Q: I am a parent of a child with mild autism who is 9-years-old. I have always felt that I must make demands to get the services my child needs. I have been clashing with schools since Pre-Kindergarten. We moved out here from Cleveland three months ago and I pray it will be easier to get everything he needs to be successful. Do you have any helpful advice before I go into battle with the school district?
A: Many parents are under the false impression that schools are the enemy. Naturally, many parents of children with special needs believe that if they do not do everything they can to help their children then they are not succeeding as parents. Although I do not have a child with a disability, I can truly empathize with how difficult it must be to have a child with special needs. Laura Fisher, Director of Special Education Services for CVUSD, said that, “Special Education works when positive relationships are built with parents.” Working with the school district is like building a healthy marriage. When advising parents on how to work with the schools, I tell them to communicate continually, compromise and be respectful, show commitment and express appreciation. Keep in mind, it is not what you say but it’s how you say it. That is one of the simple secrets to any relationship.
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