Four Steps to Take After a New Diagnosis
You have just come from an evaluation with a neuropsychologist, a developmental pediatrician, or a clinical psychologist. You have a diagnosis for your child. Maybe it is ADHD, maybe it is dyslexia, maybe it is Autism Spectrum Disorder. You have a thick report in your hands and a lot of feelings about what it means. And somewhere in that moment, a natural question surfaces: does this mean my child will finally get the help they need at school?
The honest answer is: it depends, and the path forward is not automatic. A clinical diagnosis is genuinely valuable information. But it does not, by itself, open the door to an IEP or a 504 plan. Understanding why that is, and knowing what to do next, can save families a lot of time, frustration, and confusion.
Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) - Why, When, How, and Who Pays
Lately, I have been working with a lot of families on exactly this issue. Whether a district has just declared a child ineligible, assigned what feels like the wrong eligibility category, or conducted an evaluation that left out whole areas of concern, parents keep landing in my inbox asking the same question: can I do anything about this? The answer, more often than not, is yes. And the tool is called an IEE.
When a school district evaluates your child for special education, you have the right to disagree with what they find. And if you do disagree, IDEA gives you a powerful tool to push back: the Independent Educational Evaluation, or IEE. This post walks you through what an IEE is, when you can request one, how the process works, and who foots the bill.
Planning now for back to school
A Little Prep Now Will Save a Lot of Stress Later
Your end-of-school-year checklist and why summer is the perfect time to get ahead for fall.
As the end of the school year approaches, most parents of kids with disabilities feel one of two things: relief or dread. Often both at once. But this window, right now, is actually one of the most powerful opportunities you have all year.
Whether your child receives services under an IEP, a 504 plan, or any other support structure, the weeks surrounding the end of the school year are packed with important moments. Annual reviews are happening. Evaluations are wrapping up. Teachers who know your child are still accessible. Data is fresh. If you have ever felt like September came too fast and you were playing catch-up from day one, this guide is for you.
Understanding How Schools Identify Specific Learning Disabilities: What Parents Need to Know About PSW, RTI, and the Discrepancy Model
If your child has been diagnosed with dyslexia, dysgraphia, or another learning disability, you've probably wondered: will the school see it the same way? The answer depends more on your zip code than it should.
Federal special ed law changed in 2004, opening the door to new — and better — ways of identifying students with Specific Learning Disabilities. But not every state, district, or school psychologist is using the same approach. That means some kids are getting identified and supported, while others with the exact same profile are falling through the cracks.
In this post I break down the three methods schools can use, why the old "discrepancy model" was doing kids a disservice, what's changing in Washington state, and — most importantly — what YOU can do when you suspect your child might have a learning disability.
Supporting Neurodivergent Parents: Advocacy That Honors the Whole Family
Supporting neurodivergent parents is not about fixing how they show up. It is about designing support that works with their brains, not against them.
When parents are supported with clarity, preparation, structure, and follow-through, they are empowered rather than overwhelmed. And when parents are empowered, children benefit.
Elevating Parent Voice: Supporting an Elementary Student with Nonverbal Learning Disability
Some learning disabilities are widely recognized. Others, like Nonverbal Learning Disability (NVLD), are far less understood. Even so, they can have a significant impact on a child’s school experience. This is the story of how thoughtful collaboration and intentional planning, guided by a special education advocate, helped an elementary school student with NVLD finally receive the support she needed to thrive.
Meet Your Portland Advocates: Helping Families Through Change
There have been significant shifts in the disability landscape over the past month — both here in Portland and across the nation. Families in Oregon continue to have access to independent advocates dedicated to supporting students with IEPs and 504 plans.
I’m collaborating with two other advocates in Portland to reassure you: there is still a strong network of highly trained, independent advocates ready to support your family. While we are not legal advocates and do not replace the role of an attorney, our work often helps families make meaningful progress with school districts through collaboration and relationship building, often reducing the need for legal intervention in IEP and 504 meetings.
Each of us brings unique expertise, experience, and a personal approach to advocacy that may meet your family’s needs in different ways. I’m excited to amplify messages from each of us below and share how we can be of service during this time of transition and change.
Legal Lessons for Families: Takeaways from This Year’s Special Ed Law Conference
Each year, I attend the Pacific Northwest Institute on Special Education and the Law to stay current on legal updates that impact students and families. This year’s sessions covered everything from dyslexia eligibility to Child Find responsibilities—and offered important reminders about how schools should respond when a child needs support.
October Check-Ins: The Simple Step That Can Change Your Child’s School Year
Every fall, most parents start to wonder how things are going at school. With that feeling comes a swirl of questions: Is my child getting the support they need? Are we on track? That’s why I encourage the families I work with to request an October check-in meeting with their child’s school team—whether that’s the IEP team, 504 team, or general education intervention providers.
Is Your Child’s IEP Working? Schedule an IEP Check-Up Today
Not sure if your child’s IEP really fits their needs? An IEP Check-Up offers a clear, supportive review so you know what’s working, what’s missing, and how to move forward.
Why You Want a School Psychologist as Your Advocate
When your child needs support in school—whether it’s academic help, behavior strategies, or accommodations—you want someone in your corner who not only understands the system but has worked inside it. That’s exactly what you get when your advocate is a school psychologist.
Here’s why.
A Helpful Tool for Parents of Kids with Disabilities: The Explaining Brains Handout Generator
The Explaining Brains Handout Generator is a free tool that helps parents create personalized, professional handouts to clearly communicate their child’s needs with teachers and school staff.
Oregon: find out if your district teaches based on the Science of Reading
If your child has dyslexia or struggles with reading, it matters which program their school uses. This tool helps parents check whether their district is using Science of Reading–based instruction or outdated methods.
Discounted Services
In order to reduce administrative time and better serve families, I am now offering a package of 6 pre-paid service hours at a 10% discount.
Parents: Participate in paid research on child behavior
Seeking caregivers of children aged 2 to 18 to complete a survey about the child’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors following exposure to a traumatic event. Trauma exposure is not necessary to participate.
Big News for Washington Families (SB 5883)
Washington State has shifted the burden of proof in special education due process hearings from parents to school districts. Here’s what the new law means for families and how it can support your child’s IEP.
IEP services during a strike
During Portland Public Schools’ closure, students with disabilities are still owed special education services. Learn how to calculate missed IEP minutes and advocate for compensatory education when schools reopen.
Introduce your child with a one-page profile
Starting the school year with a new teacher or case manager? A one-page student profile is a simple way to share your child’s strengths, needs, and goals.
Dyslexia Empowerment
When schools delay dyslexia evaluations, students miss critical support. Learn about warning signs, advocacy tips, and the Oregon Dyslexia Association Student Empowerment Group.
hello, Washington
Big news: I’m crossing the river and expanding my practice to Washington state families.
I’m a Portlander, and for the last few years as I developed my advocacy and consulting practice, I’ve also maintained a role working in schools as a school psychologist across the Columbia in Washington. I’ve been in Washington schools for the last eight years of my career.