12 Signs Your Child Might Need IEP Support Services

Introduction

Has your gut been telling you that your child seems to be struggling in school, and you cannot figure out why? Do you find yourself basically doing your child's homework for them, instead of them being able to indepenedently complete the work? Good news! There are ways your school can help.

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a powerful document designed to support children with unique educational needs throughout their educational journey. It levels the playing field, to ensure that every child has equal access to the type of education that they need. A child's IEP team, comprised of teachers and administrators from the school, create individual goals and track the child's growth in realation to those goals. Research shows that the sooner a child is able to be identified with any learning challenges, they more positive their intervention results will be.

This blog will explore 12 common signs that may indicate your child needs an IEP and shrea some of the benefits of these services. We will also share actionable steps parents can take to advocate for their child’s needs. Understanding these signs is the first step in unlocking your child's potential and setting them on the path to reaching their full academic potential!

What is an IEP, and What are Support Services?

An IEP is a document created by a team of professional at the school that is meant to detail individual goals for a child with a disability. The IEP team must include an administrator, a general education teacher, a special education teacher, parents, and any professionals providing related services, such as Speech, Occupational Therapy, or Physical Therapy.

IEPs create specific goals that are individualized to your child - hence the “i” in IEP. Teachers then use specific types of instruction along with accommodations to help your child be more successful in school. These services cater to a range of needs, including learning disabilities (such as ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphis, math calculation and problem solving issues, etc...), developmental delays (intellectual disabilities), behavioral challenges, and physical or sensory processing difficulties.

An IEP is specific to students who both 1) have a qualifying disability, and 2) need special education services. For students that perhaps have certain educational or emotional struggles, but do not need specifically designed instruction or modifications to the curriculum to succeed, a 504 plan may be more appropriate. A 504 plan allows a student to receive accommodations, such as extended time or oral adminstration of assessments, without also receiving special education services.

The defining factors of an IEP include:

• Specialized instruction: Instruction that is in some way different or more specialized than what is being taught in the general classroom.
• Accommodations: Adjustments to the classroom environment or delivery of content such as extra time on tests, oral administration, or assistive technology.
• Related services: Additional support like speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or counseling.

12 Signs Your Child Might Need IEP Support Services

1. Struggles With Reading, Writing, or Math

Consistent difficulty in core academic areas such as reading, writing, or math may indicate a learning disability like dyslexia, ADHD, or dyscalculia. For example, a child who struggles to read fluently, memorize multiplication facts, or independently complete their homework despite quality instruction might benefit from specialized intervention. These academic struggles can be measured both through formal testing, and also through informal data collection such as classroom observation, class work samples, grades, and district & statewide assessments.

2. Delayed Speech or Language Development

Children with delayed speech or language development may have trouble expressing themselves or understanding instructions. This may manifest as difficulty saying certain sounds, or simply choosing not to communicate with words. This can affect their ability to engage in classroom discussions, follow lessons, and complete assignments.

3. Frequent Behavioral Outbursts

When children’s learning needs are unmet, they may express their frustration through behavioral outbursts, both at home and at school. Often times, students with learning disabilities are able to mask their emotions at school, and they are significantly more instense at home. These outbursts can be related to anxiety, attention issues, or impulsivity struggles.

4. Trouble Following Instructions

Often times, we as parents and teachers give instruction with multiple steps to them. If you notice your child struggling with this, it could be a sign of attention or processing difficulties. Often times, this is very frustrating for the child, and they are aware that they complete tasks more slowly, or need instructions repeated.

5. Poor Academic Performance Despite Effort

Are you spending hours on homework every night? Do you know that your child works hard but still struggles academically? This is typically a sign that they might need more support. A significant gap between effort and outcomes may signal the need for additional support.

6. Difficulty Staying Focused or Paying Attention

Attention-related disorders like ADHD can impact a child’s ability to focus, leading to missed instructions, confusion, or rushing through work. Specialized strategies and accommodations can help manage these challenges. A child with ADHD may not need an IEP, so it is worth a conversation with your school to decide if a 504 or IEP is the appropriate choice.

7. Social Struggles With Peers

Difficulty forming friendships or interacting socially may point to certain learning differences, such as Autism Spectrum Disorders, or social anxiety. These challenges can affect a child’s ability to collaborate and participate in group activities, and feel safe and confident in school.

8. Avoidance of School or Homework

Children who feel overwhelmed or fear failure may avoid school or homework altogether. You may also have a child that puts up a huge fight each day just to get out the door for school. This avoidance can be a sign of anxiety or frustration with learning difficulties.

9. Physical Coordination Challenges

Motor skill difficulties can hinder activities like holding a pencil, using scissors, or participating in physical education. These challenges may indicate a need for occupational therapy or physical therapy. It is important to note that in some states, students must first be qualified for special education before they can receive related services for physical or occupational therapy.

10. Sensory Processing Issues

Does your child demand to wear only certain types or styles of clothing? Being extra sentivie, or even significantly less sensitive to noises, textures, or bright lights—can interfere with focus and participation. Sensory processing challenges often require very individualized approaches.

11. Lack of Confidence in Abilities

Ongoing academic struggles can erode a child’s self-esteem and motivation. Building confidence through targeted support is crucial for long-term success.

12. Teacher Recommendations for Extra Support

Teachers often spend significant time observing your child in a structured learning environment. If a teacher suggests additional support, it’s important to take their observations seriously.

How LD Expert Can Help

At LD Expert, we specialize in working with children that have learning differences. Some services we provide are:

• Academic Tutoring in all subjects
• Orton-Gillingham based reading and spelling interventions
• Special Education advocacy services
• Speech therapy
• Continuous data tracking to support student progress and parent understanding about the effectiveness of our interventions

Benefits of IEP Support Services

IEPs have many benefits, including:

• They are personalized and meet individual needs of your child
• Children often feel more confident and frustrated as a result of IEPs
• Parents play a much more active role in tailoring their child’s education
• Children can finally get the support they need to reach their full academic potential

What to Do if You Suspect Your Child Needs an IEP

Step 1: Talk to Your Child’s Teacher

Start by gathering feedback from your child’s teacher. They can provide valuable insights about how your child is performing. As about academic success, social success, and attention. If you feel your child is struggling in these areas, make note and proceed to step 2.

Step 2: Request a Formal Evaluation

Submit a written request to your school requesting a Full Individual Evaluation (FIE). This evaluation will determine your child’s eligibility for an IEP. If you are unsure about who to email, start with your child's teacher and campus principal.

Step 3: Collaborate on the IEP Plan

Once the evaluation is complete, you will meet with an IEP team to discuss whether or not your child qualifies for a 504 plan, an IEP plan, or another type of additional support. You'll be able to work closely with the IEP team to develop a plan that addresses your child’s specific needs. Your input as a parent is invaluable in this process, and also legally required through federal law.

Conclusion

Trust your gut! If you feel your child is struggling in school, start with their clasroom teacher, and assert your rights to request a formal evaluation. With the right resources and accommodations, children can overcome challenges and thrive in their academic journey.

If you’ve observed any of the signs mentioned in this blog, don’t hesitate to seek expert guidance. Administrators, teachers, and organizations like LD Expert care about your child’s education, and genuinely want to see them succeed!

You've got this, and we are proud of all parents out there advocating for the education their child needs and deserves.