Autism Resources and Support for Parents and Caregivers | myHana Autism | Autism Parent and Caregiver Support Community
Autism Resources and Support Community for Parents and Caregivers of autistic loved ones. myHana Autism experts know that family health means it's about you too
You have real challenges, we have real solutions. In today’s world, when it comes to autism-related care, questions abound. Recently, I took about 30 minutes or so to go through all the different autism and autism-related support groups that I’m a part of on Facebook. And wow! You wouldn’t believe the number of questions that […]
The technological world we live in The pro’s and cons I was born in 1953 and like so many others defined as senior citizens, I can easily be defined as technologically inept. For instance, every time something goes wrong with my iPhone, I rely upon my 26-year-old daughter to fix the problem which she […]
Some startling statistics In a recent webinar on competitive employment landscapes, some startling and all too revealing statistics were given regarding the disabled/neurodiverse population in America. Only 33.8% of adults with any disability are working (or 66.2% are unemployed) 31.2% of adults with a mental health related disability are working (of 68.8% are unemployed) Only […]
Autism Acceptance Month April has been traditionally identified as Autism Awareness Month. However, thanks to organizations like the Autism Society of America, this year, most of us have redefined the month to be Autism Acceptance Month. Today, most of us likely know someone impacted by autism. It might be a family member, school mate, neighbor, […]
Celebrating life after the pandemic Yesterday was the one year anniversary of my staying near home and always wearing a mask due to the pandemic. Today, I am finally seeing the day when not only can I stop wearing my mask but I might be able to go to a Washington Nationals baseball game this […]
Adjusting to our new norm: Each morning, I wake up to see if I can make an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine. I am 67 and have heart related issues, but all I find when I try to book an appointment online is that appointments aren’t available. While I wonder when appointments for a vaccine […]
Heading into a new year The other day, I read a Facebook post that said, “I am returning 2021 since I had a seven day grace period to return it without any questions asked.” I laughed when I read that, but it also got me thinking about how much daily stress people experience; and how […]
What a year it’s been If you’re anything like me, you can’t wait for 2020 to be over. Needless to say, it has been quite a rollercoaster of a year. All jokes aside, 2020 has been a very challenging year for most of us. We’ve had to learn new ways of getting our work done […]
Getting connected: It’s September already and some of the leaves on our property have already began to change colors. For so many of us, like the seasons, we have seen many changes and had to adjust the way we go about living. Fall is usually the season when students head back to school, football games […]
Getting back to school: For most parents with children, this is a time to gear up for the new school year. Of course, as we all know, 2020 has been a very different year. Fortunately, all of my four children are now adults (and I have two beautiful grandchildren). Challenges of remote learning: However, I […]
For most parents with children, this is a time to gear up for the new school year. Of course, as we all know, 2020 has been a very different year.
Fortunately, all of my four children are now adults (and I have two beautiful grandchildren).
However, I do know many parents that have school-age children diagnosed with autism that have serious concerns.
For those who live in school districts that have continued virtual learning, there are numerous challenges related to online learning. For example, when the child is unable to get many of the services and support needed and included in his or her IEP.
How a parent maximizes the support their child gets through virtual learning is a serious question; one that each school district needs to answer.
And, what happens if the child’s parents can’t afford a computer and/or internet access?
For parents of neurodiverse children who are returning to in-person school, there are equal but
different challenges:
These are certainly challenging times; many of the questions a parent has to address just can’t be answered. However, there are many people, including the MyHana team, that can help you get answers to your biggest questions.
Many national autism advocates are also concerned that public schools might slow down their requirements related to the provision of support and services to students impacted by a disability.
With the significant costs that schools have incurred due to COVID-19, we do not want to have schools make up budget losses by cutting services to students with a disability.
Let your voice be heard if you see a reduction in services or support by talking to the school’s superintendent, as well as school board members, tell them your concerns.
If that doesn’t work, in terms of having your concerns appropriately addressed, send an email to your state’s department of education and let them know of your concerns.
Like I tell my friends and family, things will hopefully become less chaotic and begin settling down. If you are struggling with all that is going on, seek help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your local mental health or support provider.
There is nothing wrong with saying you need help during these challenging times. I know, as a 66-year-old dad and grandpa who has recently retired, I too have days when I wonder what the future holds.
With that being said, I know that we will emerge from this time more equipped and better prepared for the future.
Sincerely,
Scott Badesch
To learn more about going back to school and taking ownership over your child’s IEP, join myHana and get 30 days free!
