Bridging the Gap

Bridging the Gap: How Parents and Educators Can Collaborate Using Thoughtful Questions for Better Outcomes

Today, I sat in an IEP meeting to discuss a neuro-educational evaluation for our 14-year-old son with Down syndrome. As both a parent and a former educator, I’ve been on both sides of these meetings, yet advocating for my own child has been an emotional journey. Despite my background, I’ve faced challenges—emotionally charged discussions, misunderstandings, and the struggle to ensure my child’s needs are fully understood and met.

Today, we had a truly collaborative and supportive experience, and thank goodness it has been like that for the past 7 years. What I know deep in my soul is that most educators genuinely want to bring out the best in each child. Still, they face challenges, especially when parents don’t extend an olive branch and maintain open communication outside of IEP meetings. Educators can’t gain deep insight into a child’s unique needs without parents sharing valuable perspectives.

During the meeting, I shared a list of key questions that I had developed, and what happened next was both humbling and validating. One of my son’s teachers stopped me and said, “I have the same questions about my own son.” Another meeting participant requested a copy of my list, recognizing its value in facilitating meaningful discussions, even the neuropsychologist wanted the list. Wow! That moment reaffirmed the power of thoughtful communication in advocating for children with additional needs.

Why These Questions Matter

You might wonder, Why are these questions so important? or Why should you use them? Because they helped the neuropsychologist and educational team gain a clearer understanding of what we were trying to identify in our son’s cognitive and developmental profile. This list isn’t just a tool for assessment—it’s a gateway to meaningful collaboration.

I encourage parents and educators alike to use this list as a starting point for discussions. Modify them to fit your child’s needs, strengths, and challenges. These aren’t rigid, one-size-fits-all questions; rather, they serve as thought-provoking prompts to foster deeper understanding. Remember, educators don’t see your home life or family dynamics unless you share that information with them. The more they know, the better they can support your child with empathy and awareness.

If you have additional questions you would include, please share them with me. I’d love to hear how you’ve adapted these questions to fit your child’s needs and how they impacted your IEP meetings. Did they ease your mind? Did they help you feel more supported? Let’s start a conversation—tell me your child’s age and how you made these questions work for your situation.

Executive Functioning & Independence

• How does [Child’s Name]’s executive functioning impact their ability to plan, organize, and follow through on tasks independently?

• What strategies can be implemented to help develop better self-regulation, time management, and task initiation?

• Are there specific areas of executive dysfunction that may interfere with their ability to work a job or manage daily responsibilities?

• What tools or interventions can assist in developing independence in daily living tasks such as money management, scheduling, and personal care?

Memory & Learning

• How does [Child’s Name]’s working memory compare to their long-term memory?

• Are there specific strategies that would help retain and apply information more effectively?

• Does [Child’s Name] learn better through visual, auditory, or hands-on learning approaches?

• What memory aids, adaptive technologies, or learning tools could benefit them in the workplace or daily life?

Language Processing & Communication

• How does apraxia impact their ability to express thoughts and ideas?

• What strategies can help improve their ability to process and respond to verbal instructions?

• Are there assistive communication tools or techniques that would enhance communication in social and workplace settings?

• How do they process nonverbal cues, and are there interventions that could improve social interactions?

Sensory Integration & Emotional Regulation

• How do sensory processing challenges affect their ability to focus, engage, and function in structured environments?

• Are there specific sensory triggers that contribute to stress or anxiety, and how can we mitigate their impact?

• What self-regulation strategies or sensory-based interventions could help manage overstimulation?

• Could occupational therapy improve sensory integration and emotional regulation?

Anxiety, Depression & Emotional Well-Being

• Is there an assessment that can identify the underlying factors contributing to anxiety and depression?

• Are there specific interventions or therapies that could help build resilience and emotional coping skills?

• How does their neurological profile impact their ability to process emotions, and what support can we provide?

• What signs should we monitor for mental health concerns, and when should professional intervention be sought?

Workplace & Employment Readiness

• Based on their cognitive profile, what types of jobs or work environments would be best suited for their skills and abilities?

• How can we support the development of workplace social skills, including interacting with supervisors and coworkers?

• Are there vocational training programs or community resources that would help prepare for employment and independent living?

• What accommodations or modifications might be needed in a work setting to ensure success?

Invitation to Making This a More Powerful Resource

I invite your input. What challenges have you faced in advocating for your child’s education? How have you built stronger relationships with educators? What strategies have worked for you in IEP meetings?

By sharing our experiences, we can build a stronger, more informed community—one that supports both parents and educators in the shared goal of helping every child reach their full potential.