How to Advocate for Your Child with Learning Disabilities in Denver

Advocating for your child with learning disabilities can feel overwhelming at times. Whether your child has ADHD, dyslexia, autism, or another learning difference, they likely need extra support in school, at home, and / or in social settings. As a parent, you play a pivotal role in ensuring those needs are recognized and met.

The good news? Advocacy doesn’t have to be complicated or something you go at alone. By taking consistent, intentional steps, you can help your child build confidence and thrive. Here are five ways to start.

1. Learn About Your Child’s Unique Needs

The more you understand about your child and how their brain learns, the better off you’ll be to advocate for them. Every child’s experience with neurodivergence is unique, and strategies that work for one child may not work for another.

How to Take Action:

• Read books, articles, and reliable online resources about your child’s diagnosis.
• Attend workshops or webinars to learn practical tools from professionals.
• Consult with experts like educational therapists, psychologists, or pediatricians.

2. Build a Strong Partnership with Teachers and School Staff

School is where many advocacy conversations happen. Teachers and administrators need to understand your child’s strengths and challenges so they can provide the right support. When parents and educators work together, kids benefit most.

How to Take Action:

• Be proactive in sharing information about your child at the start of the year. Consider creating a one-page document with your child and sharing it with each teacher.
• Advocate for accommodations through an IEP or 504 Plan and ensure your child is receiving those accommodations.
• Show up to meetings prepared with notes and examples of what’s working (or not).

3. Understand Your Rights

There are laws in place to protect students with learning differences. Knowing your child’s rights ensures they receive the services and accommodations they’re entitled to.

How to Take Action:

• Learn the basics of the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).
• Request evaluations or accommodations in writing to establish documentation.
• Keep organized records of school communications, progress reports, and all IEP or 504 documents.

4. Create a Supportive Home Environment

Advocacy doesn’t stop at school. Home is where your child builds resilience and confidence. A structured, positive environment provides the stability they need to grow.

How to Take Action:

• Set consistent routines for homework, meals, and bedtime.
• Provide an organized, low-distraction space for schoolwork.
• Encourage open conversations where your child feels safe expressing challenges.

5. Teach Your Child Self-Advocacy Skills

The ultimate goal of advocacy is for your child to eventually advocate for themselves. Even small steps toward self-advocacy can boost their independence and self-confidence.

How to Take Action:

• Role-play situations where they practice asking for help or requesting accommodations.
• Help them understand both their strengths and their challenges.
• Celebrate when they successfully advocate, no matter how small the step.

Supporting Your Child With Learning Disabilities

Advocating for your child with learning disabilities is a journey. By deepening your knowledge, partnering with educators, knowing your rights, creating a supportive home, and building your child’s self-advocacy skills, you’re setting them up for lasting success.

At Strive Learning Solutions, we partner with families to ensure every child’s unique needs are understood and supported. With monthly teacher check-ins, we pride ourselves in providing the most holistic tutoring support possible, whether you prefer to meet in-person or virtually.

Inquire today to learn how we can support your child, regardless of their age or diagnosed learning difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to advocate for a child with learning disabilities?
Advocating means ensuring your child receives the right educational support, accommodations, and understanding at school. It includes communicating effectively with teachers, understanding your child’s rights, and collaborating with professionals who can help your child thrive.

How can parents advocate for their child during school meetings or IEP discussions?
Come prepared with documentation, recent assessments, and a clear list of your child’s strengths and needs. Bringing support from a tutor or educational professional can also make these meetings more productive.

How does Strive Learning Solutions help parents advocate for their child?
We partner closely with families and schools to provide data and progress check-ins. Our team helps translate assessments into actionable goals, ensuring that every child’s strengths and learning needs are clearly understood and supported.

Does Strive offer advocacy and learning support in Denver?
Yes. Strive Learning Solutions provides tutoring, executive functioning coaching, and educational assessments throughout the Denver Metro area, including Arvada, Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, and Golden, as well as virtual services for families anywhere.