My son had an IEP for years. He now wants to be a Marine, but he is struggling in math. The schools also do not teach life skills. What do you suggest?
Answer
Yes, this is a problem. That is absolutely one of the biggest problems that we are seeing. I think another question is, "Who will do the life skill teaching?" He no longer has an IEP, but remember he still has civil rights. He still would qualify for modifications. You can also use an advocate to help you with this process.
Cara Koscinski, OTD, MOT, OTR/L, CAS
Dr. Cara Koscinski is an occupational therapist with over 28 years of clinical experience, specializing in pediatrics, interoception, executive function, regulation, and professional mentoring. She earned her bachelor’s in health sciences and master’s in occupational therapy from Duquesne University and completed her post-professional doctorate at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions.
Cara’s work is deeply shaped by both professional expertise and lived experience as a parent of two adult autistic sons. She founded a family-centered pediatric OT clinic, authored multiple award-winning books, one of which has been translated into five languages, and founded The Pocket Occupational Therapist, one of the field’s early evidence-informed online resources. Cara is the owner of the largest pediatric OTP group on Facebook, supporting over 52,000 clinicians worldwide.
She is the founder of the OTP Hivemind Mentoring Circle, which supports therapists at all career stages, and of The Executive Function Institute, home of her signature Executive Function Express program, an engaging, research-based approach to executive function development. The institute provides neurodiversity-affirming resources and programs. A lifelong learner and mentor, Cara is known for blending clinical depth with warmth, clarity, and practical wisdom.
“Love what you do, and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
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