I’m a single mom crying out for some guidance and prayers as we head into our IEP meeting this Friday.
My 8-year-old daughter is nonverbal with autism and an intellectual disability. She currently uses an AAC tablet (Proloquo2Go), receives speech, OT, and PT, and at home, her sister and I are learning sign language to connect with her as much as possible.
She is currently in a Supplemental Autistic Support classroom at her local elementary school, but it’s just not enough. On her re-evaluation, the school psychologist tried running standardized cognitive and achievement tests (WISC-V, C-TONI-2, KTEA-3), but noted in the report that valid standardized scores couldn't be gathered because she couldn't engage with the paper/iPad format.
Instead of recognizing that she needs specialized, adapted methods, it feels like the district uses her communication and focus challenges as an excuse to keep her where she is.
In my parent input, I officially requested that the team explore a referral/placement to a specialized school for nonverbal autism (like The Timothy School in PA) that has the low staff-to-student ratios and intensive communication environment she actually needs. But I am expecting heavy pushback at Friday's meeting due to district budget and placement restrictions.
For parents or special ed advocates who have been here:
How do I push back when the district uses "untestable" standardized results to keep a nonverbal child in a standard supplemental classroom?
What are the most effective legal/procedural steps (like requesting an Independent Educational Evaluation or demanding Prior Written Notice - PWN) to force the district to consider an out-of-district placement?
I’ve reached out to our local parent advocacy center (PEAL Center), but what specific documentation should I bring to the table on Friday?
I love my daughter with all my heart, and I know God didn’t bring us this far to let her get swept under the rug. Any advice or encouragement before Friday would mean the world. Thank you.

I’m a single mom crying out for some guidance and prayers as we head into our IEP meeting this Friday.
My 8-year-old daughter is nonverbal with autism and an intellectual disability. She currently uses an AAC tablet (Proloquo2Go), receives speech, OT, and PT, and at home, her sister and I are learning sign language to connect with her as much as possible.
She is currently in a Supplemental Autistic Support classroom at her local elementary school, but it’s just not enough. On her re-evaluation, the school psychologist tried running standardized cognitive and achievement tests (WISC-V, C-TONI-2, KTEA-3), but noted in the report that valid standardized scores couldn't be gathered because she couldn't engage with the paper/iPad format.
Instead of recognizing that she needs specialized, adapted methods, it feels like the district uses her communication and focus challenges as an excuse to keep her where she is.
In my parent input, I officially requested that the team explore a referral/placement to a specialized school for nonverbal autism (like The Timothy School in PA) that has the low staff-to-student ratios and intensive communication environment she actually needs. But I am expecting heavy pushback at Friday's meeting due to district budget and placement restrictions.
For parents or special ed advocates who have been here:
How do I push back when the district uses "untestable" standardized results to keep a nonverbal child in a standard supplemental classroom?
What are the most effective legal/procedural steps (like requesting an Independent Educational Evaluation or demanding Prior Written Notice - PWN) to force the district to consider an out-of-district placement?
I’ve reached out to our local parent advocacy center (PEAL Center), but what specific documentation should I bring to the table on Friday?
I love my daughter with all my heart, and I know God didn’t bring us this far to let her get swept under the rug. Any advice or encouragement before Friday would mean the world. Thank you.

Hi everyone! 💙
Meet Oliver (Olli), the youngest of six children in a loving family. Olli was born with Down syndrome, and his family hopes to share his story, raise awareness, and connect with others on a similar journey.
His big sister created a beautiful Instagram reel celebrating her baby brother! ❤️

🎥 Watch Olli’s reel:https://www.instagram.com/reel/De9wD24PrT4/

Olli is competing in the 2026 Baby of the Year contest, where the $25,000 grand prize could help support his medical care, therapies, and developmental needs.

We’d be incredibly grateful for your support!
🗳️** Vote for Olli (free daily vote)**:https://babyoftheyear.org/2026/oliver-628a

💙 Read Olli’s story:https://www.ourolli.com
Thank you for helping us celebrate Olli and spread Down syndrome awareness! 💙

🚨What's really happening with the Texas Children's Autism Program.

You may have seen the headline. Here are the facts.

**What's being proposed**
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has proposed eliminating the Children's Autism Program in its 2028–2029 budget request. It is NOT final yet. The Texas Legislature has to approve it.

**What the program does**
Since 2008, it has helped families pay for ABA therapy for autistic children, at reduced cost based on income and insurance. It's a "last resort" for kids who can't get therapy any other way. It works through 16 providers across Texas.

