Updated February 2026
Advocating for your student with special needs 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.
Advocating for a student receiving special education services means taking intentional steps at school and at home. From understanding your child’s learning profile to preparing for IEP meetings and teaching self-advocacy, effective advocacy is both proactive and collaborative.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear roadmap for supporting your child’s special education services with confidence.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Brian Allender is the founder of Strive Learning Solutions, a specialized tutoring company focused on supporting neurodivergent students, including those with learning disabilities, dyslexia, ADHD, and autism. Strive Learning Solutions provides highly personalized, expert instruction to build both academic skills and confidence. With nearly a decade of experience working with neurodivergent students across all grade levels, Brian leads a team committed to empowering students to make meaningful, lasting progress.
