Author: Bevell's Advocate

Educational Resources

IEP 101: What Is It and Does My Child Qualify?

Bevell's Advocate

Navigating the realm of education can be a challenging task for many parents. Common worries might include making sure your child is getting good grades, learning the right lessons, finding a program that’s affordable, or ensuring they’re making friends and feeling included. But when you add the words “special needs” or “disability” into the mix, the process of ensuring your child receives the support they need can become even more complex. That’s where IEPs come in.

Registering your child for an IEP (Individualized Education Program) allows school-age students (ages 3–21) who qualify under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to receive personalized educational services.

But what exactly are these services, and how do you know if your child qualifies?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was established to ensure equal access to education, protect the rights of students and their families, and provide the support necessary for children with disabilities to thrive. Under IDEA, every child, regardless of disability, is entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) designed to prepare them for independent living and future employment.

Understanding Qualification

To qualify for an IEP, a student must fall under one of 13 categories recognized for special education services:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • Intellectual Disability
  • Deaf-Blindness
  • Deafness
  • Emotional Disturbance
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Multiple Disabilities
  • Orthopedic Impairment
  • Other Health Impairment
  • Specific Learning Disability (SLD)
  • Speech or Language Impairment
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
  • Visual Impairment (including blindness)

If your child meets eligibility requirements, an IEP team, typically made up of a special education teacher, a general education teacher, and related service providers, will work together to create an individualized plan with measurable goals. Parents are also a key part of this process. You have the legal right and responsibility to be involved in meetings, share insights, and collaborate with the team to develop a plan that best supports your child’s unique learning needs.

Why IEPs Matter

Unlike a one-size-fits-all approach, an IEP is tailored to your child’s specific learning style, setting clear goals to help them reach their full potential. It also acts as a roadmap for teachers, advocates, and families to follow together. Collaboration is key. While disagreements may arise, open communication helps ensure that your child’s best interests remain at the center. Parental input is essential because you know your child best, and your feedback on what’s working (and what isn’t) helps guide meaningful progress.

How Parents Can Advocate for Their Child

If you believe your child may need additional support, start by speaking with their teacher or school counselor about an evaluation for special education services. Requesting an assessment is your right as a parent. Once the process begins, stay involved, ask questions, take notes during meetings, and don’t be afraid to speak up if something feels unclear or incomplete. Advocacy isn’t about confrontation; it’s about collaboration. The more informed and engaged you are, the better equipped your child will be to succeed.

How Bevell’s Advocate Can Help

At Bevell’s Advocate, we understand that navigating IEPs and special education systems can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to help parents every step of the way, whether it’s understanding the evaluation process, preparing for meetings, or learning how to effectively communicate with your child’s school. Our mission is to empower families with knowledge, confidence, and community so that every child receives the education and opportunities they deserve. Together, we can turn advocacy into action and make a lasting difference in your child’s future.

Educational Resources

Tylenol (Acetaminophen) & Autism: What We Know (and What We Don’t)

Bevell's Advocate

Recent headlines have raised concern by suggesting that Tylenol (acetaminophen) used during pregnancy might cause autism in children. If you’ve seen these stories, it’s completely natural to feel worried. The truth is more complex and the science so far does not support a causal claim. Let’s set the record straight:

Autism is not caused by Tylenol.

Parents do not cause autism.

Autism is not a disease to be prevented or erased.

What’s circulating in the news right now is misinformation that doesn’t reflect what rigorous science shows. Parents deserve clarity and reassurance, not fear.

Clearing Up the Misinformation

What’s Really Going On

Some public figures have suggested there’s a “link” between Tylenol and autism. These claims have made headlines, but they’re not grounded in solid science. What’s being left out is that the most robust studies to date show no causal connection.

For example, a massive study in Sweden (nearly 2.5 million children, born between 1995 and 2019) looked at acetaminophen exposure during pregnancy and whether children developed autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability.

  • When children were compared to their siblings (sharing many genetic and environmental factors), drug associations disappeared. In other words, once you control for familial/genetic background, the evidence for risk goes away.
  • This suggests that the small associations likely stem from confounding factors, or other variables that co-occur (like underlying health conditions, fever during pregnancy, or socioeconomic conditions).

