Updates

Developmental Pediatrics and Autism

 School Resources and Services

Your options at school

Schools are required to make specific accommodations for children with learning disabilities, developmental delay and behavioral concerns. Accommodations are usually done through special education services, which may include modifications to the regular curriculum, extra support within your child’s classroom, small group or individualized assistance with reading or math, specialized educational settings, speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavior plans and other services, depending on your child’s needs.

Children with certain medical or developmental conditions may qualify for other types of services through a Section 504 plan, which provides accommodations to enable children to successfully participate in the regular curriculum.

To request a special education evaluation, parents should begin the process at their neighborhood (“zoned”) school and make the request in writing. Special education law requires that schools respond to requests for evaluation within a very specific timeframe.

If you have trouble obtaining a school evaluation or appropriate services for your child in school, advocates can help caregivers navigate these challenges. School advocates may help families in a variety of ways, which may include providing guidance on next steps, how to advocate for your child, writing letters to the school, attending phone calls or school meetings at the school, etc. A list of school advocates is available in English and Spanish 

Bullying

Bullying is an intentional behavior that hurts, harms or humiliates a student, either physically or emotionally. It’s a serious problem that, if left unaddressed, can significantly affect your child’s physical, social and emotional well-being. Bullying does not only occur in school, but also can occur within the community and even online.

Below are some signs that your child may be experiencing bullying:

  • Changes in eating habits, such as skipping meals or binge eating after school
  • Declining grades or loss of interest in school
  • Decreased self-esteem
  • Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares
  • Frequent headaches, stomach aches and/or increased anxiety toward school
  • Unexplained damage to personal items or missing personal items

If you believe your child is experiencing bullying, visit the links below to find out more information on how you can help your child.