Is a child with FASD eligible for an IEP?

To be eligible for an IEP, a student must fall into one of 13 eligibility categories. Kids with FASD might have multiple health and mental health diagnoses, making finding the right category difficult.

While FASD is not language used specifically in federal law, it can fall under the umbrella of IDEA’s eligibility category of Other Health Impairment (OHI). Some states, such as California, have FASD as a specific example of OHI written into state law.

For help crafting a letter requesting an FASD-specific special education assessment, check out this template for parents.

For more information about developing an IEP for a student with FASD, see our full article Supporting a Child with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) at Home, at School, and in the Community.