique needs when it comes to education. | | | | social arena, because lack of social skills is a hallmark |
| Whether you are seeking a specialized school, | | | | of PDD. These goals are generally related to the |
| considering home schooling, or finding resources for | | | | student's ability to respond appropriately to the |
| your child within the local public school system; medical | | | | classroom environment as well as their classmates. |
| professionals agree that parents need to set realistic | | | | Goals dealing with speech issues are generally handled |
| goals for their special needs child. These goals should | | | | with a trained speech therapist. |
| include both academic and social goals, in addition to | | | | As time passes, the entire IEP will need to be |
| addressing any maladaptive behaviors they may be | | | | reviewed, and the goals re-examined. Usually, input is |
| displaying. It's important when setting specific goals in | | | | taken from a number of the school's resources, such |
| these areas to realize that every child's condition is | | | | as the school speech therapist, the child's teachers, |
| unique, and that what you are dealing with is a | | | | and of course the child's parents. In most cases, |
| spectrum disorder. For example, a child who is high | | | | realistic goals can be set for the upcoming year, and |
| functioning from an academic standpoint, but suffers | | | | as the child progresses, it's comforting to review the |
| from social impairment behavior should and will have | | | | goals that he/she has accomplished. If your child has |
| different goals from a child who is dealing with limited | | | | yet to enter school, call to your public school district |
| or no speech capability. It is exactly for this reason, | | | | and find out what resources are available. Getting your |
| that schools have developed the Individualized | | | | child evaluated early will allow you to take advantage |
| Education Program, or IEP, for students with special | | | | of the many programs offered by the school system |
| education needs. | | | | even before they are "school age". |
| Most school districts will design an IEP for each special | | | | In the United States, every child has a right to an |
| needs student which is reviewed at least yearly. The | | | | appropriate public education. As a parent, make it a |
| IEP sets specific goals for the student, which generally | | | | priority to research ALL of your options. Don't be |
| include language as well as social interaction goals. | | | | afraid to ask questions or get an independent a |
| Most medical professionals suggest that the majority | | | | second opinion. |