How to Advocate for Your Special Needs Child | Parent Guide

How To Best Advocate For Your Special Needs Child

9/2/2021

44 Comments

Way To Improve Your Negotiations

How To Best Advocate For Your Special Needs Child

Joanne Burke-Sherman • September 2, 2021

Way To Improve Your Negotiations

If you are a parent of a special needs child, you are probably a strong advocate for your child. Yes, we are all advocates for all of your kids - no matter what their talents and skills are. If you have a special needs child, however, you probably spend a lot more time at the schools in meetings; writing emails; fighting for their rights; researching services, testing and ways to help them any way you can. What is best for them? A public school? A private school? A vocational school? A special needs school?

As a mom who has fought for her son for many years, I know I have not always done things perfectly; but I was always trying to do my best to find what is best for my son. And I bet you are the same!!

So, what are some of the things to consider when you are negotiating and fighting for your special needs child? Here are some ideas…..

1. Be Respectful In Your Meetings.

We have to remember that teachers and staff are people too. While we will always run across people that do their jobs better than others, it is always best to start with the premise that people are doing their best.

I have heard stories from some special needs teachers and staff that parents come in swearing, yelling and going a bit crazy; however, this behavior is often counter-productive to what you are trying to accomplish. If you want a school to accommodate your child’s needs, start off by showing some respect to the special needs teachers who are supporting him or her.

So, speak civilly. Negotiate without yelling.

2. Do Your Research!
No matter what you are negotiating, it is always best to have your facts straight. You can speak firmly and not have to yell when you are backed by information. Knowledge is power as they say; and facts and figures and research can be powerful. Also, as you are doing your research, know what you are trying to prove or what you hope to gain from the meeting, call or email. If you don’t, then sometimes a lot of data does not serve you well. Stay focused on your goal.

You don’t have to know everything, but you will have more meaningful discussions when you know what you are taking about.

3. Work On Positivity

What are your child’s teachers doing well? What do you like about them? What does your child like about them? My mother always used to say “if you can’t say anything nice, then don’t say anything at all.” Well, this advice can serve you well when trying to make positive changes for your child. People tend to respond more positively to you when you recognize what they are doing well. Tell them. Say it out loud. And say it in the beginning. It will set a good tone for the meeting. I know. I know. This may be easier to do with some people and not so easy with others. But there is always something you can find. Maybe you just like the decorations in their classroom or the fact that the teacher is kind to your child. You can figure out something to say.

4. Know The Team
As you get to know the team better and better, you may start to feel close to them personally. I am not saying that you cannot be friends with the team; however, don’t get so close that it clouds your judgment or that you do not push hard for results and solutions for your special needs child. In the end, I have found that the team’s obligation and loyalty is to the school. Remember, there are budgets and lots of other students to accommodate. So, sending your child to a top notch special needs school or program may not be top of mind to them; but it may be just what you need to fight for.

Also, I have had members of the team to my house before. I thought that maybe it would be helpful to observe my son in the home environment. I learned pretty quickly that oversharing with the team can be held against you and your goal. So, know who you are dealing with; and even if you think you know, you may not want to overshare. Provide enough information to get the services or result that you want, without giving them too much info.

Special needs are just that - they are special and personal to your child. No two people are alike. So, as you search for that special needs school or vocational school or service, provide what the team needs to know and then you can make the decision about whether the resolution suffices.

5. Help When You Can

When my kids were in elementary school, I volunteered my time as much as I could. As they got older and into middle school, the schools wanted you a bit less; and by the time they got to high school, they basically never asked parents to come in. That said, you can always ask the teachers and staff how you can help. Maybe they would like a an extra set of eyes on certain days. Maybe they do want help for a field trip. Or maybe they could just use some extra supplies. Remember, as they say, “no act of kindness, no matter how small. Is ever wasted.”

When you help people, they are more inclined to want to help you. No, this is not bribery. Don’t help because you are expecting something in return. Help just because it is the right and nice thing to do. That said, it never hurts to be kind in advance of any negotiation.

So.......

Whether you are just looking for a little extra time in occupational therapy for your child, or you are looking for a special needs vocational school/program, or you are looking for a private school or high-end service, know what you want to accomplish. Then, do you research, be positive, and be kind. And remember, in the end, say "Thank You."

