School Denial of ABA Therapy for Students in Indiana

Key Considerations

When a school denies a parent's request for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for their child, it's crucial to determine if the school followed proper procedures under Indiana Article 7.

Key Procedural Requirements:

• Written Notice: The school must provide parents with written notice explaining:
  • The school's refusal to provide ABA therapy.
  • Reasons for the refusal.
  • Evaluation procedures used to support the decision.
  • Other options considered and why they were rejected.
  • Other relevant factors.
  • Information on parent rights and how to access them under Article 7.
  • Resources for understanding Article 7.

Potential Violations of Parent Rights under Article 7:

• Parent Participation: Schools must include parents in all decisions regarding their child's education, including the provision of FAPE.
• Predetermination: Schools cannot make decisions about a student's IEP before the IEP meeting.
• Appropriate Supports and Related Services: Schools are obligated to provide necessary special education and related services, including ABA if deemed appropriate.
• Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE): All students with disabilities are entitled to FAPE. Denial of necessary services like ABA could constitute a denial of FAPE.

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Parents should consult with an education attorney or advocate for specific legal advice regarding their child's situation.