What steps can be taken if there is disagreement among IEP team members regarding services for students with Autism?
Disagreements within an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) team can feel stressful, but they are not unusual. According to NHS England (2023), effective autism planning depends on partnership, transparency, and clear communication between education, health, and social-care professionals. When disagreements arise, structured collaboration and early resolution protect both relationships and outcomes.
Understanding why disagreements happen
IEP teams bring together teachers, therapists, psychologists, health specialists, and parents. Each professional offers valuable expertise, but perspectives can differ about priorities, therapy intensity, or how progress should be measured. NICE guidance NG213 (2024) recommends early joint reviews, open communication, and shared decision-making to prevent conflict from escalating.
The NHS Sussex SEND Strategy (2025) reinforces that co-production where families and professionals collaborate as equal partners is the best way to resolve concerns before they turn into formal disputes.
Evidence-based steps for resolving disagreement
The Department for Education (2025) reports that mediation now settles around one-third of EHCP appeals, showing that early dialogue works. Mediation offers a safe, impartial space for parents and professionals to find shared solutions without going to tribunal.
The National Autistic Society (2024) advises keeping written records of all meetings, clarifying each person’s understanding, and following up in writing after discussions. When needed, local SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Services) can guide families through next steps.
Research backs these practical strategies. Henderson et al. (2023) in PubMed found that agreed-upon ethics codes, consistent reflection, and clear conflict-management frameworks help IEP teams maintain respect and shared purpose. Similarly, Linnsand et al. (2024) in Frontiers in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry observed that regular interdisciplinary meetings improved understanding and reduced disputes in autism support programmes.
Autistica’s Relationships and Autism (2024) research highlights empathy and psychological safety as essential ingredients in resolving professional differences. Teams that feel heard collaborate more effectively.
A simple resolution framework
- Clarify the issue – ensure everyone agrees on what the disagreement is really about.
- Review evidence together – revisit assessments, reports, or guidance before forming positions.
- Engage in early dialogue – raise concerns promptly and respectfully.
- Use mediation – involve trained mediators or local SEND services before considering tribunal.
- Keep the child central – decisions should always return to the student’s wellbeing and progress.
Takeaway
Disagreements can lead to stronger understanding when handled collaboratively. Through open communication, shared evidence, and early mediation, IEP teams can stay focused on what matters most the autistic student’s development and inclusion.
If you or someone you support would benefit from early identification or structured autism guidance, visit Autism Detect, a UK-based platform offering professional assessment tools and evidence-informed support for autistic individuals and families.
