IEP/IFSP Team Members:

9Special education teacher/early interventionist, general education teachers, school psychologist, parents, local education agency member (LEA)
 related services personnel (e.g., occupational therapist or speech pathologist)
(Hall, pg. 54)

Working Effectively with Paraprofessionals

Often times, paraprofessionals implement interventions and programs that aim to increase the social and academic skills of students with ASD.  In order for paraprofessionals to receive adequate training, it must be practical, favorable, and ongoing.  A paraprofessional's skills are critical when working collaboratively with families of students with autism
(Hall, pg. 55-56)

The Seven Principles of Partnership
1.) Communication
2.) Professional Competence
3.) Respect
4.) Trust
5.) Commitment
6.) Equality
7.) Advocacy

Working Collaboratively with Families

It is crucial for parents and educators to work together to prevent problems, form alliances, provide opportunities to advocate, specify and document problems, and seek and implement solutions.
(Hall, pg.56-58)

"One of the most important components of any treatment including an evidence-based practice is family involvement."
(Association for Children's Mental Health, 2004, pg. 2); (Hall, pg. 56).