what mick jagger and sarah birnbaum have in common
/"you can't always get what you want, but if you try sometime, you just might find, you get what you need..." I am beginning to think that is a song about parenting - I can't stop quoting it to families.
I finally met Sarah Birnbaum, NY Special Needs Support, in person this morning. If you have a child who "will do well anywhere" you can stop reading. You are good to go. This blog is for the parents of "quirky" kids, kids with learning differences, kids who require a specific environment, and for parents who need to find someone who understands and can help. Sarah is the missing link for those families. She is your translator, interface, the truth teller (whether you are ready to hear or not), and your fierce advocate.
IEP help
/By Joyce Szuflita
This guide, designed to help families developing an Individualized Education Program for their student with disabilities is published by Autism Speaks Family Services and it seems to be very clear and helpful.
Advocates for Children has numerous programs and resources to help families and students.
Carol Greenburg at NY Special Needs Consulting is a Parent Advocate who helps families navigate the process of getting appropriate services for your child. She is the parent of a child on the spectrum as well as an adult with Aspergers Syndrome, so she has been there and understands it all from the inside out.
This article, Tips for Changing Schools, from the Child Mind Institute might be helpful when starting a new school program.