From the onset of diagnosis (as early as age 3), if a child is eligible to receive special services and education, they are required by the law, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), to have a Individualized Education Program (IEP) up until the point an individual is out of high school (as late as age 22).  An IEP is a document that maps out the child's current educational level, their educational goals, and the set of services relevant to the weaknesses and strengths of the child.  Each individual with an IEP is equipped with a team of teachers and advisors that discuss the progress of the student at the beginning of the school year accompanied with smaller scale meetings quarterly throughout the year.  

The unfortunate issue of IEPs is that often times the educational advisors speak in a jargon unfamiliar to the parent, leaving them feeling like they are unable to get the services their child deserves.  It is important for parents to find advocates well versed in the area so they can help them get the best outcome for their child.  Advocates can cost $75 per hour for a non-lawyer, and $200 per hour for a lawyer but there are some IEP advocates employed by donation only so their services are free to the parent.