Real Talk on Advocacy: What I Shared on Understood’s “In It” Podcast
Real Talk on Advocacy: What I Shared on Understood’s In It Podcast
I recently joined the In It podcast from Understood to talk about one of my favorite subjects: parent advocacy. This work didn’t begin for me as a professional, but as a mom—trying to make sense of a confusing, emotional, and often overwhelming process to get the right support for my own kids with learning and thinking differences.
In the episode, we talk about the moments that lead families to seek help, how to know when it’s time to bring in an advocate (or an attorney), and why advocating doesn’t have to mean going to war with your district. It’s about showing up informed, confident, and clear—something I now help other families do every day.
You can listen to the full episode here:
🎧 Understood.org
🎧 Spotify
✨ 3 Highlights From the Conversation
1. When Should You Hire an Advocate vs. an Attorney?
This is a question I get a lot, and we dug into it on the show. If you’re just beginning to hit bumps—like struggling to get evaluations, unclear communication, or feeling like you’re being brushed off—that’s the time to bring in a parent advocate. We can help you get organized, understand your rights, and build a plan that gets results.
If the district is violating timelines, denying services illegally, or things have become really adversarial—then it’s time to bring in an attorney. But most families don’t need to start there. Starting with an advocate is often more collaborative and less intimidating.
2. Advocacy Isn’t About Being Pushy—It’s About Being Clear
One of the things I shared is that advocacy doesn’t have to be aggressive. You don’t have to walk into meetings ready for a fight. It’s really about being clear on what your child needs and being willing to speak up—even when it’s uncomfortable. You can be respectful and assertive at the same time.
3. The Emotional Weight Is Real (and You're Not Weak for Feeling It)
So many of us carry invisible stress around this stuff. The meetings, the phone calls, the worrying that your child is falling through the cracks—it adds up. We talked about how hard this can be, and why it’s important to give yourself grace. Just because you’re overwhelmed doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong—it probably means you care deeply.
💡 3 Quick Tips for Parents
1. Don’t Wait for a Crisis to Get Help
You don’t need to wait until things fall apart to ask for support. The earlier you bring someone in—whether it’s an advocate, therapist, or even just a second set of eyes—the more options you’ll have.
2. Keep a Paper Trail (and Trust Your Gut)
Document everything, even if it feels awkward. Notes from meetings, emails, anything that doesn’t sit right—write it down. And if you feel like something is off, trust that instinct. You know your child better than anyone.
3. Find Your People
This work is heavy. Find the other parents, caregivers, and professionals who get it. Community makes all the difference.
If you haven’t listened yet, give it a play:
🎙️ Need help advocating for your kid at school? We talk to a pro
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👉 Understood.org
👉 Spotify
👉 Apple Podcasts
If something from the episode really resonated with you—or if you’re feeling stuck and need some support—reach out. That’s what I’m here for.
—Danielle
