The Real Truth About School Struggles within Special Education
Parents, if you are raising a child with Autism, ADHD, or sensory processing challenges, you understand that the education system isn't always equipped to support your incredible and unique child. You have experienced the frustration of teachers who focus on behaviors instead of communication and see challenges rather than potential. It’s time to change the narrative and actively participate in the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process to create a plan that is real-world worthy and passes the stranger test!
Let's be brutally honest: Our neurodivergent children are often misunderstood, not misbehaved. Every tantrum, every shutdown, every moment of apparent "defiance" is a complex communication that most educators are tragically undertrained to decode.
School districts have dedicated staff members who are trained in various areas to support students, but unfortunately, they cannot be with your child all day. Social workers, special education teachers, behavior coaches, psychologists, and speech and language therapists all play crucial roles on the IEP (Individualized Education Program) team and contribute to your child's success. While certain services may be included in your child's IEP, general education teachers and administrators may not possess the same level of expertise as these specialized providers. They have different responsibilities, and their training and education for their roles may not cover the same content.
What You're Really Dealing With
Teachers who label behaviors as "problematic"
IEP meetings that feel like battles
Education systems that demand conformity over understanding
A constant feeling of having to fight for your child's right to learn
Understanding sensory and disability based realities
For Autism
Recognize stimming as a self-regulation technique
Emphasize the need for predictable environments
Highlight individual strengths and interests
Autism is a broad spectrum, and comparing children to one another can be harmful.
For ADHD
Discuss the difference between "can't" and "won't"
Advocate for movement-friendly learning spaces
Push for executive function support strategies
Sensory Processing Needs
Detail specific sensory triggers
Request sensory break spaces
Explain what sensory overstimulation looks like for your child
Your Emotional Survival Guide
Advocacy is emotionally exhausting. Remember:
You are not alone
Your child's neurodiversity is a superpower
Every conversation is an opportunity to educate
Your persistence creates systemic change
Behavior is linked to brain function AT ALL TIMES
How do we move forward with this information in mind?
We must work together as a team with the school district to develop the best plan for the child, ensuring meaningful progress in their IEP goals, social-emotional skills, communication skills, and academic areas. It's important to understand that there are no opposing sides at the table, a concept that is often misunderstood. Parents frequently enter meetings feeling heightened emotions and with positive intentions, seeking to understand what is happening in the classroom and what may be hindering their child's progress.
Sometimes, IEP team members from the school district may respond to parents defensively, disagree with requests, or provide unclear information.
Have you ever had a team member use Special Education terminology that you couldn’t understand? Leaving an IEP meeting feeling upset, unsure about the decisions made, or confused about what just happened—often with more questions than you had going in—is not how these meetings should end. You are an equal member of the team, and your voice should be heard and acknowledged.
This is where parents can benefit from having an Advocate present at the meeting. As a Master IEP Coach®, I can teach you how to effectively advocate for your child. I have found that including a new person at the table can help reduce tension and create an environment that encourages healthy dialogue, guiding the team in the right direction.
Let's Get Started!
Stop losing sleep over IEP meetings!
Your child and your family need you for so many things. From deciding what's for dinner to scheduling therapy appointments and running errands on a Saturday.
School struggles should not be stealing so much of your energy.
Click the link below, text me, or send me an email to get started today!
CONTACT DETAILS
Phone: 314-445-9639
Email: mvelazquez@michellesspedadvocacy.org