What Related Services are Available for Elementary Age Children?

The IEP should describe what Related Services are needed by the child in special education in order to benefit from the educational services. These are supportive services that supplement the educational program. They can include such services as:

1. Assistive technology: Assistive technology is defined as equipment that helps the child improve his or her functional capabilities. For children with fragile X who are not yet speaking, the assistive technology might be picture cards, a language board, or a computerized, talking device. For a child with low muscle tone, the assistive technology could be a special chair to help with positioning and posture. The school is responsible for both the purchase of the appropriate devices and the training of personnel to use them;

2. Audiology: Audiologists provide assessments to determine hearing loss in children, make referrals for medical intervention regarding hearing issues, provide auditory and speech/language services for those with hearing impairment, and determine the need for amplification. Because children with fragile X syndrome often have a history of middle ear infections (otitis media), their hearing should be carefully monitored. For children with fragile X syndrome, audiologists might also provide advice regarding amplification to improve attention and concentration;

3. Counseling services: School counselors work with students to improve their behavioral adjustment and self-control and may work with career awareness;

4. Medical services: Medical services under IDEA are limited to diagnostic services for the determination of whether medically related disabling conditions necessitate special education and related services;

5. Occupational therapy: Occupational therapists assess and treat disabilities in children that affect their daily life functioning. They work with sensory-motor, fine motor, oral-motor, and other skills to aid in academic, play, and daily living skills.  Occupational therapists are vital components of the team for children with fragile X syndrome.

6. Parent counseling and training: Counselors provide information about the child's disability, and provide referrals for support groups, financial assistance, and professionals outside the school system;

7. Physical therapy: Physical therapists generally focus on gross motor functioning, postural control, sitting, standing, and walking;

8. Psychological services: School psychologists are part of the multidisciplinary team and often administer the individual IQ test and other measures. They also consult regarding placement. They may also provide psychological counseling for children and parents;

9. Recreation: Some children require adapted physical education or recreational therapy to assess and work with leisure and play skills;

10. Rehabilitative counseling services: For older children and adolescents, rehabilitative counselors provide assessments and advice regarding career development, vocational choices, achievement of independence, and integration into the workplace and community;

11. School health services: School nurses provide services such as the administration of medication, supervision of hearing and vision screenings, and monitoring of children's health;

12. School social work services: School social workers may prepare the social or developmental history of the child, provide counseling to the child or family, work with problems in the child's living situation, and coordinate community services for the child. School social workers may also work with classmates to help them understand the child in special education's disability;

13. Speech Pathology: Speech and language pathologists are part of the multidisciplinary team working with a child who has fragile X. They assess receptive and expressive speech and language, refer for medical assessment when necessary, and provide therapeutic services;

14. Transportation: IDEA requires that the schools provide transportation, with specialized equipment as needed, for children in special education.

15. Orientation and mobility services: This may include special chairs, posturing devices, etc.

Gail Harris-Schmidt, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Saint Xavier University
Chicago, Illinois

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