Never Stop Advocating!

I started this blog on May 5, 2010, shortly after JD was diagnosed with autism at the age of two. I can't believe it's been almost 15 years that we've been on this journey together. I remember when JD was first diagnosed, I was absolutely terrified. I didn't know anything about autism because it was still one of those things that no one really talked about. I would scour the internet at night looking for articles, blogs, videos - anything I could find about people's experience with raising an autistic child. The resources were there, but you had to do a lot of digging to find them and that's exactly what I did (and still do!). If there was ONE piece of advice I could give to a parent of a newly diagnosed child or teen, it would be to never stop advocating for your child! 

Part of being an autism parent is learning how to navigate the world of therapy options, insurance, doctors, evaluations, behavior plans and education plans. It's learning to work with teachers, therapists, school administration, IEP advocates, doctors and counselors. Your job is to learn as much as you possibly can about your child and their diagnosis, and then create a plan to help them succeed as best as possible in a world that is not made for them. That boils down to being their advocate. But what does that actually mean? 

How can a parent advocate for their child? Let me give you some ways:

• Learn as much as possible about autism, including your child's specific needs and rights under laws like IDEA and ADA.
• Keep a well-organized folder of all evaluations, medical records, therapy notes, and communication with schools.
• Attend IEP meetings prepared—review the plan beforehand and bring notes or support people if needed.
• Collaborate respectfully with teachers, therapists, and school staff to build a supportive team around your child.
• Teach your child to self-advocate in ways that work for them—help them express needs and build confidence.
• Join support groups or online communities to connect with other parents for support and shared knowledge.
• Educate your family, friends, and community to build understanding and reduce stigma.
• Speak to local officials or school boards about better services and inclusive policies.
• Prioritize your own mental and physical health—strong self-care helps you continue advocating effectively.

These are just a FEW things you can do to help your son or daughter on the spectrum. But advocacy never ends. JD is now 17 and I STILL advocate for his rights or needs. 

He's THRIVING and I'm so proud of him! He's a straight A student in high school (11th grade) and wants to become an engineer or business owner one day! Advocating for him has been my greatest life accomplishment! 💖