Episode #61 | Alicia Cohen - Supporting Special Needs in Mainstream Schools: A Parent’s Perspective

In this episode with Alicia Cohen, we dive into the challenges and rewards of navigating mainstream schooling with a special needs child. Alicia shares her personal journey, insights from her new book, and practical advice for both parents and teachers. Top Takeaways: Be a Visible and Proactive Parent Alicia encourages parents to take an active role in their child’s schooling, not as a “difficult parent,” but as an engaged one. Show up, communicate regularly with staff, and become a known, positive presence in the school community. Build a Strong Support Team Successful mainstreaming relies on a team approach. Alicia recommends gathering a team that includes speech therapists, occupational therapists, teachers, school leaders, and even peers, all working together, with consistent communication and shared goals. Advocate with Confidence (and Kindness) While collaboration is key, there are times when parents need to advocate firmly, especially around funding, adjustments, and access to resources. Alicia shares how she’s learned to speak openly about her child’s needs while still approaching the school as a partner. Friendships Take Time and They're Worth It Alicia highlights the importance of helping children with special needs form real, lasting friendships. She shares how these relationships have grown over time for her son, Remy, and how small acts (like showing up with snacks!) can help build connections. Mainstreaming Isn't Always Easy, but It Can Be Life-Changing While Alicia acknowledges mainstream schooling isn’t the right fit for every child, she powerfully shares how it has transformed her son's life and their family’s. It’s about choosing what’s best for your child at this point in time and being open to future changes. Teachers Can Make a Huge Difference With Support Alicia offers insight into what helps teachers support students with special needs: honest communication, creative differentiation, and genuine partnership with families. She also advocates for better transitions, shared learning from previous teachers, and student-centred planning.