Thank you! I learned a lot writing it too. There is such a huge part of our school system that many of us never really see unless our own family needs it.
Thank you for writing this. So much of it gave me goosebumps and beautifully captured the complexity of navigating special education as a parent. As both a parent and Parent Mentor, I know every family’s experience is different, and I’m grateful for the support that does exist within LBUSD.
At the same time, my own journey—particularly around dyslexia—has shown me how important continued education, collaboration, and advocacy are. It’s a big part of why I helped create the Exceptional Education Committee and started the DDCA OC Dyslexia Support Group. There has been meaningful progress, but there is always more we can learn and do for our kids. Thank you for bringing such thoughtful attention to this conversation. ❤️
Thank you, Tala. Hearing this from someone who has lived it as both a parent and Parent Mentor means a lot. I really appreciated learning more about the work you and other parents have done around dyslexia, EEC, and family support.
The more I learn, the more I realize how much of this system is invisible to families who have never had to navigate it, and how important it is for the rest of us to listen and learn.
Thank you for your kind words! That was exactly what I hoped the piece could do, help those of us outside special education understand a little more of what families are carrying.
This article is so well written, and really helps people understand what parents of special needs children go through. Having raised a child many years ago who did not have special needs made me unaware of what parents and kids go through on a daily basis who need extra support. Now I am experiencing raising a ND child and it is a completely different experience. What I can say is that we are blessed to have her in the Laguna Beach Unified School District where she has thrived and has received all the support that she has needed. Thank you for writing this article and for bringing awareness to our community about special needs families and their experiences.
This is incredible, Erika. Thank you for opening my eyes to this. 🙌
Thank you! I learned a lot writing it too. There is such a huge part of our school system that many of us never really see unless our own family needs it.
Thank you for writing this. So much of it gave me goosebumps and beautifully captured the complexity of navigating special education as a parent. As both a parent and Parent Mentor, I know every family’s experience is different, and I’m grateful for the support that does exist within LBUSD.
At the same time, my own journey—particularly around dyslexia—has shown me how important continued education, collaboration, and advocacy are. It’s a big part of why I helped create the Exceptional Education Committee and started the DDCA OC Dyslexia Support Group. There has been meaningful progress, but there is always more we can learn and do for our kids. Thank you for bringing such thoughtful attention to this conversation. ❤️
Thank you, Tala. Hearing this from someone who has lived it as both a parent and Parent Mentor means a lot. I really appreciated learning more about the work you and other parents have done around dyslexia, EEC, and family support.
The more I learn, the more I realize how much of this system is invisible to families who have never had to navigate it, and how important it is for the rest of us to listen and learn.
This is so well written, well researched and empathetic. Thank you for helping others understand what it’s like for special education families. 💛
Thank you for your kind words! That was exactly what I hoped the piece could do, help those of us outside special education understand a little more of what families are carrying.
This article is so well written, and really helps people understand what parents of special needs children go through. Having raised a child many years ago who did not have special needs made me unaware of what parents and kids go through on a daily basis who need extra support. Now I am experiencing raising a ND child and it is a completely different experience. What I can say is that we are blessed to have her in the Laguna Beach Unified School District where she has thrived and has received all the support that she has needed. Thank you for writing this article and for bringing awareness to our community about special needs families and their experiences.
❤️❤️❤️
Incredible! So well researched and sensitive. Thank you!
Thank you so much, Ketta. I really wanted to approach this one carefully and do justice for these families.