Build a Better IEP™

What is FASD? A Parent’s Guide to FASD Diagnosis and IEP Accommodations

Guest blog by Sarah Vakharia, LEP, ABSNP, and Karen Veinbergs, LEP, ABSNP, Board Certified School Neuropsychologists

Did you know Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) affect as many as 1 in 20 children in the United States?

That’s more common than autism and Down Syndrome combined. Yet, FASD is...

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First IEP Meeting for Parents: 7 Tips to Prepare With Confidence

Your first IEP is overwhelming... 

Hearing new IEP acronyms, meeting teachers you never knew existed, and wondering, 'What is an IEP?’ You're fearful of saying the wrong thing and desperately want to understand the IEP process.

Take a deep breath.

You don’t need to know everything before your fir...

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Early Signs of Dyslexia Parents Often Miss — And When to Act

Guest blog by Megan Pinchback, MBA, LDT, CALT, owner and founder of Dyslexia On Demand

Many families are told to “wait and see” when a child struggles with early reading skills.

But the early signs of dyslexia often appear before formal reading instruction even begins. These indicators may show u...

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The 6 Pillars of IDEA Law: What Every Parent Must Know About IEP Rights

If your child has an IEP or you think they need one, IDEA protects them.

But many parents are never taught what IDEA actually says. Schools tell you there’s an “IEP Process”, but don’t explain what it looks like.

Here’s what you need to know. IDEA stands for the Individuals with Disabilities Educa...

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Strength-Based IEPs: Empowering Parents in Special Education Meetings

Many parents feel nervous before IEP meetings start. They expect to hear long lists of what their child does “wrong” or what needs to be “fixed.” 

Over time, the language becomes upsetting and discouraging. It makes you feel like your child is seen ONLY for their challenges, not for who they truly ...

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5 Behavior Management Strategies to Increase Kids’ Independence

Guest blog by Kristin Lombardi, MA, BCBA, and Christine Drew, PhD, BCBA-D, Associate Professor of Special Education at Auburn University

For many families, managing or avoiding challenging behavior is a significant focus of their daily lives.

Many feel like they’re “walking on eggshells” or “waiti...

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Executive Functioning Tips: 5 Ways to Empower Students

Guest blog by Natasha M. Nurse, Esq., MRM Managing Director, Partnerships & Business Operations

Picture this: In Mrs. Thompson’s fourth-grade classroom, nine-year-old Elijah often stared at his math worksheet like it was written in another language. While his peers quickly dove in, Elijah sat froze...

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Worried Your Grandchild May Have a Disability? Here's What to Do

Cathy was worried about her grandson. He was almost three, and his speech was limited. She knew the conversation with her daughter would be hard.

As a grandparent, it’s natural to worry about your grandkids. A grandparent’s unique perspective, experience, and intuition help you recognize when some...

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Accommodations vs. Modifications: What's the Difference?

You want the best for your student or child’s education. This couldn’t be more important when they have a disability.

Enter two of the most frequently used and least understood tools: accommodation and modification. Let’s define them and what they look like, as well as prompting and cueing. Then, f...

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IEPs Aren't Seasonal: How to Request IEP Testing Now

Feeling lost in the IEP Maze? Discover how to secure the right help for your child.

The journey to secure your child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP) can feel overwhelming!

You're not alone. Let's simplify it together. Explore the signs your child might need an IEP when requesting testing and...

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Demystifying IEE Evaluations: What Parents Need to Know

What is an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)?

Guest blog by Meredith Gleason, award-winning Licensed Educational Psychologist, founder and director of Empower Child Learning

What is an IEE, and how do you get one for your child? Dig deep into key differences between IEEs and district evalua...

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IEP vs 504 Plan: Understand the Difference and Choose Right

As a parent, few things weigh on your heart like watching your child struggle in school.

You want to provide the best possible support, but the world of education plans can be a bewildering labyrinth. Let's highlight two common paths within this maze: an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and 504 Pla...

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