C.G.
Oh gosh, what a refreshing post. It's a difficult question to answer since each autistic child needs such a specific education. I would say to please, please listen to the parents in those ARDs. Turn school complaints into educational goals. Help the parents navigate the special ed system and acquire the services YOU see that their child needs, whether they realize it's available to them or not. Suggest that the district also fund parent attendance at NELI conferences and seminars by the district's special ed law firm (Walsh for McKinney?).
There are so many parents who feel trapped by their districts, and there are many things that could be done in Texas to make them feel they truly are equal partners in carrying out the IDEA.