When an ARD meeting for a ninth-grade student with autism proceeds despite an absent team member, what is the first action the diagnostician should take?

• A. Obtaining written consent from the parents/guardians at the ARD meeting to excuse the absent team member
• B. Rescheduling the ARD meeting entirely
• C. Proceeding with the ARD meeting as scheduled without obtaining consent
• D. Notifying the absent member after the meeting

Answer: (A)

When a required ARD team member is absent, the first action is to obtain written consent from the parents or guardians to excuse that member from the meeting. This consent allows the meeting to proceed with the remaining team while still honoring procedural safeguards, since the absent member’s input can be provided in writing or reviewed later as appropriate. If the parents do not consent to excusing the member, the meeting should be rescheduled to include that member. Proceeding without consent or simply notifying the absent member after the meeting would not align with the established procedures.