Guides
Related services overview
Related services help a student with a disability benefit from special education. Common examples include speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling, and transportation.
The problem this guide solves
Parents hear service names and minute counts without a clear link to educational need. This overview explains what related services are for under IDEA and what to clarify in meetings. It is not a clinical recommendation.
What related services are
IDEA defines related services as developmental, corrective, and other supportive services required to assist a child with a disability to benefit from special education. The list in federal regulations is illustrative (speech-language pathology and audiology, interpreting, psychological services, physical and occupational therapy, recreation, social work, school health and nurse services, counseling, orientation and mobility, and more, including transportation).
Related services are not a menu of "nice to have" therapies. They must be tied to the student's educational needs as identified through evaluation and present levels.
Questions that keep meetings grounded
- What educational need does this service address?
- What does the evaluation say about frequency, location, and group vs individual delivery?
- How will providers collaborate with classroom teachers?
- How will progress be measured and reported?
- If minutes are reduced or removed, what data supports that change, and where is Prior Written Notice?
See also: Autism apps for communication and routines.
Related pages
Official sources
- IDEA §300.34 Related services
- IDEA
- OSERS
- ASHA (profession association resources)
Not medical or legal advice. Service decisions are individualized through the IEP team process.