260. The Most Important Page in the IEP (That Many Parents Forget to Use)

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon Urquiola dives deep into one of the most overlooked — yet powerful — tools in special education: the Parent Input Statement.

If you’ve ever walked into an IEP meeting feeling unprepared, intimidated, or unsure what to say, this episode is for you.

Shannon breaks down: • What the Parent Input Statement actually is • Why it legally matters • What should (and should not) be included • How to write about academics, behavior, communication, sensory needs, executive functioning, social skills, anxiety, and transition planning • Why wording matters more than you think • And how working with the right advocate can completely change the trajectory of your child’s services

You are the only person at that IEP table who has known your child their entire life. Your voice deserves to be documented clearly and strategically.

If it’s not in writing, it doesn’t exist.

This episode will help you walk into your next IEP meeting informed, confident, and prepared.

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