Autism coach Deanna Picon shares back-to-school tips for special needs parents

Deanna Picon, founder of Your Autism Coach LLC, is urging parents of children with autism to prepare for the new school year by building school partnerships, understanding legal rights, asking for help and practicing self-care. The advice comes as families face added pressure from staff shortages, budget cuts and a demanding special education system.

Why it matters: - The start of the school year can raise stress for parents of children with autism, especially when special education systems face staff shortages and budget cuts. - Stronger parent-school coordination and better self-care can make the transition less overwhelming and help children get the support they need.

What happened: - Autism coach and author Deanna Picon shared four back-to-school tips for special needs parents. - Picon is the founder of Your Autism Coach LLC and a nationally recognized autism and special needs parenting expert. - Picon has more than 20 years of experience working with special needs families. - Picon is also a mother of a young adult man with autism. - Picon wrote "Special Needs Student Success: How To Have A Great School Year With Your Autistic Child."

The details: - Picon’s first tip is for parents to build productive partnerships with school staff. - That includes attending parent-teacher conferences, IEP meetings and staying in regular contact with teachers, therapists and administrators. - Picon advises parents to be open, honest and amicable with school staff. - Picon also encourages parents to set realistic goals based on their child’s abilities. - Her second tip is to understand a child’s legal rights and the resources available through special education. - Parents should review the Individualized Education Program carefully and request clarification or changes when needed. - Picon says parents need to know both their rights and their child’s rights to advocate for the support and services their child is legally entitled to receive. - The third tip is to ask for help from family, friends, trained professionals and support groups. - Picon says feeling stressed or overwhelmed is normal and that seeking help is a sign of strength. - The fourth tip is self-care. - Picon says parents should get enough rest, eat well, exercise and make time for activities that bring joy and relaxation. - Picon is also the author of "The Autism Parents' Guide To Reclaiming Your Life," "Surviving The Thunderbolt: How To Cope When Your Child Is Diagnosed With Autism" and "Special Needs Holiday Magic: How To Enjoy A Great Holiday Season With Your Autistic Child." - Your Autism Coach LLC offers personalized guidance and support programs for special needs parents. - More information is available at the company’s website. - Picon received the 2023 "Top Family Guidance Writer" award from Exceptional Needs Today Magazine. - Picon received the 2020 and 2018 "Top Parental Advice Writer" awards from Autism Parenting Magazine. - Picon’s articles have appeared in Exceptional Parent Magazine and Parenting Special Needs Magazine.

Between the lines: - The advice reflects a broader message that parents do not have to manage the school transition alone. - The emphasis on legal rights suggests that preparation and advocacy are as important as emotional support during back-to-school season. - The self-care guidance also signals a practical point: parents are more effective advocates when their own needs are not ignored.

What's next: - Parents preparing for the school year can use Picon’s tips to reduce friction with schools and set expectations early. - Families may also look to support programs like Your Autism Coach LLC for additional guidance during the school year.

The bottom line: - The back-to-school transition for autism families is easier when parents stay engaged, know their rights, ask for help and protect their own well-being.