How do I get an IEP for my autistic child in Arkansas?

Write a formal request to your child's school principal and special education director asking for a comprehensive educational evaluation under IDEA. Arkansas schools must complete the evaluation within 60 calendar days of receiving your written consent.

What is the IEP evaluation timeline in Arkansas?

Arkansas follows the federal standard of 60 calendar days from written parental consent for completion of the evaluation. After the evaluation, an eligibility meeting is held, and if the child qualifies, the IEP team develops the plan promptly.

Can my autistic child get both an IEP and a 504 plan in Arkansas?

No. A student can only have one plan at a time. An IEP under IDEA is more comprehensive than a 504 plan. If your child qualifies for special education, the IEP governs. A 504 plan is for students who need accommodations but not specialized instruction.

How do I file a special education complaint in Arkansas?

Submit a written complaint to the Arkansas DESE Special Education Compliance Unit. Complaints must be filed within one year of the alleged violation and are resolved within 60 days. Mediation and due process hearings are also available through DESE.

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Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional legal or educational advice.

Special education in Arkansas is administered through the Arkansas Department of Education Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), which houses the Special Education Unit responsible for monitoring school district compliance and providing guidance to families. Arkansas has invested in building capacity for autism-specific supports, and many districts have trained staff in applied behavior analysis and structured teaching approaches.

Your Rights Under Federal Law

All autistic children in Arkansas are protected by:

IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act): Entitles eligible children to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE), including an IEP.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act: Provides accommodations for students with disabilities that limit major life activities, even if they don't qualify for an IEP.

IEP vs. 504 Plan: Which Does My Child Need?

Arkansas applies federal IDEA eligibility standards, with autism recognized as a disability category that may qualify a child for special education when it adversely affects educational performance. The Arkansas Special Education Unit provides detailed eligibility criteria guidance to districts.

Most autistic children qualify for an IEP because autism typically affects educational performance requiring specialized instruction. A 504 Plan is appropriate for autistic students who can access general education with accommodations only (extended time, sensory breaks, preferential seating).

How to Request an IEP Evaluation in Arkansas

Write a letter to your child's school principal and special education director requesting a comprehensive educational evaluation under IDEA.
Arkansas's Arkansas Department of Education Division of Elementary and Secondary Education requires schools to complete the evaluation within 60 calendar days of parental consent.
If the school declines, they must provide written notice (Prior Written Notice) explaining why.

Sample request language:

"I am writing to request a comprehensive educational evaluation for my child, [name], under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). I believe my child may have a disability that adversely affects their educational performance and requires special education services."

What to Expect at the IEP Meeting in Arkansas

Arkansas IEP teams must include: a regular education teacher, a special education teacher, a school district representative, a person who can interpret evaluation results, and the parents. The student may attend when appropriate.

The IEP must include:

Current levels of academic and functional performance
Annual measurable goals
Special education and related services (speech, OT, ABA if needed)
Least restrictive environment statement
Accommodations and modifications

Arkansas-Specific Resources and Programs

Arkansas Department of Education DESE Special Education Unit: Provides procedural safeguards, parent guides, and complaint forms at the DESE website.
Arkansas Pediatric Therapy: Early intervention services for children birth to age 3 with developmental concerns, connecting families to IDEA Part C services.
Arkansas Parent Training and Information Center (PTIC): Federally funded center offering free family advocacy support, workshops, and IEP preparation assistance.
Disability Rights Arkansas: Legal advocacy organization providing information and representation on special education matters.
DESE Special Education Compliance Unit: Handles state complaints related to IDEA implementation.

Filing a Complaint in Arkansas

If Arkansas schools are not following your child's IEP or 504 Plan, you have three options:

State complaint: File with the Arkansas Department of Education DESE Special Education Unit — must be resolved within 60 days.
Mediation: Voluntary, free process with a neutral mediator.
Due process hearing: Formal legal proceeding before an impartial hearing officer.

Contact Arkansas's Special Education Compliance Unit at DESE for complaint procedures.

504 Plans in Arkansas

Section 504 is administered by schools without state oversight as stringent as IDEA. Arkansas schools follow federal OCR guidelines for 504 implementation, and the DESE provides guidance documents for district 504 coordinators. Common 504 accommodations for autistic students include extended time, sensory breaks, preferential seating, noise-canceling headphones, and reduced homework loads.

Search providers offering school support services in Arkansas →

IEP & 504 Plans in Arkansas: A Parent's Complete Guide