Transportation of Autistic Students (Children with Autism)

Transportation is a related service that the school district must, if appropriate, provide for a special education student. The school district must furnish appropriate transportation to and from school, and to any educational program or service provided by the school that is away from the primary school the student is attending.

The school district should consider the unique needs of the child in transportation. An assessment might be necessary to ensure that the child is transported safely and behaves appropriately. A parent requesting a transportation assessment should make the request in writing, and include a separate request for the qualifications of the assessor in the child's disability and transportation. In most cases, the appointed assessor should observe the child while in the process of being transported and include the parent in the assessment.

Students may experience sensory overload during transportation and act differently than in the school setting. Training of drivers may be required. In addition, some students may need a trained aide to ensure that the child is transported safely and behaves appropriately. A behavior plan may be needed. Sometimes, continuing consultative services are required. Goals and objectives should be developed in an IEP in many cases.

Special seat belts or other equipment may be necessary. Drivers should be educated about the child's disability and given written instructions as to how to respond to inappropriate behavior, instead of intervening using their own methods. Drivers may also need to be educated as to how to communicate with the particular student. In some cases, drivers and aides may need continuing consultation with an expert.

Seat belts can be an issue. One child was strangled when inappropriate seat belts were provided and the bus did not have a trained aide. Other specialized equipment may be necessary.

Transportation should be provided, not only to and from school, but also to school activities. If the school district places the child in a private school, transportation must be provided to that school. Sometimes the cost of transportation can be greater than the cost of the private school or services.

The parent should ensure that all of the particulars are written into the IEP so that there is no confusion as to responsibilities, how to handle certain situations, and extent of services.