Parent Workshops

Presenter: JIS Parent Support Group

Workshop description: 

This workshop focuses on empowering parents with strategies for positive, peaceful, and effective advocacy on behalf of their neurodivergent children, while also supporting self-advocacy skill development.

Key areas covered include:

• Building positive, collaborative relationships with your child’s school.

• Effective advocacy techniques to support your child’s needs.

• Encouraging and supporting self-advocacy in neurodivergent children.

• Prioritizing parental self-care to maintain mental and physical well-being.

Workshop Outcomes:

• Foster open and consistent communication within the school community.

• Develop strong, cooperative partnerships with school teams.

• Equip children with age-appropriate self-advocacy skills.

• Empower parents with self-care strategies to support family well-being.

This session provides practical tools, lessons learned, and real-life case studies to help parents build a supportive and collaborative environment for their children.

Presenter bio: 

The JIS Parent Support Group (PSG) was recently established in collaboration with JIS to support and connect parents of neurodivergent students and those with learning differences. Our members bring a wide range of professional expertise across sectors such as management, psychology, education, and human resources. However, our greatest strength lies in our shared lived experiences—as parents of neurodivergent children and, in some cases, as neurodivergent individuals ourselves.

Presenter: Peggy Hassan

Workshop description: 

As a parent of a child with an unseen disorder, I know how challenging it can be to navigate the school system, advocate for your child, and push for the inclusion they deserve. In this session, I’ll share my personal journey—the ups and downs, the hard lessons, and the small victories that have made a big difference for my child.

We’ll talk about what unseen disorders like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia really look like, break down common misconceptions, and explore practical ways to advocate for change. I’ll share strategies that worked for me, tips on working with teachers, and how little adjustments can lead to big improvements in a child’s school experience.

This is a session for parents who feel overwhelmed, but also hopeful. You’ll leave with a better understanding of how to support your child, work with schools, and help build a community where inclusion is the norm, not the exception.

Presenter bio: 

Peggy is a dedicated mom of two, balancing life as a professional working parent with the challenges and joys of raising her family. Her two children are as unique as they are wonderful: one is neurotypical, navigating the world with curiosity and energy, while the other is neurodivergent, presenting her with opportunities to learn, grow, and advocate in ways she never anticipated.

After her son’s ASD diagnosis, Peggy found herself unprepared when her neurodivergent child needed extra support in a traditional school system. But what she lacked in expertise, she made up for with determination and resilience. Stepping into the role of advocate, she immersed herself in learning about her child’s needs, working tirelessly to ensure they received the resources and accommodations necessary to thrive.

Juggling her demanding career and the complexities of parenting, Peggy has become a voice for her child, challenging systems, collaborating with educators, and inspiring others to embrace the power of understanding and inclusion. Her journey is a testament to the strength of love and the willingness to rise to life’s unexpected challenges.