Title: Using a Special Education Advocate | Center for Autism Research
Headings: Using a Special Education Advocate
Using a Special Education Advocate
Content: The school district was aware, however, and meetings were hostile from the beginning.) What experience does the advocate have in working with families with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? Does the advocate have experience working for children whose abilities or disabilities are like your child’s? Is the advocate willing to provide you with references? Talk to families who have used the advocate to learn about the advocate ’s responsiveness, professionalism, knowledge, and effectiveness. What was the advocate ’s demeanor during meetings (passive, methodical, antagonistic, conciliatory, accusing, composed, emotional, business-like)? How much does the advocate charge? Does he or she charge by the hour or by the job? If the advocate charges by the hour, don’t forget the time that the advocate will spend reviewing your child’s records, on the phone, and researching programs or services. Does the advocate have a child who has received special education services?