Identifying Treatment Goals for Autism Child

Introduction

Step into the realm of educational assessments, where the term MFE, or Multi-Factored Evaluation, has taken the spotlight as the modern equivalent of an ETR (Evaluation Team Report). This evaluation, typically conducted every three years in the educational system. It plays a pivotal role in determining a student’s eligibility for special education services. In this article, we will lead you through the process of identifying treatment goals for a child with autism using the MFE method.

Why Evaluations are Essential

The MFE serves multiple purposes:

1. Comprehensive Understanding: It provides a holistic view of your child’s abilities in relation to educational performance.
2. Recommendations for Educational Needs: Recommendations made to address your child’s unique educational requirements.
3. Eligibility Determination: It assesses whether your child qualifies for special education. And related services such as Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy.

Parents or schools can initiate an MFE. If you, as a parent, notice concerns beyond a minor setback in your child’s performance. You can request an evaluation from the district. The school has 30 days to respond, either seeking consent or providing a letter if no disability suspected.

The MFE Process

1. Planning Meeting: Led by the school district’s psychologist, this meeting outlines the evaluation areas, including health, vision, hearing, social and emotional development, intelligence, academic performance, communication, motor abilities, aptitude, achievement, and progress toward the general curriculum.
2. Assessments and Observations: The team decides what assessments needed. Who will conduct them, and whether they will be done during school hours, after regular hours, or at an alternate location.
3. ETR Meeting: The team reconvenes to discuss the assessments, explaining the tests conducted, the student’s performance, and identifying any educational needs.

Determining Eligibility

At the ETR meeting’s conclusion, the team evaluates if the student meets the eligibility criteria for special education or related services. If eligible, the next step is crafting an Individual Education Plan (IEP) tailored to the student’s needs.

Significance of the ETR

The ETR is crucial as it precisely outlines the services a student requires to progress in the general education curriculum. For instance, if the team determines no deficits in fine/gross motor skills. The student may not be eligible for Occupational Therapy Services in the IEP.

Conclusion

Navigating the educational evaluation process is vital for identifying and addressing your child’s unique needs. The MFE ensures a comprehensive understanding of your child’s abilities, paving the way for personalized education plans that foster growth and success.

Source

1. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq. (2004).
2. “Evaluation Team Report (ETR).” Ohio Department of Education. https://education.ohio.gov/getattachment/Topics/Special-Education/Federal-and-State-Requirements/ETR-Guide-07-01-20.pdf.aspx
3. Stillman, William. “Unlocking the potential within every unique mind.” https://www.williamstillman.com/
4. “What Is an Individualized Education Program?” Understood. https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/special-services/ieps/what-is-an-individualized-education-program
5. “The Importance of Educational Assessments for Children with Autism.” Autism Parenting Magazine. https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/educational-assessments-children-autism/
6. Ohio Department of Education. “Understanding Special Education.” http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Special-Education
7. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). “Roles and Responsibilities of Speech-Language Pathologists in Schools.” https://www.asha.org/policy/roles-responsibilities-of-speech-language-pathologists-in-schools/