The questions we get most often. Answered.
If your question isn't here, email Merrie directly. Replies usually within one business day.
Common questions about how we work.
What does Parenting the Spectrum actually do?
Three things: (1) IEP advocacy starting with a Red Flag Audit (the required entry point) and moving to hourly representation if needed, (2) neurodivergent-informed tutoring for autistic and other neurodivergent children, and (3) a $99 Coaching Session for any question, IEP-related or not.
Who is Merrie Weekley?
Former public-school special education teacher (8+ years, preschool through middle school), current homeschooling mom of a Level 3 autistic son, IEP advocate. Bachelor's in Informal Learning Education with autism focus, master's in Exceptional Student Education. Read the full story →
Where are you based?
Pensacola, Florida. In-person services in Pensacola, Milton, Pace, Gulf Breeze, and Navarre. Virtual coaching, advocacy, and tutoring in all 50 states.
How do I get started?
If you know what you need: book the Red Flag Audit, the Coaching Session, or get on the tutoring waitlist. If you're not sure what you need, the Coaching Session is built for that. Pricing lives on each service page.
Do you accept Gardiner or FES scholarships?
Yes. Both Gardiner and FES-UA cover tutoring, parent coaching, and consulting services as approved expenses. Send us your award letter and we'll confirm coverage and set up invoicing through Step Up For Students.
What's the difference between a Red Flag Audit and full IEP advocacy?
The Red Flag Audit is the required first step for any IEP work, period. It's a written analysis of your child's IEP plus a 60-minute review call. Many families take the audit and run with it themselves. If your situation calls for hands-on representation, full advocacy is the next step: I (or one of my team) prep with you, attend meetings with you, and follow up after. Full advocacy never starts without an audit on file.
How long is the tutoring waitlist?
Currently around 2 weeks for new families, but it varies as we onboard new tutors. We'll always tell you honestly when you join. We don't take families we can't deliver for.
Can you advocate for my child outside Florida?
For Coaching Sessions, parent coaching, Red Flag Audits, and virtual tutoring: yes, anywhere in the U.S. For in-person IEP meeting attendance: limited to Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in Florida. For everywhere else, we coach you to advocate yourself or refer to a local advocate Merrie trusts.
How quickly do you respond to inquiries?
Email replies usually within one business day. Booking confirmations are immediate (Acuity / TutorBird). Tutoring waitlist additions are confirmed within 48 hours.
Why doesn't the website list a phone number?
Because we're an appointment-based service and every customer flow goes through a calendar (Acuity for advocacy and audits, TutorBird for tutoring) or a contact form. A visible phone number creates the expectation of "call to start," which isn't how this business operates. The Google Business Profile keeps a phone number for verification purposes.