Services & Support for Parents
The Neurodivergent Journey
“When you’re going to have a baby, it’s like you’re planning a vacation to Italy….
Only when you land, the stewardess says, “WELCOME TO HOLLAND.”
“BUT I DON’T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT HOLLAND!” you say. ‘I DON’T WANT TO STAY!”
But stay, you do.”
~Paraphrased from the poem “Welcome to Holland” by Emily Perl Kingsley
If your child was recently diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or dyslexia, you probably have a lot of questions.
You might be grieving or confused. All of these are perfectly normal and reasonable reactions. How do we know? We had some of the same emotions when our children were diagnosed.
Your parenting journey has taken a detour, and you find yourself searching for answers, for help, and support. Your family and friends mean well, but it may be difficult to discuss certain topics. You may be the only family you know dealing with this diagnosis.
We created the following services because we saw a significant need for parents of neurodivergent child to be seen and heard. We know how emotional it can be when advocating for your child. We provide an objective, non-judgmental voice of experience and reason to allow you to feel your emotions and be there for your child.
(50 min Sessions)
Post Diagnosis Support
If your child was recently diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or dyslexia, you probably have a lot of questions. You might be grieving or confused. All of these are perfectly normal and reasonable reactions. How do we know? We had some of the same emotions when our children were diagnosed.
We offer this unique post support session for parents to discuss their child’s diagnosis, ask questions, and request support from a licensed and board certified professional who specializes in neurodivergent clients.
What the session provides:
- A safe environment – no question or issue related to the diagnosis is off limits
- A place to vent frustrations about the diagnosis or treatment
- A review of medical records and explanation of medical documents
- A discussion of 504/IEP options for your child if they qualify
This may not be the life you planned, but it is still going to be a life you love. Your child’s diagnosis doesn’t define them, and you have support to be your child’s best ally.
50 Min Sessions, onsite support
IEP/504 Support
Depending on your child’s diagnosis, he or she might qualify for an Individualized Education Plan, IEP, or 504 accommodations. These are federally mandated support tools that level the playing field for your child when it comes to navigating school and education requirements. We are subject matter expert in both IEP and 504 plans. With our help, we can ensure your child is supported appropriately and that nothing stands in the way of your scholar’s academic goals.
Does my child qualify for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)?
From the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities) website:
“The term “child with a disability” means a child—
- (i) with intellectual disabilities, hearing impairments (including deafness), speech or language impairments, visual impairments (including blindness), serious emotional disturbance (referred to in this chapter as “emotional disturbance”), orthopedic impairments, autism, traumatic brain injury, other health impairments, or specific learning disabilities; and
- (ii) who, by reason thereof, needs special education and related services”
If this describes your child, you child is legally entitled to an individualized education plan.
Does my child qualify for a 504 Plan?
From the Department of Education Website:
“Section 504 covers qualified students with disabilities who attend schools receiving Federal financial assistance. To be protected under Section 504, a student must be determined to: (1) have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; or (2) have a record of such an impairment; or (3) be regarded as having such an impairment. Section 504 requires that school districts provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to qualified students in their jurisdictions who have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.”
There are a broad range of disabilities that qualify under 504. If your child has received a diagnosis, and you aren’t certain if they quality for 504 accommodations, you can contact us or their school for guidance.
Services Provided for School Support:
- Advocates directly with school officials regarding what can be offered
- On-going support during the IEP/504 refinement process typically 90 days
- Attendance at all IEP/504 meetings including S team meetings
- Walk through of the process for obtaining IEP/504 with parents
- Review of proposed plan to ensure child is receiving all federally required support