I started writing Educating Owen while awaiting the decision from the administrative law judge on a due process case that we filed and litigated against the local school district. Waiting for that decision was difficult and I found some relief in writing and sharing my thoughts and feelings on the issue. However, this site quickly became a vehicle for updating friends and family (and pretty much anyone else who was interested and found out about this site) about what was going on with the case. What’s more, it proved to be a very easy way to publish and make available all of the documents used in, and issued as a result of, the due process proceedings.
I am a parent and an advocate.
This is my special education.

4 comments
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July 23, 2009 at 4:42 am
Jessica
I left you a comment/reply on the facebook page “Special Education Law”.
July 29, 2009 at 7:59 pm
Linda Heidgerd
Ms. McWhirter,
My grandson also has high functioning autism, similar to your son’s diagnosis. We are helping our daughter prepare for our grandson’s IEP conference in August.
It apprears that you had several good and persuasive educational experts who apparently convinced a hearing officer to conclude that your child needed more intensive services than those offered by the school system.
If you would be so kind, would you tell me, please, the names of your attorney and your educational experts you used in Owen’s special education court case. Thank you so much and good luck in your efforts. Linda
August 26, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Megan Carter
I spoke with you and your husband over the summer. (my son is Jacob) I wanted to get back in touch with you about this prek situation…
December 12, 2009 at 5:26 pm
Terese Lamm
Hey! So sorry that Trevor missed the last month of TEACCH!! He got sick (H1N1 then Bronchitis) and then I got a new job (32 hrs/week)…so with that plus my daughter’s basketball and orchestra schedule, we just could not get back over there!!
I hated it because it was his last semester! He still asks about Owen.
Let’s try to keep in touch!!
Take care,
Terese Lamm
tlamm@fumc-cary.org
389-6290