Parenting kids with special needs is incredible while also mentally and physically draining. There is a way to recharge and learn at the same time. Become your child’s best advocate by equipping yourself with the latest research, connecting with other parents and educational service providers, and carving out some time to take a much-needed break.

The IEP meeting pathway can be complex and confusing. There are five stages: screening, eligibility, IEP draft, annual review, and triennial review. Parents can request an IEP meeting at any time and are co-authors of this legal document. Parents and private service providers can suggest modifications and accommodations that strengthen the IEP and get the student more educational services.

Learn how to select an effective, neurodivergent-affirming early intervention service provider. Whether you are looking for a speech therapist, occupational therapist, or physical therapist for your child, there are key factors to consider.

How to Discipline a Child with Autism and other Types of Neurodivergence

More than 9 neurodivergent affirming disciplinary steps to help your child learn how to make wise choices. It is suggested that children self-regulate or co-regulate before trying to receive discipline. Giving time to de-escalate increases the likelihood that your child will internalize the information being taught and be able to apply it next time.

The most important skill you can develop as a person and as a special needs advocate is resilience. We must demonstrate this skill to be able to teach it to our neurodivergent children. When pursuing resilience is a family goal, we all grow and become more protected from the impact of life’s challenges and bullying.

One of the most humble things you can do as a parent is look inward at what you bring to the table. How do your previous life experiences affect your parenting? How does your mindset and current circumstances impact how you interact with your kids? When we pursue personal growth, we have more patience for our kids’ diverse needs and we feel like more healthy, satisfied parents ready to advocate well.

A parent’s guide to advocacy is needed to help lead you through the special education system and provide the mindset shift necessary to become a great representative for your child. We break down the educational jargon, explain how to get your child the services they need, and show you how to interpret and apply all the data. Plus, it helps to learn with people who “get it!”

When you are parenting special needs kids, it can feel like you build intricate, foolproof arrangements of dominoes. But, inevitably they get knocked over. Learn how to escape the cycle of chaos and find stability as a neurodivergent affirming parent. We may not be able to change the behavior of our child, but we can change the environment and we can change ourselves.