Navigating the IEP Maze: How to Advocate for Your Teen & Overcome School System Barriers

Is your teen struggling in school, but you’re hitting roadblocks trying to get them the support they need? The IEP (Individualized Education Program) process can be overwhelming—especially for minority parents facing additional challenges. In this episode, I sit down with Maria Davis-Pierre, a licensed mental health counselor, autism advocate, and founder of Autism in Black.

Maria shares her personal journey navigating the special education system for her neurodivergent children and exposes the hidden biases that often prevent Black and minority children from getting the right diagnosis and accommodations. She also provides practical strategies for parents to advocate effectively, empower their teens, and navigate the IEP process with confidence.

 

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

• The biggest mistakes parents make when advocating for their child’s IEP—and how to avoid them
• Why Black and minority children are often mislabeled as behavioral problems instead of receiving proper support
• How to involve your teen in their IEP process and teach them self-advocacy skills
• The hidden biases in school support systems that every parent should know about

5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS

1. Know Your Rights – Understanding the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) is crucial for effective advocacy.
2. Cultural Bias Exists – Many minority children are misdiagnosed or overlooked, making advocacy even more critical.
3. Empower Your Teen – Teens who participate in their own IEP process develop stronger self-advocacy skills for the future.
4. Leverage Their Strengths – Connecting accommodations to your teen’s interests can make learning more engaging.
5. Give Yourself Grace – The IEP process is challenging, but you are your child's best advocate.

 

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CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Maria Davis-Pierre

• Website: autisminblack.org
• Instagram: @autisminblack

 

CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam Caswell

• Website: AskDrCam.com
• Instagram: @DrCamCaswell
• TikTok: @the.teen.translator
• YouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam
• Facebook: @DrCamCaswell

 

ABOUT THE SHOW

The Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam Podcast is your go-to resource for navigating the challenges of raising teenagers. Hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, an adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach, this podcast offers practical parenting strategies, expert advice, and real-world insights to help you build a stronger relationship with your teen and support their emotional growth. Whether you’re struggling with teenage behavior or looking to improve communication, each episode provides actionable tips to make parenting teens easier and more rewarding.

 

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EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 Navigating the IEP Process: A Personal Journey 02:49 Cultural Responsivity in Autism Support 05:52 Advocacy: The Unique Challenges for Minority Parents 09:04 Understanding the Special Education Process 12:00 Identifying Signs of Learning Difficul