Advocacy

Our Journey Begins: Autism Diagnosis Overseas Military special education advocacy became our lifeline when our son was diagnosed with Autism at a very young age while we were stationed at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan. Since then, he has had an Individualized Education Program (IEP) under the categories of Autism and Specific Learning Disability with deficits in several areas. Now 13 years old, my son is best described as an animal lover, a science enthusiast, a vegetarian

Emily's story is a powerful testament to the complex educational challenges faced by military-connected students—a journey marked by resilience, missed opportunities, and the critical importance of proactive parental advocacy, installation services (EFMP case managers), pediatrician referrals, behavioral health assessments, and community support services. The Landscape of Constant Change Emily’s educational journey was shaped by eight school transitions, 12 PCS relocations, a

In Hawaii, we tell stories to teach our keiki (children). We use these teachable moments, these mo`olelo (stories), to connect with our listeners. One of these mo`olelo tells of a Bowl of Light. Imagine each child being born with a bowl of light that shines ever so brightly. The light brings all the gifts and special qualities of the child forward. But then there are troublesome things that diminish that light or rocks that are placed in that bowl that may represent trauma, u

You may wonder why you're seeing an article discussing extended school year (ESY) services when we are only several months into the new school year. The answer is simple: It is never too early to start making your case for ESY services for your child. The earlier, the better. To effectively advocate for ESY services, it's essential to establish a strong foundation and develop a solid plan that will support your request. The first step in building the foundation is to familia

Learn how the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) supports military families with neurodivergent children, as shared by a parent who faced homeschooling challenges during COVID-19. After years without EFMP assistance, she reflects on the support she could have received. Discover Partners in PROMISE’s customizable special education binders, designed to empower military families. EFMP: Four Letters Lost On Me I didn’t know the EFMP existed until we bumped into a military f

Raising a child with special needs can be a journey filled with both rewarding and challenging moments. As a parent, you may encounter skepticism and doubt from various sources, including medical professionals, educators, and even family members. However, trusting your instincts and advocating for your child is crucial. I want to share my personal experiences and provide guidance on navigating the complexities of seeking help for your special needs child, emphasizing the impo

One of the biggest missed opportunities in special education is schools and parents not truly understanding what FAPE is, what it stands for, and how to ensure it is provided. So, what is FAPE per IDEA (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)? To receive federal funds, states must assure the U.S. Department of Education that they have policies and procedures to ensure that all children with disabilities receive a free, appropriate public education. Furthermore, child

Navigating military life is challenging, but for dual-military parents of special needs children, it can be a daunting journey filled with gaps and issues. As a single military parent of two special needs children, I have seen the emotional and educational turmoil caused by extended deployments and separation. Our story highlights the urgent need for legislative reform to ensure IEP portability across districts and states, providing consistent support. Advocating for standard

A random mom at a kids' play gym made me cry. She was trying to get my son to count with her, and I knew he wouldn’t because he hadn’t said a single word yet. When I said he couldn’t count, she asked how old he was, and I lied—I said he was two when he was actually almost three. Her face said it all, and I realized that, yes, something was amiss. Understanding Apraxia Apraxia was not on my radar. When the developmental pediatrician said apraxia was the reason he wasn't talkin

April is the Month of the Military Child and Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month. What better way to honor both than for two military spouses of two Autistic children to talk about Autism? Destiny Huff: Navigating Public School with Autistic-ADHD Child Hey - Destiny Huff here - late diagnosed Autistic-ADHD and Army spouse. I am a Doctoral Candidate in Psychology, a mental health therapist, a neuroaffirming special education advocate, and an IEP Coach. When my oldest son ent

A social-emotional developmental delay is often overlooked and manifests as struggles with transitions, demands, and emotional regulation. In special education, addressing these needs involves tailored goals, related services like counseling, and accommodations such as visual schedules. Parents are crucial in promoting emotional intelligence through open communication and seeking early intervention. Children can navigate these challenges and thrive with proactive support from

I am a neurodivergent mother, a nurse, and an Air Force Key Spouse. Nothing could have prepared me for the challenges I would face after moving to Fort Eisenhower. These challenges included losing continuity of care and discovering no Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Respite Care for an Air Force family at an Army installation. Navigating the Diagnosis: Understanding Autism My son was eight months old when I realized that he wasn't eating as well as he used to. He wen

A Black military family enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) can face unique challenges. The EFMP supports military families with members who have special medical or educational needs. However, it’s important to recognize that Black military families may face additional hurdles due to systemic inequalities and cultural factors. Some common challenges that Black military families may face include: 1. Limited Access to Culturally Competent Healthcare Many Bl

Embark on a poignant educational journey with a military family in Colorado, navigating challenges from ADHD diagnoses to IEP meetings. Facing relocations and school transitions, they share struggles, delays in evaluations, and the quest for support. Discover their decision to move for better resources, shedding light on the importance of advocating for special education students.

Dear Friends and Supporters, It’s hard to believe we are close to ending another incredible year of growth and impact with Partners in PROMISE. Where did the time go? Many of you have been with us from the very beginning when we were only a team of four military and veteran spouses, passionate about supporting our military families with special needs. The early hard work has paid off. Our team has grown to 10 members with a reach of over 3,200 followers while offering a robu

Military families require grit. It’s especially not an option when special needs kids are in the mix. I homeschooled four children; all four have major hurdles that we have worked to overcome initially through homeschooling. My oldest faces significant health challenges, but academically, there is no impact. Should he attend a traditional school, he would require a 504 plan for accommodations. My other three have required speech therapy, occupational therapy, dyslexia interve

A Transformative Tale of Advocacy and Special Needs Embarking on a personal journey as a parent can be transformative, especially when unforeseen challenges arise. In this narrative, I share a pivotal wake-up call as a mom of a child with autism and ADHD. The incident launched advocacy for my son, revealing the importance of active engagement in education and therapy. This article emphasizes open communication, involvement, and kindness for special needs children, especially

When introduced to the whirlwind of raising children with additional needs, parents often have to learn a different language to keep up. This language has an array of letters to help identify their neurodivergence – ASD, ADHD, ODD, OHI, CP, etc. Before having children, military life and our spouses formally introduce us to military jargon and an ever-expanding dictionary of acronyms. We encounter these languages within the vacuums of our lives – languages that our civilian fr

The Department of Defense released the new Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Instruction, DoDI 1315.19 on June 23, 2023. This instruction is the EFMP standardization plan we have been waiting for! Hear what Partners in PROMISE has to say about this update.

Hello, Partners in PROMISE community! My name is Destiny Huff and I am an Army spouse of almost 10 years, a mother of two amazing boys, a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Special Education Parent Advocate! I began my journey as a Mental Health Professional over a decade ago and am excited to share some social-emotional books for military kids with you!