A guided 4-week intensive designed to support parents during the first 24 months after an autism diagnosis or significant developmental concerns.
5 spots remain for the March 2nd Cohort
Foundations is a guided, high-touch 4-week intensive designed to support parents during the most critical early stage after diagnosis or significant developmental concerns.
This is not a self-paced course or a one-size-fits-all program. Foundations is built for parents who want clarity, confidence, and direction — without being overwhelmed by information, opinions, or pressure to make immediate decisions.
We meet parents where they are and help them move forward with intention.
Foundations is available for direct enrollment. You're welcome to join whenever you're ready.
Ready to begin?
Enroll directly in Foundations and start your journey toward clarity and confidence.
Want clarity first?
Some families choose to begin with an optional Parent Strategy Session—a supportive conversation to ensure Foundations is the right fit and answer any questions you may have.
The strategy session is optional, not required. Choose the path that feels right for your family.
Foundations is designed for parents who:
Foundations may not be the right fit for parents who are:
Understand their child more clearly and confidently
Know what to prioritize now — and what can wait
Feel prepared to navigate school systems and support services
Have a clear, personalized plan for the next season
Feel grounded instead of reactive
This program is about clarity before action.
Length
4 weeks
Format
Small cohort, guided support
What's Included:
4 live weekly teaching sessions
Focused, guided instruction on school systems, service decisions, advocacy, and how to think strategically about next steps.
Decision-making frameworks you can reuse
So you understand how to evaluate recommendations instead of reacting to urgency.
2 private 1:1 calls with Merrie
Personalized support to apply what you're learning directly to your child and family situation.
Unlimited chat and email support from the Parenting the Spectrum team during the program
So you're not left waiting when questions arise.
Guided application and reflection
You won't just receive information — you'll actively apply it to your family's current decisions.
Replay access
So you can revisit the teaching as needed.
Foundations is intentionally limited in size to protect the quality of support and outcomes.
Clarity Before Action
The first step is slowing down and gaining a deeper understanding of your child.
Parents will:
Outcome:
Parents move from reaction to understanding.
This week focuses on understanding systems without letting systems take control.
Parents will:
Outcome:
Parents feel prepared instead of intimidated.
With clarity established, we move into planning.
Parents will:
Outcome:
Parents leave with a realistic, personalized plan.
The final week focuses on sustainability and confidence.
Parents will:
Outcome:
Parents feel grounded, capable, and confident — not alone.
Foundations is:
We are not here to overwhelm parents with options. We are here to help parents make thoughtful decisions that fit their child and family.
"When we decided we needed to homeschool our son, we had no idea where to begin. His ABA therapist strongly recommended we contact Merrie, and we're glad we did. Merrie guided us through her Foundations framework and provided engaging lessons, consistent parental feedback, and both paper and electronic homework and activities for our son. She also set us at ease as first-time homeschoolers, making the process feel manageable and clear. Highly recommend - 10/10!"
- Mike Thomasson
Foundations is offered in limited cohorts and is intentionally guided.
You can enroll directly, or if you'd like additional clarity, some families choose to begin with an optional Parent Strategy Session to ensure Foundations is the right fit.
Next cohort starts March 2, 2026 • Limited to 8 families
One Clear Takeaway
Foundations exists to help parents move from overwhelm to clarity during the first 24 months — with guidance, confidence, and a plan.