A child with developmental disabilities can do well in school but is likely to need individualized help.  Fortunately, states are responsible for meeting the educational needs of children with disabilities.

 

For children up to age three, services are provided through an early intervention system.  Staff work with the child’s family to develop what is known as an individualized Family Service Plan, or IFSP.  The IFSP will describe the child’s unique needs.  It also describes the services the child will receive to address those needs.  The IFSP will emphasize the unique needs of the family, so that parents and other family members will know how to help their young child with mental retardation.  Early intervention services many be provided on a sliding-fee basis, meaning that the costs to the family will depend upon their income.  In some states, early intervention services may be at no cost to parents.

 

For eligible school-ages children (including preschoolers), special education and related services are made available through the school system.  School staff will work with the child’s parents to develop an Individualized Education Program, or IEP.  The IEP is similar to an IFSP.  It describes the child’s unique needs and the services that have been designed to meet those needs.  Special education and related services are provided at no cost to parents.

 

Many children with developmental disabilities need help with adaptive skills, which are tasks needed to live, work and play in the community.  Teachers and parents can help a child work on these skills at both school and home.  Some of these skills include:

 

 

Supports or changes in the classroom (called adaptations) help most students with developmental disablities.   Some common changes that help students with mental challenges are listed below under “Tips for Teachers.”  The resources listed include ways to help these special needs children .