44 Comments

Drug Detox Atlanta link

8/5/2025 04:50:42 am

Atlanta’s drug detox centers are well-managed and helped me through a tough phase safely.

nashville behavioral health link

8/28/2025 01:49:59 am

Nashville Behavioral Health specialized care provide karta hai un patients ke liye jo emotional, psychological aur behavioral challenges face karte hain. Yeh facilities counseling, therapy, aur evidence-based treatments ke zariye recovery mein support karti hain.

8/29/2025 11:56:32 pm

Professional drug detox programs in Atlanta to manage withdrawal symptoms safely.

Detox in Atlanta GA link

9/1/2025 05:03:57 am

Has anyone tried a program for detox in Atlanta GA? I’ve been looking into different options and want to hear real experiences before making a decision."

sober living san luis obispo link

9/2/2025 11:37:53 pm

Sober living homes in San Luis Obispo provide a supportive and structured environment for individuals transitioning from rehab. They are substance-free homes with rules and routines to help residents maintain accountability and a sense of community.

9/3/2025 10:56:03 pm

Sober living homes in San Luis Obispo seem to offer a really supportive environment for people transitioning back to daily life.

mental health treatment program link

9/25/2025 03:34:49 am

Explore structured mental health treatment programs designed to address depression, anxiety, trauma, and other conditions effectively.

Detox Atlanta link

9/26/2025 04:18:18 am

Detox Atlanta offers comprehensive addiction recovery support, specializing in helping individuals safely cleanse
their bodies from drugs or alcohol as the first step toward long-term sobriety.

Anxiety Rehab link

10/14/2025 02:21:30 am

Anxiety rehab programs help people manage chronic anxiety, panic, or fear through counseling, relaxation techniques, and medication management. They teach coping skills to reduce stress and restore peace of mind.

teen treatment center link

10/17/2025 05:54:21 am

Specialized teen treatment centers provide compassionate care, therapy, and support designed to help adolescents overcome emotional, behavioral, and substance-related challenges.

10/19/2025 11:04:59 pm

A professional detox program in Atlanta, GA helps individuals safely withdraw from drugs or alcohol under medical supervision, preparing them for ongoing recovery.

10/20/2025 10:58:35 pm

Detox Atlanta offers personalized detox programs to help people safely manage withdrawal and prepare for long-term recovery.

Drug Detox in Atlanta link

10/20/2025 11:34:08 pm

Drug Detox in Atlanta offers professional detox treatment to help individuals begin their journey to a substance-free life.

depression treatment nashville tn link

10/22/2025 03:41:21 am

Find expert depression treatment in Nashville, TN, with personalized therapy, medication management, and holistic approaches to help you regain balance and joy.

mental health nashville tn link

10/23/2025 12:55:12 am

Mental health services in Nashville, TN provide access to licensed professionals offering counseling, therapy, and treatment for various emotional issues.

residential treatment facilities in Georgia link

10/28/2025 04:42:45 am

Residential treatment facilities in Georgia provide 24-hour care in a structured environment for people recovering from mental health or substance use disorders.

rehab centers in malibu ca link

11/1/2025 06:04:09 am

Rehab centers in Malibu, California offer luxury addiction and mental health treatment in a serene coastal setting. These facilities provide personalized detox, therapy, and holistic recovery programs focused on long-term healing and wellness.

Los Angeles Mental Health Treatment link

11/11/2025 05:08:53 am

Los Angeles Mental Health Treatment centers offer comprehensive and compassionate care for individuals facing emotional or psychological challenges.

counseling for teen depression los angeles link

11/17/2025 05:03:50 am

Professional counseling services in Los Angeles that help teens manage depression through therapy, coping techniques, and emotional support.

Substance Abuse link

11/25/2025 05:09:04 am

The harmful use or misuse of drugs or alcohol that leads to physical, emotional, or social problems.

detox nashville link

12/24/2025 01:26:18 am

Detox Nashville programs help individuals begin recovery by addressing physical dependence through structured detoxification and personalized treatment plans.

1/1/2026 05:20:09 am

Comprehensive behavioral health services in Nashville offering personalized mental health care and support.

los angeles mental health treatment link

1/7/2026 11:32:54 pm

A wide range of mental health services in Los Angeles addressing conditions like depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.

