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[Download PDF Guide Espanol]Finding Trustworthy Information
[Download PDF Guide English]Finding Trustworthy Information
The internet is full of special education advice – some excellent, some harmful, much of it trying to sell you something.
This page lists organizations that have been supporting families for decades. They offer free resources, don’t profit from fear, and provide evidence-based guidance.
National Parent Support Organizations
Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR)
What they do: Connects families to Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) in every state. PTIs offer free training, information, and support to families of children with disabilities.
Why trust them: Federally funded, required to provide accurate information about IDEA and family rights.
How to use: Find your state’s PTI center and contact them for free guidance on IEPs, evaluations, and advocacy.
Website: parentcenterhub.org
PACER Center
What they do: National parent center providing information, training, and resources about special education and disability rights.
Why trust them: Parent-led organization with 40+ years of experience. Extensive free resources in multiple languages.
How to use: Browse their resource library, watch videos, use their downloadable tools for IEP meetings.
Website: pacer.org Phone: 952-838-9000
Understanding Disabilities and Learning Differences
Understood.org
What they do: Comprehensive information about learning and thinking differences (ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, etc.). Practical strategies for parents and educators.
Why trust them: Created by 15 nonprofit organizations specializing in learning and attention issues. Expert-reviewed content.
How to use: Search by diagnosis or challenge. Find accommodations that work, tools for advocacy, explanations you can share with family members.
Website: understood.org
Child Mind Institute
What they do: Information about children’s mental health and learning disorders. Evidence-based guidance on treatment, school supports, and parenting strategies.
Why trust them: Independent nonprofit focused on children’s mental health. Content reviewed by clinicians and researchers.
How to use: Read articles about specific diagnoses, find symptom checklists, learn about treatment options (therapy, medication, school supports).
Website: childmind.org
Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA)
What they do: Advocacy and information about learning disabilities. Local chapters in many states offer support groups and workshops.
Why trust them: 60+ years supporting individuals with learning disabilities and their families.
How to use: Find your state chapter, attend support groups, access toolkits for school advocacy.
Website: ldaamerica.org
Legal Rights and Advocacy
Wrightslaw
What they do: Special education law, advocacy, and IEP guidance. Detailed explanations of IDEA, Section 504, and parent rights.
Why trust them: Created by attorneys specializing in special education law. Comprehensive and accurate legal information.
How to use: Understand your legal rights, learn how to write effective letters, find advocates or attorneys in your area if needed.
Website: wrightslaw.com
Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF)
What they do: Civil rights law and advocacy for people with disabilities. Focus on education, employment, and access.
Why trust them: Leading disability rights organization for 40+ years.
How to use: Understand disability rights laws, find resources about discrimination, access legal information.
Website: dredf.org
Protection & Advocacy Agencies (P&A)
What they do: Free legal advocacy services in every state for people with disabilities. Can help with special education disputes, discrimination, and rights violations.
Why trust them: Federally mandated in every state. Provide free legal help when families face serious barriers.
How to use: Contact your state’s P&A office if you’re facing significant problems with your school district that haven’t been resolved through normal channels.
Find yours: ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies
Specific Disabilities and Conditions
CHADD (Children and Adults with ADHD)
What they do: Information, advocacy, and support for ADHD. Parent support groups, educational webinars, evidence-based resources.
Why trust them: Leading ADHD organization for 35+ years. Medical and educational professionals on advisory board.
Website: chadd.org
Autism Society
What they do: Support and advocacy for individuals with autism and their families. Local chapters offer support groups and services.
Why trust them: 50+ years supporting the autism community.
Website: autism-society.org
International Dyslexia Association (IDA)
What they do: Information about dyslexia, evidence-based reading interventions, school advocacy guidance.
Why trust them: Leading organization on dyslexia for 75+ years. Focus on science-based approaches.
Website: dyslexiaida.org
Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)
What they do: Information about anxiety and depression in children and adults. Treatment resources, school accommodations guidance.
Why trust them: Professional organization of clinicians and researchers specializing in anxiety disorders.
Website: adaa.org
Finding Professional Help
How to find evaluators and therapists:
If you need private evaluations or therapy and don’t know where to start:
- Ask your pediatrician for referrals
- Contact your insurance company for in-network providers
- Check with local children’s hospitals (many have evaluation clinics)
- Ask your school district about independent evaluators they’ve worked with (you’re not obligated to use their suggestions, but it’s a starting point)
- Search Psychology Today’s therapist directory (filter by specialty, insurance, location)
What to ask potential providers:
- What’s your experience with [specific concern]?
- Do you accept my insurance? What’s the out-of-pocket cost?
- How long is the wait for an appointment?
- Can you provide a report that’s useful for school accommodations?
- Do you communicate with schools if needed?
Crisis Resources
If your child is in immediate danger or mental health crisis:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Call or text: 988 Available 24/7, free, confidential
Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741 Available 24/7 for any crisis
SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Abuse and Mental Health) 1-800-662-4357 24/7 treatment referral and information service
What This List Doesn’t Include
You won’t find:
- Paid courses or coaching programs
- Miracle cures or unproven treatments
- Organizations that profit from selling products to worried parents
- Sources that promote fear over information
If someone is trying to sell you something, ask yourself: “Are they helping me understand my options, or scaring me into buying their solution?”
A Note on Facebook Groups and Online Communities
Online parent groups can provide valuable emotional support and shared experiences. But remember:
- Anecdotes aren’t evidence (what worked for one child may not work for yours)
- Fear spreads faster than facts in online spaces
- Not everyone giving advice has expertise
- Your child’s specific needs matter more than group consensus
Use online communities for support and connection. Use the organizations above for accurate information and guidance.
Questions About Resources?
If you find a resource you’re unsure about, ask yourself:
- Who funds this organization? (Government grants, donations, or product sales?)
- Do they cite research and evidence, or rely on testimonials?
- Are they trying to inform you or scare you?
- Do they acknowledge complexity and nuance, or deal in absolutes?
If something feels off, trust that instinct.
These organizations exist because families need support.
You’re not supposed to navigate special education alone. These resources are here to help you understand your rights, support your child, and make informed decisions.
Use them. They’re free. They’re trustworthy. They’re on your side.
Clear Eyes Kind Hearts 