Parenting the Spectrum Website

Autism Parent Coaching, IEP Advocacy & Tutoring

Your child was just diagnosed with autism. Everything feels overwhelming. You don't know what to do next.

We help autism families understand their child's diagnosis, navigate public school IEP systems, and find neurodivergent-informed tutoring and coaching — available virtually across the U.S. and in-person in Northwest Florida.

Find the Right Support for My Family →

★★★★★

Trusted by 500+ autism families nationwide

Which describes your situation?

My child was recently diagnosed

You need autism parent coaching with guidance, clarity, and a real action plan for what comes next.

Explore Foundations →

I need help with my child's IEP

You're navigating public school and need IEP advocacy from someone who knows the system from the inside.

Learn About IEP Advocacy →

My child needs academic support

You want neurodivergent tutoring that actually understands how neurodivergent learners think — not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Explore Tutoring →

I'm not sure where to start

You want to talk through your situation with someone who gets it before committing to a program.

Explore Parent Strategy Sessions →

We get it. We were you.

Merrie's Story

Merrie spent 8+ years in special education as a public school teacher. When her own child was diagnosed with Level 3 autism, she realized that the advice she'd been giving parents—and the systems she'd been working within—weren't designed for families like hers.

Learn More About Merrie's Story →

What She Knows

As a former educator, current homeschooling mom, and IEP advocate, Merrie knows what schools won't tell you. She's lived it. She's advocated through it. And she's here to help you navigate it.

What Parents Are Saying

★★★★★

"Merrie brought clarity in the meetings by explaining things we didn't understand and ensuring our voices were heard. Because of her guidance, our son received services thoughtfully tailored to his specific needs."

Holly Montgomery

IEP Advocacy Parent

★★★★★

"Merrie is so patient and truly takes the time to help my son learn in ways that work best for him. He was falling behind in reading, but with her support, he is now catching back up. We've also seen a huge boost in his confidence."

Chelsey M.

Parent of 8-year-old in Pensacola

★★★★★

"Merrie was so helpful through the whole process. She really took the time to explain the information, answer all of my questions, and advocate for the most successful plan for my boy. She took all of the overwhelming uncertainty out of it."

Rachael H.

IEP Advocacy Parent

How We Help

Every family is different. We offer four ways to help — from intensive programs to one-time sessions — so you can start where it makes sense for your situation.

Flagship Program

Foundations: Understanding Your Child's Diagnosis

A 4-week intensive autism parent coaching program for newly diagnosed parents (within 2 years).

1-on-1 coaching sessions
Group calls with other parents
Personalized action plan
School decision guidance
IEP basics & advocacy intro

Investment:

$1,500

Next cohort: March 2, 2026 (3 spots)

See Available Classes →Learn More About Foundations →

Ongoing Support

IEP Advocacy Coaching

1-on-1 IEP advocacy coaching to navigate your child's IEP. Available in all 50 states.

IEP Review

We review your IEP and identify opportunities

Strategy Session

Create a game plan for your child's education

Meeting Support

Virtual or in-person IEP meeting support

Pricing:

$200 review + $100/hour

Book IEP Advocacy Learn More About IEP Advocacy →

EXPANDING SERVICE

Neurodivergent-Informed Tutoring

One-on-one neurodivergent tutoring delivered by trained Parenting the Spectrum specialists — built around how your child actually thinks, not how traditional classrooms expect them to perform.

Available in-person across the Pensacola area:

Milton · Pace · Gulf Breeze · Navarre · Pensacola

Also available virtually:

Anywhere in the U.S.

Investment:

$100/session

Currently accepting waitlist applications

Learn More About Tutoring →

Not sure where to start?

Parent Strategy Session

A focused 60-minute session to map out your family’s specific situation, clarify your options, and leave with a concrete next step — no program commitment required.

Investment:

$100

Available virtually or by phone

Book a Strategy Call

Common Questions

Is the Foundations program right for me?

Foundations is designed for parents within 2 years of diagnosis. If your child was diagnosed more recently and you're feeling overwhelmed, this program is for you.

How does IEP Advocacy work?

We start with a $200 review of your current IEP. If we can add value, we schedule a strategy session ($100/hour) and can attend your IEP meeting for support.

Can you help with IEPs in my state?

Yes! We provide IEP Advocacy coaching in all 50 states. Merrie understands special education law and can help you navigate your specific state's requirements.

Do you offer tutoring for neurodivergent children?

Yes. Our trained Parenting the Spectrum specialists provide neurodivergent-informed tutoring designed around how your child actually learns. Sessions are available in-person in Milton, Pace, Gulf Breeze, Navarre, and Pensacola, Florida — and virtually for families anywhere in the U.S. Sessions are $100, and we are currently accepting waitlist applications.

What if I'm not sure which service I need?

Book a Parent Strategy Session. In 60 minutes we can talk through your family's situation and help you understand which path makes the most sense — with no obligation to commit to anything further.

You Don't Have to Do This Alone

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, navigating an IEP, looking for academic support, or just need to talk it through — there’s a place to start.

We serve families in the Pensacola area and virtually across all 50 states.