Fill this out and bring it to the IEP meeting, share it with a new teacher, or keep it as a reference. The IEP must consider your child's strengths (34 C.F.R. § 300.324(a)(1)(i)) — this makes sure they actually do.
Why this matters. Present levels in the IEP must describe strengths, not only deficits (34 C.F.R. § 300.320(a)(1)). A strengths profile gives the team concrete information to build goals around — and gives you a way to redirect the conversation when the meeting focuses only on what's wrong.
ABOUT MY CHILD
Name:
Age / Grade:
Date:
Filled out by:
WHAT THEY'RE GOOD AT
Check what applies. Add specifics on the lines.
Remembers details others miss
Deeply fair / strong sense of justice
Knows a subject inside out (topic: ___________)
Creative — draws, builds, invents, writes
Honest — sometimes too honest
Kind when they understand the situation
Persistent — won't give up on something they care about
Other strengths I see at home:
WHAT HELPS THEM LEARN
Visuals (pictures, diagrams, written steps)
Hands-on / tactile learning
One-on-one attention over group instruction
Clear, direct language — no sarcasm or idioms
Advance warning before transitions
Quiet workspace or noise reduction
Connecting new material to their interests
Extra processing time (don't rush answers)
Written instructions alongside verbal ones
WHAT SHUTS THEM DOWN
Sudden schedule changes without warning
Being called on in front of the class
Loud or chaotic environments
Feeling embarrassed or singled out
Open-ended tasks with no clear starting point
Being told "just try harder"
Losing access to a preferred activity as punishment
Sensory overload (specific triggers: ___________)
IN THEIR OWN WORDS (IF POSSIBLE)
Ask your child. Write what they say, as close to their words as you can. If they can't or won't answer, write what you think they'd say.
"School is easier when..."
"I wish my teacher knew..."
"I'm really good at..."
"The hardest part of my day is..."
Need help preparing for the meeting? Talk to Chris — free, 24/7.
An AI autism dad built from a real parent's experience · advocatenotadversary.net