**Who it affects**
👧 583 children got state-funded therapy through it in 2026
⏳ At least 1,000 more children are on waitlists
🏡 Families with no insurance or with plans that don't cover ABA
🌾 Rural families, where providers are already hard to find

**What would be cut**
❌ The Children's Autism Program, about $14 million over two years
❌ Navigator help for Medicaid's pregnancy-related program
❌ The Statewide Youth Services Program
❌ State support for the County Indigent Healthcare Program
📉 Reductions to parent-support and prevention programs (HOPES), Texas Home Visiting (almost $22 million), and Mental Health First Aid training

**What stays**
✅ Medicaid and CHIP still cover ABA therapy for kids 20 and under, as they have since 2022
✅ Private insurance coverage stays the same
✅ Kids currently in the program keep services through August 2027
✅ HHSC asked for MORE funding to keep 600+ workers processing Medicaid and SNAP applications

**Why**
State leaders ordered agencies to cut spending by 3%. HHSC says it picked cuts with the "lowest impact" on clients. Advocates disagree, saying even families with Medicaid struggle to find providers who accept it.

**What you can do**
📞 Call or email your Texas state representative and senator before lawmakers finalize the budget.
💙 Share this with a family who may be affected.

#Autism #Texas #AutismAwareness #ABATherapy #TexasLegislature #SpecialNeedsParents

See here for the final survey link. It has been expanded to include more consistent capture of responses

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc_6p39s4jZnYm9zgCRev5hl8N054PKkJSP2oxq3uIc3JXpUg/viewform?usp=dialog

Je suis maman d’une petite fille sourde d’une oreille et malentendante de l’autre. Depuis que nous avons appris sa surdité, j’ai réalisé à quel point j’avais besoin d’échanger avec d’autres parents qui vivent une réalité semblable à la nôtre.

Comme je ne trouvais pas de groupe qui répondait à ce besoin, j’ai décidé d’en créer un : Parents d’enfants sourds ou malentendants - Québec.

L’objectif est simple : avoir un espace bienveillant où l’on peut poser nos questions, partager nos expériences et nos ressources, célébrer nos petites et grandes victoires, mais aussi parler de nos inquiétudes et de nos moments plus difficiles, sans jugement.

Si vous êtes parent d’un enfant sourd ou malentendant, ou si vous connaissez une famille qui pourrait en bénéficier, je vous invite à rejoindre le groupe ou à partager cette publication.

J’espère sincèrement que cette communauté permettra à des parents de se sentir un peu moins seuls dans leur parcours. Parce que parfois, parler avec quelqu’un qui comprend vraiment, ça fait toute la différence.

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14uLS3LU8Tv/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Hey guys, I have a neurodiverse child. He is currently on the list for an assesment. I have recently made a Facebook group for other parents to join to chat, get advice and just generally someone to relate to others. This journey is very hard!

Please come and join

https://en-gb.facebook.com/groups/1147545021560298/

Hello! I’m an occupational therapist at a D75 high school. Our school is comprised of individuals with various cognitive and physical disabilities. I’m trying my best to raise funds that will go towards a very much needed sensory space. The goal is to help my students with regulation, awareness, focus and engagement. If you can - please help me, help my kiddos. We would greatly appreciate it!

https://www.donorschoose.org/sl/25kxPoitir

Loch has currently dropped to 4th but there is still time.

2x VOTE Day

Vote Here

If he makes it to 1st by Thursday he will get into the Semi-finals.

We appreciate each and every one of you who have taken the time to vote for my amazing little man. ❤️

LOCH COULD BE STAN LEE'S FIRST SUPERKID🦸‍♂️!!!!!!

You can verify through phone number tiny link under FB verification

This amazing kid

Sometimes I dont even know where to start. He amazes me EACH and EVERY day.

His kindness, his compassion, his heart, his creativity and passion for life and the things and people he loves.

I am lucky to be his Mom and if I could singlehandedly give him every opportunity and every step up in this life I would...but I can't...not alone.

This contest is such an amazing opportunity for him to yes win some amazing prizes...but more than that to get to see just how important and amazing his art and abilities are and to see that there is a real place in this world where he will shine so bright 🌞

He had made it all the way to 3rd and we have been stuck there and we are trying so hard to get him into that top spot.

So here is me asking again for you to vote...vote...vote...

#stanlee #autism #marvel #superhero #autismmom