1/10/2026 01:44:52 am

Drug detox in Atlanta helps individuals safely withdraw from opioids, stimulants, prescription drugs, and other substances. Medical professionals monitor symptoms 24/7 to reduce risks and discomfort. Atlanta drug detox programs emphasize safety and recovery readiness.

inpatient behavioral health programs link

1/15/2026 10:51:07 pm

Intensive, round-the-clock care programs that provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals with serious behavioral health needs.

book publishing for first time authors link

1/24/2026 12:19:28 am

Book publishing for first-time authors offers guided support throughout the entire publishing journey. These services educate new writers, simplify the process, and provide expert assistance to help them confidently publish their first book.

Drug Rehab in Arkansas link

1/30/2026 04:56:42 am

Drug rehab in Arkansas focuses on treating substance abuse through evidence-based therapies, counseling, and long-term recovery planning.

Kindle Direct Publishing help USA link

2/8/2026 11:57:15 pm

Professional assistance with Amazon KDP setup, formatting, uploading, and optimization for better visibility.

Alcohol Rehab Centers in Arkansas link

2/12/2026 04:25:10 am

Rehab facilities focused on treating alcohol dependence with medical detox, counseling, and long-term recovery planning.

IOP Program Atlanta link

2/19/2026 11:36:09 pm

IOP programs in Atlanta provide structured therapy while allowing clients to live at home. It’s ideal for those needing consistent support without inpatient care.

Detox Arkansas link

2/22/2026 11:17:57 pm

Arkansas Addiction Treatment includes a range of programs designed to help individuals overcome drug and alcohol dependency. These programs combine therapy, counseling, and medical care for long-term recovery.

2/25/2026 11:03:46 pm

IOP programs in Atlanta offer structured therapy while clients live at home. They provide consistent support without full inpatient care.

Detox Centers in Arkansas link

3/3/2026 02:54:19 am

Detox centers in Arkansas deliver supervised withdrawal management and early recovery care. They prepare clients for the next stage of treatment.

Rehab Centers in Georgia link

3/10/2026 02:17:47 am

Rehab centers in Georgia provide structured treatment programs for individuals struggling with addiction or mental health disorders, offering services such as detox, therapy, medication management, and long-term recovery support.

self harm treatment facilities link

3/18/2026 04:04:30 am

Self Harm Treatment Facilities – Programs that help individuals stop self-injury behaviors and develop healthier coping skills.

3/24/2026 10:59:40 pm

Detox Arkansas programs drug aur alcohol addiction se recovery ka pehla step hotay hain jahan patients ko medically supervised detox diya jata hai taake body se harmful substances safely remove ho saken aur withdrawal symptoms manage kiye ja saken.

residential depression treatment center link

3/28/2026 03:13:30 am

Inpatient facilities that provide structured, 24/7 care, therapy, and medical support for individuals struggling with severe depression.

arbor wellness reviews link

5/12/2026 12:35:25 am

Client experiences highlighting the quality care, supportive environment, and successful recovery outcomes at Arbor Wellness.

Inpatient Treatment for Adolescent link

5/18/2026 11:04:49 pm

Inpatient treatment for adolescents delivers intensive psychiatric care, emotional support, and therapeutic programs in a safe clinical environment.

Mental Health Treatment Atlanta link

5/21/2026 02:28:48 am

Professional mental health treatment in Atlanta with individualized care plans for lasting recovery and wellness.

Treatment Centers for Alcoholism link

6/1/2026 06:21:27 am

Dedicated programs focused on helping individuals overcome alcohol dependence through counseling, therapy, and relapse prevention strategies.

Residential Treatment for Teens link

6/2/2026 04:59:42 am

A comprehensive treatment program where teens live on-site while receiving individualized mental health care and therapeutic services.

Raleigh Mental Health Facilities link

6/4/2026 05:38:13 am

Modern mental health facilities in Raleigh offering therapy, counseling, and psychiatric support.

Detox Facilities link

6/9/2026 05:39:27 am

Professional centers that provide medically supervised detoxification to help individuals safely withdraw from drugs or alcohol.

How To Best Advocate For Your Special Needs Child

How To Best Advocate For Your Special Needs Child

Way To Improve Your Negotiations

Leave a Reply.

Author

Archives

Categories

START PURSUING YOUR VOCATIONAL TRAINING NOW!

Contact Us

How To Best Advocate For Your Special Needs Child

How To Best Advocate For Your Special Needs Child

​Way To Improve Your Negotiations

Leave a Reply.

Author

Archives

Categories

START PURSUING YOUR VOCATIONAL TRAINING NOW!

Contact Us

Way To Improve Your Negotiations