In fact, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and other leading medical organizations continue to emphasize that Tylenol remains one of the safest options for pain and fever during pregnancy. Untreated fevers, on the other hand, are known to carry risks.

Why This Matters

Fear-based claims like “Tylenol causes autism” don’t just spread confusion. They also place blame where it doesn’t belong—on parents. The truth is:

  • Autism is not anyone’s fault. It is a natural variation in human neurodevelopment.
  • Autism does not need a cure. Autistic people are valuable, whole, and worthy of respect.
  • Parental love and support, not what medicine you took for a headache, shape a child’s wellbeing.

When the media amplifies misleading claims, it not only scares parents but also feeds harmful narratives that autism is something dangerous to be avoided. That is simply not true.

“Association” does not mean “causation”

  • This is a key distinction. In science, seeing a statistical association (e.g. children whose mothers took acetaminophen being diagnosed more often with a neurodevelopmental condition) is not the same as proving that acetaminophen causes it. To establish causation, we need evidence that rules out other plausible explanations (genetics, maternal health, environmental conditions, precise dosage, etc.). So far, the most rigorous studies (especially those using sibling comparisons) have not supported a causal effect.

What Parents Can Feel Confident In

  • Using Tylenol when needed is safe. Leading medical experts agree that there’s no proven harm when used appropriately.
  • You are not to blame. Autism is influenced by genetics and a wide range of factors that are not under a parent’s control.
  • Neurodiversity is not a problem to solve. Autistic children bring unique strengths, perspectives, and gifts to the world.

What You Can Do (If You’re Worried)

  • Talk with your doctor or obstetrician: if you need to use a medication like acetaminophen (Tylenol), a healthcare provider can help determine what dose is appropriate for you.
  • Use medicines only when needed, and follow dosage instructions. Low-grade pain or mild discomfort sometimes may have other non-medication relief options such as rest, hydration, cold/warm compress, etc,.
  • Keep in mind: neurodiversity is not your fault, nor is it something to be ashamed of. Genetic, environmental, and prenatal factors (many of them not well understood yet) all play roles. Misleading claims or rumors can increase anxiety but generally don’t reflect what rigorous science supports.

The Bottom Line

There is no evidence that Tylenol causes autism. Parents should not carry the burden of fear or guilt over misinformation. Your child’s development is not determined by sensational headlines. It is shaped by love, environment, and their own beautiful neurodiversity.

So if you’ve felt anxious reading recent stories, take heart: science, medical organizations, and neurodiverse advocates are all clear on this point. Autism is not caused by Tylenol, and more importantly, autism is not something to fear.

You are doing your best. You are not to blame. And your child, autistic or not, is worthy, whole, and loved exactly as they are.

Sources:

TitleWhat you’ll find there / why it’s useful
Ahlqvist et al. (2024) — Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy and Children’s Risk of Autism, ADHD, and Intellectual DisabilityA large Swedish cohort study (~2.48 million children) that uses sibling-control analyses. It finds no evidence of increased risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability for children exposed in utero, once you compare full siblings (which helps control for shared genetic and environmental factors). This is one of the strongest studies so far.
ACOG — “Acetaminophen in Pregnancy (Physician FAQ)”The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists lays out what is known, what isn’t, and their recommendation: acetaminophen is one of the safest options for treating pain/fever in pregnancy when used correctly. They explicitly say that science does not support the claim that acetaminophen causes autism.
ACOG — News Release “Affirms Safety & Benefits of Acetaminophen during Pregnancy”A statement responding to recent claims, emphasizing that suggestions of a causal link are “irresponsible” given current evidence. Reiterates that no reputable study has proven acetaminophen causes neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) StatementThis professional society (which focuses on high-risk pregnancies etc.) says the evidence is inconclusive — current studies do not establish causation, despite some associations seen in observational studies. Reassures that using acetaminophen when needed is still considered safe under medical guidance.
Society of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC)Their recent position statement reinforces that acetaminophen remains a first-line option for managing fever and pain during pregnancy when indicated, for the shortest effective duration. They also evaluate claims of neurological risk, and find that the evidence for causality is weak.
Environmental Health Journal — Prada et al. (2025) “Evaluation of the evidence on acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders”This is a recent systematic review/meta-analysis that collects many of the observational association studies. It highlights that while associations are reported in some studies, there are many design limitations (dosage, duration, self-reporting, confounding) and the findings are inconsistent. Useful for understanding why some studies find an association and why others do not.
Educational Resources

