Evaluation and therapy
Consider developmental, speech-language, occupational therapy, educational psychology, or reading evaluations when you need clearer information about needs and next steps.
You are allowed to need help
Resources & Support
If you know you need help but do not know what kind, start by naming the question: rights, evaluation, reading, attention, communication, lesson design, or parent support. The right resource depends on the problem you are trying to solve today.
Which kind of support fits the question?
Use these categories to decide your next step. A resource is helpful only if it makes the next phone call, lesson change, or record-keeping step clearer.
Learning tools
Look for decodable readers, audiobooks, speech-to-text, visual timers, pencil grips, manipulatives, and assistive technology that reduce barriers.
Parent community
Local homeschool groups, disability-specific parent groups, co-ops, and online communities can help with encouragement, curriculum ideas, and service referrals.
Legal and school records
Keep copies of evaluations, service plans, medical notes, and work samples. Check your state homeschool requirements and document what applies to your family.
Curriculum support
Choose programs with clear scope, flexible pacing, accessible formats, and enough review. A popular curriculum is not always the best fit.
Respite and family care
Support also includes breaks, meal help, sibling attention, counseling, and routines that protect the parent's capacity to keep showing up.
Where can I find reliable information?
These are starting points, not a checklist. Use the one that matches the decision in front of you, then bring notes to any professional or school conversation.
School rights and services
The U.S. Department of Education's IDEA website explains the federal special education law and gathers parent, educator, and service-provider resources.
Parent help by state
The Center for Parent Information and Resources connects families of children with disabilities to Parent Centers and plain-language resources.
Teaching practices
Vanderbilt's IRIS Center offers modules, case studies, and activities on evidence-based practices for children with disabilities.
Accessible lesson design
The CAST UDL Guidelines give concrete suggestions for offering learners different ways to engage, understand, and respond.
Reading support
Reading Rockets provides research-based reading information and classroom strategies that parents can adapt for home practice.
Dyslexia understanding
The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity is a university resource for learning about dyslexia, strengths, and supports.
Autism information
The CDC autism section covers signs, screening, treatment, services, and living with autism for families and providers.
ADHD information
The CDC ADHD section explains symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, classroom topics, and materials families can share.
Speech and language
ASHA's public resources cover speech, language, hearing, milestones, and how families can think about communication support.
What should I ask a potential helper?
- What experience do you have with children who learn like mine?
- How will you explain goals and progress in parent-friendly language?
- What can we practice at home without adding too much pressure?
- How do you respond when a child is anxious, overloaded, or resistant?
- What would make you refer us to a different specialist?