School & IEPs
Getting school support for autism in Texas
Texas runs federal special-education law with its own vocabulary and deadlines. Here’s how to request an evaluation, what the timelines are, how the ARD committee works, and where to get free help.
Texas has its own names and timelines
The federal special-education law (IDEA) is the same everywhere, but Texas uses its own vocabulary and deadlines for it. If you're new to this, the two terms to know are the FIIE (the evaluation) and the ARD committee (the team that decides on services, called the IEP team in most other states). Here's how the process actually runs in a Texas public school.
If you want the plain-English difference between an IEP and a 504 first, start with autism, IEPs, and 504 plans, then come back here for the Texas specifics.
Step 1: Request an evaluation, in writing
You don't wait to be offered help, you ask. Email your child's school or the district's special-education office and request a Full Individual and Initial Evaluation (FIIE) for special education. Date it and keep a copy. Once the district gets a written request, it generally must respond within 15 school days, either giving you a consent form to evaluate or providing written notice if it declines (which you can challenge).
Schools also have a legal duty called Child Find to identify and evaluate students who may need services, even before you ask. A medical autism diagnosis is useful evidence, but the school conducts its own educational evaluation to decide eligibility.
Step 2: The evaluation timeline
After you sign consent, the district generally has 45 school days to complete the evaluation and produce a written report, then must hold an ARD meeting within 30 calendar days of completing that report. "School days" means the clock pauses over long breaks, so in practice this can span a couple of months. If the timing matters for your child, ask the district for the specific dates in writing.
Step 3: The ARD committee meeting
The ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) committee is the team that reviews the evaluation and decides whether your child qualifies and what the IEP will include. You are a required, equal member of that committee. If you and the school agree, you build the IEP together. If you disagree, you don't have to sign in the room, you can ask for a recess to review, request an independent evaluation, or use dispute resolution.
Free help exists, use it
You don't have to navigate this alone. Texas funds free support: SPEDTex (the Special Education Information Center, with a parent helpline), Partners Resource Network (Texas's parent training and information centers), and Disability Rights Texas for legal help. All free.
If you disagree with the school
You have options, and they escalate. You can request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at the district's expense if you disagree with the school's evaluation. You can file a state complaint with the Texas Education Agency, request mediation, or file for a due-process hearing. Disability Rights Texas and the Partners Resource Network can help you decide which fits your situation, at no cost.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I get my child evaluated for special education in Texas?
Email your child’s school or the district special-education office and request a Full Individual and Initial Evaluation (FIIE) in writing. Date it and keep a copy. Once the district receives a written request it generally must respond within 15 school days, either providing a consent form to evaluate or written notice if it declines.
What is an ARD committee?
ARD stands for Admission, Review, and Dismissal. In Texas it’s the team, called the IEP team in most other states, that reviews the evaluation and decides whether your child qualifies for special education and what the IEP includes. You are a required, equal member.
How long does a special-education evaluation take in Texas?
After you sign consent, the district generally has 45 school days to complete the evaluation report, then must hold an ARD meeting within 30 calendar days of completing it. Because “school days” pause over long breaks, this can span a couple of months in practice.
Do I need an autism diagnosis for the school to help?
A medical diagnosis is useful evidence, but Texas schools conduct their own educational eligibility evaluation to decide whether a student qualifies for special education. Schools also have a Child Find duty to identify and evaluate students who may need services.
What if I disagree with the school’s decision?
You can request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at district expense, file a state complaint with the Texas Education Agency, request mediation, or file for a due-process hearing. SPEDTex, Partners Resource Network, and Disability Rights Texas offer free help.