by: Erin Dower
Standing up for your child with autism isn't easy, but every parent can learn the skills to become a powerful advocate and help improve the system for people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). One mother of a child with autism, and a legal expert on ASD, has advice for taking control and turning an overwhelming situation into something empowering. Areva Martin, Esq., offers these "Seven Principles of Advocacy" in her book, The Everyday Advocate: Standing Up for Your Child with Autism. These key principles may help you get the services and attention your child deserves in school and in life.
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Principle 1 – Take Responsibility: Be a Leader
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Principle 2 – Learn: Be an Expert
Find the critical books, articles, and other materials on autism and special education. Also, identify 10 key experts in the field, read what they have published online and/or in print, and consider contacting them personally as a resource, if possible.
Source: The Everyday Advocate: Standing Up for Your Child with Autism
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Principle 3 – Think Critically: Be Discerning
Source: The Everyday Advocate: Standing Up for Your Child with Autism
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Principle 4 – Speak with Authority: Be Proactive
Source: The Everyday Advocate: Standing Up for Your Child with Autism
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Principle 5 – Document: Be Prepared
Also consider keeping a journal for you and your child to record his experiences his strengths and challenges, artwork and summer camp certificates, and so on so that you can share it with new teachers, babysitters, and even relatives to help give a glimpse of your child's life.
Source: The Everyday Advocate: Standing Up for Your Child with Autism
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Principle 6 – Collaborate: Be a Team Builder
Source: The Everyday Advocate: Standing Up for Your Child with Autism
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Principle 7 – Educate: Be a Voice for Your Child
When you encounter those who make rude or insensitive remarks, take the opportunity to change things for the better rather than taking offense or disregarding it. Every person you affect will affect others.
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