Summer Support: Routines, Activities & Refreshing Resources for Your Family

Bevell's Advocate

Supporting You and Your Child This Season

a woman and young girl painting together

Summer brings sunshine, longer days, and a much-needed break from the school year. For families of children with disabilities, it can also present unique challenges. Whether you’re traveling, staying home, or somewhere in between, Bevell’s Advocate is here to help you make the most of the season.

We know how important it is to find a balance between fun, structure, and continued support. Here are a few simple and meaningful ways to keep your summer calm, connected, and purposeful.

Keep Routines Grounded (Even in Summer)

While summer offers flexibility, many children thrive with a consistent rhythm. Creating a loose but predictable routine can support emotional regulation, independence, and a sense of safety.

Try this simple daily structure:

  • Morning Activity – something active or creative to start the day
  • Midday Rest – quiet time, reading, or a sensory break
  • Evening Outing – a walk, outdoor play, or a social experience

Visual schedules or checklists can help children anticipate what’s next, especially for our neurodivergent kids or those with processing challenges.

Activities With a Purpose

Boredom is common during long summer days, but so are opportunities for fun and functional learning! Here are some low-stress, high-impact activity ideas:

  • Sensory Play: Water tables, kinetic sand, rice bins, or cold spaghetti are fantastic for regulation and exploration.
  • Skill-Building Crafts: Try beading, gluing, or mosaic art to support fine motor goals while encouraging creativity.
  • Inclusive Movement: Backyard obstacle courses, yoga for kids, or nature walks can help with gross motor development and sensory regulation.
  • Community Resources: Many libraries and museums offer sensory-friendly hours or adaptive programs. Contact Bevell’s Advocate for a local list!

Rotate activities and toys weekly to maintain novelty without needing new purchases.

Make Summer Social

We know social connections can be tough, especially for kids with disabilities. But summer is a great time to build them in small, low-pressure ways.

Ideas to explore:

  • Inclusive summer camps or day programs
  • Local adaptive sports or swim classes
  • Online social groups or virtual game nights
  • Park meetups with other families or friends from therapy groups

Even a pen pal project or shared summer journal can foster connection while practicing communication and writing skills.

We’re Here for You

At Bevell’s Advocate, our mission is to empower, educate, and support families—no matter what state you live in or what your child’s unique needs may be!

Need help navigating activities over the summer? Want suggestions tailored to your child’s goals and strengths? We’re just a message away.

Let’s make space this summer for both rest and growth for your child and for you.

Educational Resources

Why Sensory Regulation Matters in Schools for Learning and Behavior

Bevell's Advocate

and How Sensory Friendly Clothing Can Be Adding to an IEP to Help

Sensory dysregulation is common in school settings due to the bright fluorescent lights, noisy halls, crowded classrooms, and frequent transitions. When a child’s brain is overwhelmed with the sensory environment, it makes it impossible for them to focus and learn. It also leads to many unwanted behaviors such as aggression, a lack of participation, and elopement. Kids with ADHD and autism who struggle with sensory issues may be wrongfully categorized as kids with “behavior problems” in schools. 

In this blog, we will explore how sensory regulation may be the root cause of behavior challenges and could be affecting your child’s learning. We will also showcase solutions like sensory clothing that can be added to their IEP or 504 plan to help improve comfort and focus in the classroom!

1. Understanding Sensory Regulation in Schools

Sensory regulation is the ability to process and respond appropriately to sensory input from the environment. This includes touch, sound, sight, taste, smell, movement, and body awareness. Our brains filter and interpret sensory information, determining what we should focus on and what irrelevant distractions we should tune out. Someone without sensory processing differences can sit in a classroom and focus on the lesson, even if there’s background noise, a tag on their shirt, or a slight change in temperature.

