Walking into an IEP meeting can feel confusing, especially when you’re unsure what’s required, what’s flexible, and how decisions are made. In this episode, Leila Farshchian, a special educator and Board Certified Behavior Analyst, breaks down what parents can realistically expect from the IEP process.

We cover the basics: who should be in the room, how outside diagnoses interact with school evaluations, and the legal timelines that protect families. We also talk about goal setting and service intensity — what meaningful instruction looks like, how to spot inconsistencies across ABA, speech, and OT, and why collaboration matters when progress feels slow.

We address common pressure points, including fading supports, protecting unstructured times like lunch and assemblies, and deciding when inclusion is appropriate. You’ll also hear how to approach transitions between grades or schools to protect continuity of services and preserve hard-earned progress.

This is a practical, steady conversation designed to help parents navigate the IEP process with more clarity and confidence.

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