Parent-teacher conferences are a great opportunity to check in on your child’s progress at school, but for parents of neurodivergent kids, these meetings can sometimes feel overwhelming. Unlike an IEP or 504 meeting, parent-teacher conferences focus on overall academic and social progress rather than formal accommodations. However, they are just as important in helping you advocate for your child and build a strong relationship with their teacher.
With the right preparation and mindset, you can use this time to ensure your child is getting the support they need while strengthening collaboration with their teacher. This guide will walk you through:
✅ What to expect in a parent-teacher conference
✅ How to prepare in advance
✅ Questions to ask about academics, social-emotional development, and classroom accommodations
✅ How to follow up after the meeting
1. Understanding the Purpose of Parent-Teacher Conferences
Unlike an IEP meeting, which is legally required and focuses on accommodations and supports, a parent-teacher conference is a general check-in. Your child’s teacher will likely discuss:
✔ Academic progress – How your child is doing in core subjects
✔ Social interactions – Friendships, participation, and peer relationships
✔ Behavior and classroom engagement – How your child responds to routines, transitions, and expectations
✔ Strengths and challenges – Areas where your child is excelling or needing more support
✔ Home-school collaboration – Ways you can support learning at home
💡 Tip: If you have specific concerns related to accommodations or learning supports, bring them up—but know that major decisions may require a separate meeting with school staff.
2. Preparing for the Conference
Before the meeting, take time to gather information and organize your thoughts so you can make the most of your conversation.
✅ Review Your Child’s Recent Schoolwork & Communication
- Look at graded assignments, report cards, and teacher emails to identify trends.
- Consider asking your child how they feel about school—what they like, what’s hard, and how they feel in the classroom.
✅ Write Down Key Questions or Concerns
- Are there specific subjects where your child is struggling?
- How does your child handle transitions, classroom noise, or social interactions?
- Have there been any behavioral challenges or moments of dysregulation?
✅ Prepare to Discuss Strengths
- What are your child’s favorite subjects or classroom activities?
- What are their biggest strengths in learning or social settings?
- Are there things that help your child feel successful in school?
3. Questions to Ask at the Parent-Teacher Conference
Here are some key questions to help you get a clearer picture of your child’s school experience:
📚 Academic Progress:
- What subjects does my child excel in? Where are they struggling?
- How does my child participate in class discussions and group work?
- Are there any learning strategies that seem to work well for my child?
🧑🤝🧑 Social & Emotional Development:
- How does my child interact with peers? Do they have close friendships?
- Are there any challenges with emotional regulation or transitions?
- What supports are in place to help them feel comfortable in the classroom?
🎭 Sensory & Behavioral Needs:
- How does my child handle noise, busy environments, and transitions?
- Have you noticed any sensory sensitivities impacting their learning?
- What strategies have been effective in keeping them engaged?
🏡 Home-School Collaboration:
- How can I support my child’s learning at home?
- Are there classroom strategies that I can reinforce at home?
- If challenges arise, what is the best way to communicate with you?
4. Advocating for Your Child Without an IEP Meeting
If your child has sensory, social, or academic struggles but does not yet have an IEP or 504 plan, this conference is a good time to discuss informal accommodations, such as:
✔ Flexible seating (e.g., wiggle chairs, standing desks, or a quiet corner)
✔ Sensory supports (e.g., fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones)
✔ Extra processing time for assignments or transitions
✔ Break options (e.g., movement breaks, quiet time spaces)
💡 Tip: If you feel your child may need formal accommodations, ask how to initiate the evaluation process for an IEP or 504 Plan.
5. Following Up After the Conference
After the meeting, keep communication open to ensure continued collaboration.
✅ Send a Thank-You Email
- Summarize key takeaways and any agreed-upon strategies.
- Express appreciation for the teacher’s insights and support.
✅ Monitor Progress at Home
- Check in with your child about how school feels.
- Keep an eye on any changes in behavior, mood, or engagement.
✅ Request a Follow-Up if Needed
- If concerns persist, schedule another meeting to check progress or discuss further supports.
Final Thoughts
Parent-teacher conferences are a valuable opportunity to gain insights into your child’s school experience, build a strong partnership with teachers, and advocate for their needs. With preparation, clear communication, and thoughtful follow-up, you can help ensure that your child has the tools and support they need to thrive.
📥 Download our Parent-Teacher Conference Checklist to help you prepare!
Parenting an autistic child comes with unique challenges—but the right tools make it easier! Grab free budgeting checklists, emergency plans, and advocacy printables inside the Autism Parenting Library today!
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