However, children with sensory processing difficulties, such as those with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing disorder (SPD), process sensory input differently and often can’t tune out the distracting stimuli. Their brains can easily be overwhelmed by these sensory inputs. 

This leads to troubles taking in a lesson or direction and leads to sensory overload and dysregulation that presents as behaviors. 

Common sensory challenges for students autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder (SPD) include:

  • Noise (they may be sensitive to sound)
  • Flickering and bright lights
  • Texture (of their clothing, of foods, and of toys and materials)
  • Temperature (can feel overwhelmed when they feel too hot or too cold)  

Sensory needs greatly affect academic performance. If a student can’t tolerate being in the classroom, can’t focus on the material being taught, and is often suspended or pulled out for “behavior”, then that child will not be able to learn or achieve. 

Sensory regulation is a basic need that has to be met for learning to happen, just like hunger and sleep. 

2. The Impact of Sensory Dysregulation on Learning and Behavior

Sensory dysregulation can manifest in many different ways, depending on whether a child is hypersensitive (over-responsive) or hyposensitive (under-responsive) to sensory input. 

Some common signs of sensory dysregulation in the classroom include:

  • Frequent fidgeting or difficulty sitting still: may constantly shift in their seat, tap their hands, or rock back and forth to regulate their sensory system)
  • Avoiding certain classroom activities: may refuse to engage in hands-on activities due to texture sensitivities (e.g., glue, clay, or certain fabrics).
  • Covering ears or eyes 
  • Irritability or emotional outbursts
  • Withdrawal or shutdown: instead of acting out, some children may become non-responsive, disengaged, or isolate themselves when overwhelmed.
  • Clothing-related distress: complaining about or pulling at scratchy tags, taking off socks for feeling “wrong,” or constantly adjusting clothing

When sensory distress of dysregulation is not addressed, it will continue to escalate and could lead to a full sensory meltdown. It is best to accommodate a student’s sensory needs in the classroom before dysregulation occurs. 

For example, covering the fluorescent lights with covers, providing flexible seating options, offering sensory breaks and walks as needed, and having sensory tools on hand and accessible at all times. These can include fidgets, headphones, weighted lap pads, compression vests, and sensory clothing. 

3. Sensory-Friendly Clothing as a Supportive Tool

Sensory friendly clothing are clothes with no tags, flat seams, soft fabrics, and built-in sensory tools. Kids who struggle with sensory regulation often struggle with their clothing. Sometimes it is obvious and severe, other times it is more subtle. 

Uncomfortable clothing may take up their tolerance. Think of it like a cup where water gets poured in every time sensory input is added. Scratch tags and rough fabrics may fill their cup and make other sensory input far less tolerable than they would be. Other students talking or the classroom lights may seem like their main trigger to dysregulation, but those may just be intolerable on top of the discomfort they have had since getting dressed. 

That is why sensory comfort through clothing is so important in schools. Check out brands like Sense-ational You for tag free clothing and clothes with built-in sensory tools to support them everywhere (even when their classroom doesn’t have them). These include: 

  • A sound reducing hoodie that helps block sound and has an eye mask that can pull down when needed
  • A t-shirt with built-in adjustable compression for when a vest isn’t accessible
  • Joggers with a fidget pocket

4. How to Add Sensory-Friendly Clothing to an IEP

Oftentimes schools require uniforms or have clothing rules such as no hoods are allowed to be worn up. If these do not meet your child’s sensory needs because the uniform is uncomfortable or they can’t tolerate headphones so need a sound reducing hoodie, then sensory clothing items can be added to their IEP or 504 plan as a sensory accommodation. 

Work with your child’s teachers and therapists (such as their occupational therapist) to help document their needs. Make sure to document your own observations as well. That way you can present the need in a concrete way to their IEP team. 

If you need help advocating for these accommodations, work with an educational advocate (such as Bevell’s Advocate) to help you get your child the sensory supports they need to thrive. 

Remember that sensory regulation is a basic human need. Learning can not occur unless this basic need is met first. That is why sensory supports like sensory clothing and small changes to the classroom environment such as light covers can make a significant impact.

