Comprehensive training from The Everyday Advocate

Modeled after Areva Martin’s book, The Everyday Advocate, this online educational series is tailored for parents of newly diagnosed children, as well as advocates and medical, educational, and human service professionals including social workers, teachers, and child care providers.

Session 1: Early Diagnosis

This introductory video shares information about autism and its diagnosis including advice on seeking an evaluation. It covers the key behaviors that may indicate a developmental disability, guides parents and caregivers on documentation for pursuing a diagnosis, and shares strategies for coping with grief and stress.

Session 2: Call to Advocacy

Participants learn the seven principles of advocacy and gain skills to take action and make positive change. Topics include learning to communicate, educate and find the right balance between family and advocacy. The session covers important life skills including creating empowerment circles for your child and family.

Session 3: The Therapy Maze

Navigating the maze of complex institutions and services demands specialized advocacy skills. Early intervention is a child’s legal right, and this session explains how to exercise it. The course covers information about a range of services and arms participants with the information to partner with service providers to identify and access what works best for that individual child. 

Session 4: Your Child’s Education

The advocacy toolkit is critical to making the transition from early intervention to the school district. This class breaks down the parts of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and related legal rights in accessing services and supports. The conversation covers different placement options available through an IEP and other non-public school settings as well as typical timelines and strategies for resolving conflict.

Certificate of Achievement

Congratulations! You have Successfully Completed an Intensive Parent Advocacy and Mentoring Training
in Special Needs Network’s Parent Advocacy Mentor Program (PAM) Online.

Click on the button below to download your certificate.

Questions? Call 323.291.7100 or email us at Mary@snnla.org.