Common Sense Advocate

02/16/2026

Taking the week off for a long deserved IEP.

01/29/2026

As a parent of an adult who wanders and an advocate that helps parents with school wandering issues, I am very happy with all the new members of the IACC, but especially for the nomination of National Autism Association’s Krystal Higgins, for the safety awareness it will bring our community.

“The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the appointments of new public members to the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC). The IACC is a federal advisory committee composed of public stakeholders and federal officials that coordinates federal activities concerning autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and provides advice to the HHS Secretary on issues related to autism.”

The individuals appointed bring a fresh perspective including advocates for wandering/eloping safety, Spellers, biomedical and alternative interventions, legislative and systems change leaders. We at Educate. Advocate. applaud these appointments.

https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/hhs-kennedy-appoints-new-interagency-autism-coordinating-committee.html

10/14/2025

Educate. Advocate. and I were blessed to to be honored for our advocacy at the Capitol of California for the past 10 years.

Here’s to many more years at the state, federal and the IEP level with families like mine who deserve a Free and Appropriate in person education.

This weekend Educate. Advocate. was blessed to attend the 10 year Gala for A Voice for Choice!

They were recognized for their “unrelenting voice in advocating”.

“With deepest gratitude and a heartful appreciation, we honor “ board members “for steadfast dedication —- whose tireless efforts uplift human rights, inspire justice and hope, and light the way for generations. Thank you for lending your courage, compassion, and unwavering strength to championing a better future.”

If you would like to help us in our continued advocacy, please consider a donation. You can find more information at:

https://www.educateadvocateca.com

09/07/2025

The number one people with autism die is wandering. Please share everywhere!!!

09/07/2025

The number one people with autism die is wandering. Please share everywhere!!!

Missing 26 yr old with ASD!

This is Robert, he left his home some time after 11 pm- 4 am PST (9/6-9/7) Santa Clarita area. Carrying a red sleeping bag roll. He is high functioning. Looking for him and have contacted sheriffs department. Please pray for his safe return. Call: 818.325.9910 if you see him.

03/25/2025

Happy Spring! I will be on vacation from March 27-April 6.

If you are need of immediate please contact https://www.educateadvocateca.com/about-educate-advocate and they can point you in the right direction for help.

06/27/2024

Very excited to see this make progress.

DRC-sponsored by Senator Anthony Portantino just passed the Assembly Education Committee unanimously thanks to the support of Chair Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi and committee members.

SB 445 ensures school districts have the necessary tools and guidance to quickly and accurately translate a student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to the family's preferred language. Some school districts translate materials within days, while others can take months. If a parent is not fully informed about the contents of an IEP, their student could be improperly served and their academic progress can be delayed.

We are thankful for Senator Portantino's relentless support of special education and for our legislative partners Educate. Advocate. , Innovate Public Schools, SpEducational, and the dozens of supporting organizations.

SB 445 heads to Assembly Appropriations Committee for further consideration.

06/01/2024

I love parents who fight for what seems small, but is actually a big deal.

Without bussing it can limits parents the availability to work and provide for their family.

If you have been denied bussing you can use this ruling as a starting place to get your child the appropriate services.

This is not law advice as I’m not attorney, just a little FYI!

https://www.dgs.ca.gov/OAH/Case-Types/Special-Education/Services/-/media/Divisions/OAH/Special-Education/SE-Decisions/2024/1---Jan/2023070164-AccMod.pdf

04/04/2024

Autism and Wandering:
Roughly half, or 48%, of children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder attempt to elope from a safe environment, a rate nearly four times higher than their unaffected siblings.
More than one third of ASD children who wander/elope are never or rarely able to communicate their name, address, or phone number,

Approximately 50% of those who elope will die of drowning.

A child is diagnosed with autism every 4 minutes.....

As a result of the above and abuse/neglect, life expectancy for an individual with autism is 36.

By 2025, 1:2 children will be diagnosed with autism....80 percent of boys.
Welcome to our world.

When we signed up as parents, this is what we thought our world would look like!

https://nationalautismassociation.org/big-red-safety-boxes-now-available/

If you have a person in your life that wanders make sure that your advocate has read the NAA’s protocol.

NAA is happy to be able to provide this vital safety toolkit for families. Apply now!

12/06/2023

It’s not about money for me. If your district says you don’t need an advocate for a meeting that is a giant red flag they want to bully you without your advocate.