Take Periodic Videos of Your Child

by David A. Sherman

[Reprinted from the book Autism: Asserting Your Child's Right to a Special Education by David A. Sherman, a special education attorney; copyright © 2007 by David A. Sherman. Used with permission.

Particularly when the child is young, take videos of your child's behavior on a set schedule -- perhaps starting with once a month. Also, if there is a change in behavior, pull out the video camera and shoot. Take videos of various activities, including learning, playing, interacting with others, unusual behaviors, and other expressions of autism. The video may be helpful in asserting your child's legal rights at a later time.

For instance, you might at some time in the future need to prove that your child is not progressing in order to obtain more services. Or, worse, your child may have regressed. Videos showing before and after behaviors can be convincing and solid evidence. One of the key issues that often arises in autism cases is whether the child is progressing and obtaining educational benefit from the school district's program. If you have written notes of your child's progress and videos, it is much easier to make your case and show that you are entitled to more services than are currently being provided to your child.

In one case, a parent showed us a video of her child playing and making eye contact. After several months in the school's program, she took another video that showed that the child was no longer making eye contact or initiating contact with other children. The video was good evidence that the school's program was not appropriate.

A "Day in the Life of (Your Child's Name)" video can also be helpful. Many times, the school district personnel and administrative hearing officers who will determine your child's placement and services, have little experience with autism. By video taping your child, school personnel and hearing officers can catch a glimpse of your child's life. If a picture tells a thousand words, a video tells a million.