S2 EP 11 Parents, Education, and Autism with Cheryl Pankhurst

Parents, today we’re talking about a topic that is deeply important for many families.Education and autism.For parents navigating the challenges of raising a child on the spectrum, the school system can feel overwhelming, confusing, and at times, frustrating.In this episode, I’m joined by Cheryl Pankhurst, a speaker, bestselling author, educational strategist, and family advocate, and the founder of Insight to Impact.With over 25 years as an OCT-certified educator in special education, Cheryl helps parents of teens navigate school systems, understand diagnoses, and advocate confidently through IEPs and high school transitions.Together, we talk about the role education plays in shaping a child’s development, and why parents must stay actively involved in that process.Because no system, no teacher, and no program will ever replace the influence of a parent.We discuss how children with autism often experience the world differently, and why it is critical that parents understand their child’s unique needs rather than relying solely on outside opinions.We also talk about the importance of advocacy.As a parent, you are your child’s voice.You are the one who ensures they are not overlooked, mislabeled, or limited by systems that may not fully understand them.This conversation is not about criticizing education.It is about empowering parents to take ownership of their role and work alongside educators in a way that truly supports their child.Because at the end of the day, your child’s future is too important to leave entirely in someone else’s hands.About Cheryl PankhurstCheryl Pankhurst is a speaker, bestselling author, educational strategist, and family advocate. She is the founder of Insight to Impact and has over 25 years of experience in special education.She helps parents of teens navigate school systems, understand diagnoses, and confidently advocate for their children, especially through IEP planning and high school transitions.She is also the host of the podcast Parenting Teens Advice Redefined for Today’s World, where she shares honest conversations and practical strategies for parents navigating today’s challenges.Connect with CherylIEP Transition Guide: https://www.cherylpankhurst.com/iep-high-school-transition-parent-quick-guideWebsite: https://www.cherylpankhurst.comBook: Daring to BelongPodcast: Parenting Teens Advice Redefined for Today’s WorldConsultation: https://tidycal.com/cherylpankhurst/consultation-chatEmail: [email protected] This EpisodeThe role of education in a child’s developmentWhy parents must stay involved in the learning processUnderstanding children with autism and their unique needsThe importance of parental advocacyHow systems can support or limit a child’s growthNavigating IEPs and high school transitionsWhy parents are still the most important influence