The War is Won Before the Battle Begins
Most parents walk into an IEP meeting hoping to be heard. You are going to walk in prepared to be heeded.
Step 1: Gather Your "Evidence Locker"
The school has data (grades, test scores). You need better data. For a 2e child, grades often hide the struggle. You must reveal it.
The "Invisible Struggle" Checklist
- Work Samples: The math worksheet that took 3 hours to complete (mark the time on top!). The essay that is brilliant but illegible.
- Communication Logs: Emails from teachers mentioning "missed assignments" or "behavior" issues.
- Private Evaluations: Neuropsych reports, OT evaluations, or therapist letters. (School evaluations are often less comprehensive).
- The "Home" Data: A log of meltdowns after school. This proves that your child is "holding it together" at school at the cost of their mental health.
Step 2: Review & Identify the Gaps
Look at the last IEP (or report card). Compare it to reality.
[Image: Diagram showing Gap Analysis between School Perception and 2e Reality]The School Says:
"Student is reading at grade level."
The Reality (2e Gap):
"Yes, but they have zero comprehension when the room is noisy due to auditory processing issues."
Your Goal: Find every instance where your child's "potential" does not match their "output."
Step 3: Prep for Your AI Co-Pilot
You don't have to analyze 50 pages of psychological reports alone. Use AI to find the leverage points for you.
How to do it:
- Digitize: Scan your child's Neuropsych Evaluation and current IEP into PDF format.
- Anonymize: CRITICAL. Black out your child's name, address, and DOB before uploading anything.
- The Prompt: Upload the PDF and ask the AI:
"Act as a Special Education Advocate. Analyze this evaluation. List 3 specific accommodations that would support the deficits listed in the 'Executive Function' section. Also, flag any goals in the current IEP that are not measurable."
Step 4: Set Your Agenda
Never walk into a meeting asking "What do you think we should do?" Walk in saying "This is what my child needs."
- Draft 3 Priority Goals: What is the #1 thing stopping your child from learning? (e.g., "Task Initiation," "Sensory Regulation," "Self-Advocacy").
- Prepare "The Hard Questions": Do not let them gloss over the details.
Meeting Strategy: The "Collaborative Bulldog"
You want to be friendly but immovable on rights.
The "Smart but Lazy" Defense
They say: "He just needs to try harder."
You say: "The evaluation shows a processing speed in the 12th percentile. 'Trying harder' won't fix a neurological deficit. He needs a modification."
The "Data" Defense
They say: "We don't see that behavior here."
You say: "I have logged 4 meltdowns this week immediately upon getting in the car. This indicates he is masking all day. We need a break pass added to the IEP."
Read more about countering School Tactics →
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