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Raising Exceptional People, LLC (REP), is led by Elise Butowsky. Elise, a non-practicing attorney,  is a certified Committee on Special Education ("CSE") parent member, who works with clients in all categories under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as well as a post-secondary transition coach for those with aspergers syndrome.* She has over 20 years experience in advocating for her sons as well as for others. For several years, she led an on-line support group for parents of special needs children and hosted an Internet-based talk show that focused on issues surrounding inclusion and education.

 

Elise specializes in practical self-advocacy for parents and persons with special needs, teaches about useful home supports for children on the autism spectrum and provides support for those with Asperger’s syndrome with respect to, among other things, transitioning into post secondary education. She works with parents on the everyday issues they face and guides them through the process of raising special needs children. Her goal is simple: to assure that special needs individuals will have the best chance to seek the future of their choosing like every other member of society.

 

Elise’s approach is simple. She deals with situations by answering the age-old questions, “What?” “Where?” “Who?” “Why?” When?” and “How?”:

 

What are the relevant/important issues and helpful therapies needed so that a child can access their “free and appropriate education” (FAPE) in the “least restrictive environment” (LRE)?

Where can the best services be found?

Who are the appropriate advice providers?

Why are certain programs not helpful and may actually be a hindrance to progress?

When is it appropriate to evaluate and reorganize a support system?

How can an effective program be created?

 

If you are looking for quick answers, a “magic pill,” or someone to tell you it’s someone else’s responsibility, you will not find that here. You will not find “woe-is-me” parenting either. What you will get from REP, is practical guidance for raising a child with special needs and integrating them into the real world. If you ask what has Elise learned in the over 20 years of her advocacy, she will not hesitate to tell you that it is best to: Live your life. Simply live it. Enjoy it. Revel in your children's successes. Figure out how to help them through their failures. Support those whom you love. Find ways to make the most of every minute of every day. Don't put off the important things. Stand up for your child. Remember that you know your child best. You are their best champion/advocate. Do what is right and honest. Don't be afraid to alienate anyone who isn't a positive influence in your life or your child’s life. Have patience. Have self-respect. Be kind. And above all BE BRAVE.

 

Remember not to predict what will be; take each day, each moment, in its own time; then one day you will look back and be pleased to see just how far your child has come.

 

* Please note, that while the current DSM has rolled Asperger’s syndrome into the general autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, Elise Butowsky respects the call by many Autistic Self-Advocates to retain the separate category of Asperger’s syndrome when discussing individuals and their needs. Additionally, when providing support, Elise will gladly refer to your child’s, or your diagnosis, as HFA, ASD, PDD, or autistic, depending upon your personal preference. For purposes of IEPs and school related documents, it should be borne in mind that the school districts generally follow the DSM and the relevant state regulations.

 

Disclaimer: Although Elise Butowsky is a member of the New York State Bar; the services provided by Raising Exceptional People, LLC, do not include legal advice. Lawyers are often needed in connection with special needs matters, including situations involving allegations of discrimination, claims against school districts or governmental agencies, and estate planning to provide or plan for unique special needs financial requirements. If you believe that you have a matter that requires the services of an attorney, it is important to hire a lawyer, or law firm, with appropriate specialization.

 

View Elise Butowsky's LinkedIn profile HERE.

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