First IEP ? My daughter (who was diagnosed twice with moderate autism) will start Early Childhood Special Education when she turns 3 in a few weeks. According to her IEP, she is actually receiving more services than expected. So, with that, I'm pleased. My only concern was that they would not give her an "autism" educational diagnosis. They would only give her a "child with developmental delays". They would have to do more observations and paperwork to get to that diagnosis. That is the only reason she did not meet the criteria. I agreed to CWDD but only if we have a meeting to discuss it further in 2 months. So...is this a battle worth fighting? At this time, it doesn't appear to affect her services but I'm wondering if it will in the future? Any advice?If she is getting the services she needs, than I dont think the label should matter right now.  But I'm new at this as well...I thought CWDD was for kids under 3, and autism only for after 3 ... in SD talk? But it goes by state ... MO uses YCDD (young child). Linda, Actually, we are in MO and YCDD is what they classified her as. Is this normal for MO? I guess that I would be asking the school what the difference is between CWDD and autism since autism is a form of pervasive developmental delay.  Locally that classification does not exist, they use autism and autism-like disability (if they use it).  IMHO you want the classification that best matches the kid since often the services are influenced by the classification (its not supposed to be that way, but it is). If this is a hill worth the battle would depend on what the difference is between CWDD and autism.  But it is probably best to get services started and worry about this later on. Dad2Luke&Alan40157.5847337963 It definately varies by state. My state (Ohio) classifies all preschool aged students with an IEP as "Preschool Child With Disability" (PCWD). My son did not get a clasification of Autism until he transitioned to Kindergarten, even though he had a medical diagnosis on the autism spectrum and this was noted in his preschool IEPs. Crunchykid:  I can answer that question for you. (I'm one of the volunteer mentors for MPACT - the Missouri agency mandated by the IDEA to assist parents in learning how to navigate the IEP/special education system.) "Autism" as an educational classification (not a medical diagnosis) is not assigned to a child until they reach elementary school. Children in preschool carry the YCDD classification "Young Children with Developmental Delay". However, by age 6, (kinder/1st grade), in order to continue to be eligible for special education supports, they have to be classified in one of the other educational classifications permitted under state law, whether that's autism, other health impaired, etc. The reasoning behind the more generic classification when age 3-6 is that historically it has been difficult to definitively diagnose a child with educational autism until the rate of development has slowed somewhat, usually around age 6.  Therefore, in order to provide younger children with the most supports possible (rather than not enough), they are classified in the generic classification of YCDD, with a re-evaluation upon transition to kindergarten, or sometimes as late as 1st grade. Since you are just starting the journey of advocating for your child in the educational system and are here in MO, please check out MPAct (Missouri Parents Act) for a wealth of fact sheets, parent trainings (free!), and a list of the mentors in your area who can help you prepare for IEPs, etc.  The more you know, the better the advocate you can be for your child. You are also welcome to send me a PM with any questions you may have that I can help you with. AnamCara40158.5954050926at this time in the game, i would wait and see.  your child is receiving the services she needs.  the school doesn't want to incorrectly label your child.
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