Why I Became A Special Education Attorney

Eight years ago I moved my law practice from bankruptcy to special education. I had a personal reason for this. A few years prior to that shift, my second son was diagnosed with Autism. Right after accepting the challenge of the Autism diagnosis, I engulfed myself in discovering everything I could about Autism, special education advocacy, regional center services, and whatever support groups existed. What I learned could fill a publication, but here are the key elements that I think are valuable for parents seeking assistance with special education advocacy. The most significant thing is to believe that your child is going to be much more capable of achievements than anyone would believe is possible. Set and keep the bar high for your child and make the special education professionals see your son/daughter as a child first, the Autism label should be secondary. This perspective will help you persevere when you are being told there is no funding, classrooms, and/or personnel/services available to help your child. It is the tenacity of parents that provides results in meeting their children’s unique needs. However, while being tenacious you must also be reasonable. This seems like contrary advice. But it isn’t really. Remember that most people working in the area of education really do want what is best for your child. They just do not understand your child as well as you do. Parents need to build a good team that includes an attorney or advocate, an educational psychologist as your expert, and a qualified pediatrician who understands Autism. Loaded with this team make sure that you approach the school district with the same dignity and respect that you would want them to have for your child. Information is more powerful than confrontation. There will come a day when confrontation may be the solution to cooperation. This is the time that your team comes together with your input to file a due process complaint, that seeks the free and appropriate education that your child deserves. I have had to take this strategy for my child. Even as an attorney filing for and participating in a due process hearing was hard and stressful. But it was of great benefit. My child has benefited from his team and is currently receiving an education that not only addresses his academic needs but his social emotional ones too.