Have you ever sat in an IEP meeting and noticed the General Education teacher sitting quietly, unsure of what to contribute? Or talked with a parent who shares that their child—who has a 504 Plan or an IEP—is struggling in a general education classroom because the teacher “just doesn’t get it”? These moments are more common than many realize, and while they can be frustrating, they often stem from something simple: our General Education Gurus were never trained to be special

I hesitated to post this because I try to keep faith outside work, however I also recognize it can be uncomfortable. That said, I wrote this while carrying my autistic child. Today I find it more poignant than ever before. I don't believe in coincidence, and I do believe in whispers from God. When we were pregnant, I was given the opportunity to speak at our Good Friday Service. At the time, the words I was given "It is finished" I believed had meaning that circled back to th

Last week, the impact of navigating life with a sibling with a disability came into sharp focus in a way I hadn’t quite experienced before. My middle child was chosen to speak at the opening ceremony of her high school’s spring Special Olympics. It was an honor, of course—but more than that, it was a moment that quietly carried years of our family’s story within it. When she asked me to read her speech ahead of time, I found myself pausing after just a few lines. Not because

Momma, I see you driving down the road with tears in your eyes. I see the deer caught in the headlights look as your hands firmly grip the wheel. You sob, uncontrollably, afraid to utter the words that well within your body. I know you utter how much your child is loved, how you wouldn’t change them for the world, that you will get through it together, but I know you’d give your life in a heartbeat to have it so your child didn’t struggle with aggression. Words that well with

A free and appropriate education for all children is a non-negotiable and it should take place with appropriate supports in the least restrictive environment. Yet some, feel different. They fear the unknown. I know this, first hand but the year my oldest spent in an inclusive classroom didn't just change her education, it changed her life. In that year I learned more from watching my child learn through her peers with special needs, and it didn't just shape my daughter, it sh

In 2016, the words I had feared—and somehow expected—finally came. My body went still as the doctor explained that my almost‑three‑year‑old daughter had been diagnosed with what was then called “moderate” autism. The ride home was silent. My husband understood the weight of what had just shifted in our world. Sitting in the car line later that afternoon, waiting to pick up my four other children, my mind raced. What would our future look like? How would autism shape their liv

In today's educational landscape, the collaboration between families and schools is more crucial than ever. When families and educators work together, children benefit from a more holistic approach to their development. This partnership not only enhances academic performance but also fosters emotional and social growth. In this blog post, we will explore effective strategies for maximizing care through family and school collaboration, ensuring that every child receives the su

Finding the right therapist for your family can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. With so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, establishing a connection between families and therapists is crucial for effective mental health support. This blog post explores how to build these bridges, ensuring families find the right therapeutic support tailored to their unique needs. Understanding the Importance of Connection Therapy is not just about

Effective communication between healthcare providers and families is essential for delivering quality care and ensuring that patients receive the support they need. Miscommunication can lead to misunderstandings, frustration, and even adverse health outcomes. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of clear communication, strategies for improvement, and practical examples that can help bridge the gap between providers and families. The Importance of Communication in