Family Road Map Guide

Glossary
Drug interactions. Possible problems that may occur
when one drug is used at the same time as another drug.
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
(DSM). A publication of the American Psychiatric
Association that lists and describes behavioral health disorders.
Healthcare providers use the DSM categories to
diagnose illnesses.
Due process rights. Procedures that must be followed
in order to appeal a decision made by an organization,
such as the school system or a mental health center.
E
Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and
Treatment Program (EPSDT). A public health insurance
program aimed at finding, diagnosing, and treating
problems in children and youth.
Early Childhood Intervention Services. Services
available through the school system for children ages
three through five who have medical, behavioral, or developmental
problems, or are at risk of developing problems.
Early Intervention Services. Services to help children
from birth to age three who have medical, behavioral, or
developmental problems, or are at risk for developing
problems.
Educational impact. The effect of a disability on how
a child makes progress in school compared to others of
the same age.
Eligible or Eligibility criteria. To qualify for services or
treatment, usually defined by meeting certain conditions
or standards.
Eligibility meeting. A meeting to determine whether a
child is eligible to receive special education services. This
meeting always includes the parent, if he or she is willing
and able to be involved.
Eligibility report. A report that determines whether or
not a child or youth is qualified to receive special education
services because a regular education program cannot
meet educational needs.
Evaluation. The process of examining a person’s condition
or behavior in order to find out the problem. An
evaluation can include conversations with you, your child,
and others; a physical examination; other tests; and laboratory
studies.
Evidence. A set of facts that can be observed and measured.
Exclusions. Types of treatment that an insurance plan
will not pay for under certain conditions.
Expected Progress. How much educational or developmental
progress that state expects a child or youth of a
certain age to make under typical circumstances.
Extended School Year Program (ESY). An IEP developed
for the summer months in order to help a child keep
up with the progress he or she has made during the school
year.
F
Facilitator. A person who runs or directs a meeting.
Family advocacy organization. An organization that
provides information, training, or support to families and
works to influence the public, legislators, or government
agencies on their behalf.
Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
A federal law regulating how a child’s or youth’s school
records can be used.
Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Your
child’s right, under the federal IDEA 2004 law, to an education
“designed to meet his or her unique needs.” Guarantees
the right to special educational services when the
regular education program cannot meet a child’s needs
because of a disability.
93