In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, host Frances Shefter welcomes Melissa Stein, a seasoned special education advocate serving Maryland, Virginia, and DC. Melissa’s journey into advocacy began when she became a parent to three autistic children. Navigating the special education system on behalf of her family led her to become a certified special education teacher and autism specialist.
Frances and Melissa share how personal experiences often lead professionals into the field of advocacy. Frances began as a special education teacher, became an attorney, and now also advocates for her own children. Melissa emphasized that many professionals are drawn to education and advocacy because of personal connections and challenges they’ve experienced firsthand.
The Birth of “Advocate Navigator”
Melissa explained the origins of her business, Advocate Navigator. Initially, she didn’t see herself as an “advocate” but as a “navigator,” aiming to help parents find their own way through the complex special education landscape. Her mission remains empowering parents to be the best advocates for their children, providing them with knowledge, options, and support.
Frances added that every parent’s definition of what’s best for their child can vary greatly, and both professionals agreed that it’s essential to help families explore their options while staying grounded in what the data supports.
Challenges in the Special Education System
Both advocates highlighted common challenges:
Lack of Transparency: Schools often don’t fully inform parents about available services or placement options.
Restrictive Placements: Behaviors are often misinterpreted, leading schools to recommend more restrictive environments, even when the root causes (like boredom or unmet sensory needs) suggest the opposite.
Outdated Thinking: Some administrators and teachers may lack updated training on current laws and best practices.
Melissa stressed the importance of staying candid with clients, even refusing cases when parents sought solutions she believed weren’t in the child’s best interest. She shared a personal story about rejecting a restrictive placement for her daughter, trusting her instincts as both a parent and professional.
Behavioral Supports: Looking Beyond the Surface
Frances and Melissa discussed the critical importance of understanding the reasons behind challenging behaviors. Often, behaviors stem from being either academically overwhelmed or under-stimulated. Instead of punitive measures like suspensions, they advocate for:
Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs): Identifying triggers and underlying causes.
Creative Accommodations: Simple changes, like allowing a child to take short breaks to regulate after overstimulating activities.
Teacher Support: Providing practical tools and resources to educators that do not place additional burdens on them.
Melissa noted that supporting teachers benefits both the students and the school staff, leading to better outcomes for everyone involved.
Collaboration Over Confrontation
Both Frances and Melissa emphasized a collaborative approach to advocacy. They strive to support teachers and administrators rather than create adversarial situations. However, they acknowledge that sometimes legal or formal challenges become necessary when schools resist reasonable accommodations or misunderstand their legal obligations.
They also discussed the importance of parents having support during meetings — whether it’s a professional advocate or just a trusted friend — to ensure productive, balanced discussions.
A Crucial Resource for Crisis Situations
Melissa shared a valuable resource: the Sheppard Pratt Urgent Care in Elkridge, Maryland. This facility offers psychiatric assessments in a calm, supportive setting — a much-needed alternative to crowded emergency rooms for families facing mental health crises. Frances praised this resource and promised to include the details in the show notes.
Final Thoughts: Empowering Parents
Melissa offers an “Autism 101” consultation for families new to navigating autism diagnoses. She reassures parents that seeking help is a sign of strength and that informed parents can make empowered decisions.
Frances closed the episode by reminding listeners that parents and caregivers don’t have to go through the special education journey alone. Whether seeking initial advice or full legal support, professionals like Frances and Melissa are ready to help.
Frances Shefter is an Education Attorney and Advocate who is committed to helping her clients have a Stress-Free IEP® experience. In each podcast, Frances interviews inspiring people to share information, educate you, empower you and help you get the knowledge you need.
Navigating Special Education: Personal Journeys & Practical Solutions with Melissa Stein
Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 93
From Personal Experience to Professional Advocacy
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, host Frances Shefter welcomes Melissa Stein, a seasoned special education advocate serving Maryland, Virginia, and DC. Melissa’s journey into advocacy began when she became a parent to three autistic children. Navigating the special education system on behalf of her family led her to become a certified special education teacher and autism specialist.
Frances and Melissa share how personal experiences often lead professionals into the field of advocacy. Frances began as a special education teacher, became an attorney, and now also advocates for her own children. Melissa emphasized that many professionals are drawn to education and advocacy because of personal connections and challenges they’ve experienced firsthand.
The Birth of “Advocate Navigator”
Melissa explained the origins of her business, Advocate Navigator. Initially, she didn’t see herself as an “advocate” but as a “navigator,” aiming to help parents find their own way through the complex special education landscape. Her mission remains empowering parents to be the best advocates for their children, providing them with knowledge, options, and support.
Frances added that every parent’s definition of what’s best for their child can vary greatly, and both professionals agreed that it’s essential to help families explore their options while staying grounded in what the data supports.
Challenges in the Special Education System
Both advocates highlighted common challenges:
Melissa stressed the importance of staying candid with clients, even refusing cases when parents sought solutions she believed weren’t in the child’s best interest. She shared a personal story about rejecting a restrictive placement for her daughter, trusting her instincts as both a parent and professional.
Behavioral Supports: Looking Beyond the Surface
Frances and Melissa discussed the critical importance of understanding the reasons behind challenging behaviors. Often, behaviors stem from being either academically overwhelmed or under-stimulated. Instead of punitive measures like suspensions, they advocate for:
Melissa noted that supporting teachers benefits both the students and the school staff, leading to better outcomes for everyone involved.
Collaboration Over Confrontation
Both Frances and Melissa emphasized a collaborative approach to advocacy. They strive to support teachers and administrators rather than create adversarial situations. However, they acknowledge that sometimes legal or formal challenges become necessary when schools resist reasonable accommodations or misunderstand their legal obligations.
They also discussed the importance of parents having support during meetings — whether it’s a professional advocate or just a trusted friend — to ensure productive, balanced discussions.
A Crucial Resource for Crisis Situations
Melissa shared a valuable resource: the Sheppard Pratt Urgent Care in Elkridge, Maryland. This facility offers psychiatric assessments in a calm, supportive setting — a much-needed alternative to crowded emergency rooms for families facing mental health crises. Frances praised this resource and promised to include the details in the show notes.
Final Thoughts: Empowering Parents
Melissa offers an “Autism 101” consultation for families new to navigating autism diagnoses. She reassures parents that seeking help is a sign of strength and that informed parents can make empowered decisions.
Frances closed the episode by reminding listeners that parents and caregivers don’t have to go through the special education journey alone. Whether seeking initial advice or full legal support, professionals like Frances and Melissa are ready to help.
Learn more about Melissa Stein:
***************************************************
Stress-Free IEP®:
Frances Shefter is an Education Attorney and Advocate who is committed to helping her clients have a Stress-Free IEP® experience. In each podcast, Frances interviews inspiring people to share information, educate you, empower you and help you get the knowledge you need.
Watch more episodes of Stress-Free IEP®:
Connect and learn more from your host, Frances Shefter:
Categories