Author: Lisa Lightner

I'm an IEP/Special Education Advocate who has attended 100s of IEP meetings. I live in Chester County, PA with my husband and two boys, one is disabled. My goal is to make your IEP process easier. When I'm not here, I'm probably in Harrisburg or DC lobbying for systems change for our kids.
What is Pathological Demand Avoidance?

What is Pathological Demand Avoidance?

Pathological demand avoidance in autism explained Pathological demand avoidance (PDA) is a contentious term. Over the past 40 years, some clinicians have used it to…

What to Do in NYC with Kids

What to Do in NYC with Kids

Planning a family trip to New York City? From museums and parks to the Staten Island Ferry, you won’t want to miss these things to…

List of IEP Goals for ADHD

List of IEP Goals for ADHD

For a long time, as I worked with clients, we fought the battle to get a child an IEP for ADHD rather than just the…

Do Chair Bands for ADHD work?

Do Chair Bands for ADHD work?

One of the less positive things about my job as an IEP advocate is that, I am so often surprised and disappointed at what some…

Is Lindamood Bell Worth the Money?

Is Lindamood Bell Worth the Money?

Inside: Many parents consider paying for Lindamood Bell programs to help their kids read. But, is it worth the money? Several years ago, my cousins…

Why Are IEPs Important?

Why Are IEPs Important?

Inside: I hear from many parents who “don’t even want to bother” with an IEP. It’s a sentiment I understand, but you may want to…

What is Differentiated Instruction?

What is Differentiated Instruction?

Inside: Differentiated Instruction is a term that gets a lot of buzz these days. But, while differentiating instruction has a lot of value, it further…

How Long is an IEP Meeting?

How Long is an IEP Meeting?

Inside: How long do IEP meetings last? And what should you do if you feel your IEP meeting is too short or too long? Sharing…

12 Best Free Math Apps for Kids

12 Best Free Math Apps for Kids

With so many more kids learning at home or on a hybrid program, I am finding more parents frustrated at math. It’s just not taught…

Sign up for Kids Bowl Free

Sign up for Kids Bowl Free

Have you ever participated in Kids Bowl Free? It’s a fantastic program which allows children to bowl for free all summer long at participating bowling…

What is an IEP Meeting?

What is an IEP Meeting?

Inside: Learn what an IEP meeting is, and what is the purpose of an IEP meeting. And, how to be your child’s best advocate at…

Mental Health and Racism (video)

Mental Health and Racism (video)

During the summer of 2020, after the unfortunate incident with George Floyd and his murder, I was motivated to use my platform to try and…

Black and Autistic (video)

Black and Autistic (video)

During the summer of 2020, after the unfortunate incident with George Floyd and his murder, I was motivated to use my platform to try and…

The Extraordinary Burden of IEPs on Moms.

The Extraordinary Burden of IEPs on Moms.

Imagine this, parents. Imagine you are envisioning your child’s future, and the different pieces of his/her future are trading cards. And you say, “Ok, I will give you this card for safety, and in exchange, I get to keep all the cards for food.”

Hand Flapping, Stimming, and Autism

Hand Flapping, Stimming, and Autism

No, just because your child flaps their hands does not mean they are autistic. And, even if it did, we need to stop treating autism like it’s some terrible thing.

Ableism and Autism Moms

Ableism and Autism Moms

I am just steamed this morning. Nothing like waking up to see 250k special needs moms being ableists and wallowing in ableism. Have you seen…

What is Occupational Therapy for Kids?

What is Occupational Therapy for Kids?

OT and school-based occupational therapy help students with disabilities develop the skills they need to participate in daily activities at home and school.

4 Functions of Behavior and your FBA/Behavior Plan

4 Functions of Behavior and your FBA/Behavior Plan

If parents (and teachers!) have a better understanding of the four functions of behavior, the history behind the philosophy, and the many flaws, you can be a better advocate for a child exhibiting behaviors.

Can You Have an IEP and a 504?

Can You Have an IEP and a 504?

Learn what an IEP provides and what a 504 provides, and why it’s not a case of “more is better. Your child should not need both.

Is an IEP a Legal Document?

Is an IEP a Legal Document?

Inside: Yes, an IEP is a legally binding document. Understand the framework and laws behind IEPs and what to do if you have a legal…

Dear IEP Team: Don’t Call Me Mom.

Dear IEP Team: Don’t Call Me Mom.

Does your IEP team call you “Mom” at IEP meetings? Are you comfortable with that? Let’s explore the pros and cons to this common gesture, and ways to change it if you wish.

What is IDEA Child Find?

What is IDEA Child Find?

“That’s a Child Find issue.You need to report them for Child Find!” If your child has an IEP, chances are you have heard these phrases.

What is CVI Cortical Visual Impairment?

What is CVI Cortical Visual Impairment?

Cortical Visual Impairment I recently attended a conference to educate myself on Cortical Visual Impairment, one of my son’s diagnoses. It was so enlightening and…

504 Plans, explained.

504 Plans, explained.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is a federal law designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive…