What Is Explicit Instruction? (And Why Your Child Might Not Be Getting It)
Picture two kids standing at the edge of a swimming pool. One gets step-by-step lessons. The other gets told to watch and figure it out. That is what is happening in classrooms every single day, and your child’s IEP should be the thing that stops it.
10 Adaptive Skills for Neurodiverse Children: A Parent’s Guide to IEP Advocacy
Fighting for your child in the special education system often feels like climbing a mountain. This is especially true for parents of neurodiverse children who need both recognition and inclusion. As parents, particularly in Black communities, we often have to speak up for more than just academic help. We also need to push for life […]
Seeing Needs, Not Problems: A Guide for Parents of Neurodivergent Kids
Seeing Needs, Not Problems: Parenting Neurodivergent Kids Raising a neurodivergent child brings unique joys and challenges. It often asks us to shift how we see things. Instead of seeing behaviors that need fixing, we can see children showing us their needs. Many times, these needs come from basic “flight or fight” feelings. Good parenting means […]
Beyond Labels: Black Parents Navigating Neurodiversity
Beyond Labels: Black Parents Navigating Neurodiversity As I sit at my desk, adjusting my reading glasses, I find myself reflecting on how something as simple as this tool – these glasses that help me see clearly – represents a profound truth about labels and support. By definition, needing glasses means I’m visually impaired. That’s a […]
The Future of Our Children’s Education: Navigating Recent Changes
“The future depends on what you do today.” – Mahatma Gandhi Dear Parent, Caregiver or Someone who Loves a Kiddo with a Disability, As a non-attorney special education advocate, I feel compelled to write to you during this pivotal moment in our educational landscape. The votes are in for 2024 elections and have the potential […]