Sensory dysregulation is often wrongfully seen as behavior. By helping your child get their sensory needs met, behaviors as school will decrease and academic achievement will increase. Parents and educators need to advocate for these sensory accommodations to be added as a part of students’ IEPs so that they are never denied the sensory tools and accommodations they need to succeed in school. 

Community Features

Deep Blue from BYUtv

Bevell's Advocate

We are excited to share a powerful video by Deep Blue that captures the heart and soul of Bevell’s Advocate. In this video, our founder, Morgan Bevell, along with families and community members, discusses the passion and purpose behind our mission: to empower and support families of children with disabilities.

A Story of Compassion and Dedication

The video beautifully highlights Morgan’s journey and her deep commitment to advocating for children with disabilities. From her early experiences as a peer tutor and nanny to her work with families in need, Morgan’s unwavering dedication to making a difference shines through. The video showcases her belief that every child deserves the best support and that no family should face the challenges of raising a child with disabilities alone.

Building Lasting Connections

One of the most touching aspects of the video is the stories shared by families who have benefited from Bevell’s Advocate. Parents express their gratitude for the personalized support, guidance, and resources they’ve received. Whether it’s navigating the complexities of IEPs, finding medical support, or simply having someone to talk to, Bevell’s Advocate has made a lasting impact on these families.

The Power of Community

As Morgan mentions in the video, “We’re small but we’re mighty.” At Bevell’s Advocate, we believe in the power of community, and this video highlights how we’re working to create a more inclusive and compassionate world for children with disabilities. The relationships built with the families we serve are the foundation of our work, and we’re grateful to be part of their journeys.

Watch the Full Video

We invite you to watch the full video and witness the stories of love, support, and advocacy that drive Bevell’s Advocate forward. It’s a reminder that we are all in this together, and with compassion and determination, we can create lasting change.

Thank you to BYUtv for capturing the essence of our mission and for helping us share our story with the world. We look forward to continuing to serve and support the incredible families who trust us to be part of their journey.

#BevellsAdvocate #DisabilityAdvocacy #SpecialEducation #Inclusion #ParentSupport #Community #EveryChildMatters #DeepBlue #AdvocacyMatters

Community Features

Central Florida Foundation

Bevell's Advocate

We are honored to be featured by the Central Florida Foundation in their latest article, Real Talk with Rally Fellows: Morgan Bevell and Bevell’s Advocate! This feature highlights our mission to support families of children with disabilities and the journey that led to the creation of Bevell’s Advocate.

A Mission Rooted in Advocacy and Support

At Bevell’s Advocate, we believe that every child deserves an advocate—someone to help their family navigate the complexities of special education, access vital resources, and feel empowered in their journey. What started as a vision quickly became a reality, as founder Morgan Bevell recognized the overwhelming need for educational, social, financial, and medical support tailored to families raising children with disabilities.

The Impact of the Rally Fellowship

Through the Rally Fellowship, supported by the Central Florida Foundation, we’ve been able to strengthen our reach, refine our approach, and deepen our impact. The fellowship has provided invaluable mentorship and connections, helping us grow in ways we never imagined. It has reinforced our commitment to bridging the gap between families and the resources they desperately need.

Collaboration Creates Change

We are beyond grateful for the support of organizations like the Central Florida Foundation that believe in our mission. By amplifying our story, they are helping us reach more families who can benefit from our services. This recognition fuels our passion to continue advocating, educating, and walking alongside families as they navigate the unique challenges and joys of raising a child with disabilities.

Read the Full Article

To learn more about our journey and how the Rally Fellowship has impacted Bevell’s Advocate, check out the full article here: https://cffound.org/real-talk-with-rally-fellows-morgan-bevell-and-bevells-advocate/

Thank you to the Central Florida Foundation for this opportunity! We are excited for what’s ahead and look forward to continuing our mission—one family at a time.

#BevellsAdvocate #DisabilityAdvocacy #SpecialEducation #RallyFellows #CentralFloridaFoundation #IEP #ParentSupport #Inclusion #EveryChildMatters