Remember you are your child's number one advocate. No one will advocate for your child the way you will.

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Be assertive! That is different from being aggressive. You can be firm and straight to the point while still maintaining composure.

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Document everything. Keeping a telephone log will help you especially if you run into any problems in the future. Always jot down who it is you are speaking to, what the conversation was about, what day and time you spoke.

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Follow up on phone conversations and subsequent meetings with letters that repeat what you have agreed to.

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Leave a paper trail. Writing letters is an effective way of getting what you want. I suggest that if you are mailing an important letter send it certified/return receipt mail. The card will then be mailed back to you with a signature on it indicating that the letter was received.

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Always make copies of everything even letters that you send. That way you have them handy when needed.

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Create a file just for advocacy information, this helps keep your information organized.

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Talk with other parents to discuss strategies, common problems, and work for solutions. You are not alone.

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Read up and become informed about your child’s disability and effective treatment methods available.

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Remember no one knows your child better than you!