Real advocacy for your child's education.
What does a Turnout Education Advocate do?
A Turnout special education advocate works alongside you to navigate your child's IEP, 504 plan and school accommodations. We go through the records, translate what the school really means, and stay in every meeting so you never face the district alone.
Available in all 50 states. It starts with a free case review, and there's no pressure to move forward after.
Your child is struggling and you suspect there's more to it, whether it's ADHD, dyslexia, autism, a developmental delay, or a health condition getting in the way of learning. You want to know what support they qualify for and where to start.
A diagnosis just landed, and now there's paperwork, big feelings, and no clear next step. You want to know what it means at school and what to ask for.
You asked the school to test your child and got a no, a stall, or silence. There are legal timelines for this, and a delay doesn't have to be the end of the conversation.
Every week it's you on one side, and them on another. You want someone in your corner who knows how the process works.
Getting your child the right support runs through the IEP process, and it moves faster with a special education advocate who knows it.
A Turnout advocate reviews the records and identifies the gaps: overdue evaluations, vague goals, and services that your child doesn't need.
A Turnout advocate drafts the request in a language that schools understand and can't waive off.
A Turnout advocate stays in every meeting with you, tracking what's said and speaking up when it drifts from what your child needs.
A Turnout advocate follows up after the meeting and ensures that the plan is followed every step of the way
Both plans support students with disabilities, but they differ in what they provide and the legal protections they offer.
Included: Provides specialized instruction tailored to how your child learns
Included: Includes related services like speech therapy, OT, PT, or counseling
Included: Sets measurable annual goals with required progress reporting
Included: Parent is a full legal member of the IEP team
Included: Includes planning for school transitions, from elementary to middle, middle to high, and beyond
Included: Best suited when a child needs specialized instruction, not just adjustments
Included: Provides accommodations like extra time, preferential seating, or modified test formats
Included: Keeps your child's primary placement in the general education classroom
Included: Simpler process, so support can often begin sooner
Included: Moves with your child across teachers and grades, and is reviewed along the way
Included: Can be updated any time your child's needs change
Included: Best suited when a child can succeed with the right adjustments in place
Federal law (IDEA) defines 13 disability categories that may entitle a child to a free, individualized education plan. Explore each one below.
IDEA category: Autism — a learning profile involving communication, social connection, and sensory processing
IDEA category: Autism — a learning profile involving communication, social connection, and sensory processing
Autism is one of the 13 disability categories under IDEA, the federal special education law. If autism affects how your child communicates, learns, or interacts at school, they may be eligible for an IEP with services built around how they learn best. Your child does not need a medical diagnosis for the school to evaluate them.
How an education plan can help
How to get support at school
The first step is requesting a school evaluation in writing. The school must respond, and the evaluation is always free. From there, an evaluation team reviews how your child learns and whether services would help. If the process feels overwhelming, Turnout's education advocate can walk through it with you.
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need a medical diagnosis of autism to get school support?
No. The school conducts its own evaluation and can find your child eligible without a medical diagnosis. What matters is whether autism affects your child's education.
My child gets good grades. Can they still be eligible?
Yes. Under IDEA, your child does not have to be failing to receive services. If school affects your child's communication, friendships, or wellbeing, they can still be eligible.
Should my child have an IEP or a 504 plan?
An IEP provides specialized instruction and services. A 504 plan provides accommodations only, like seating changes or extra time. The evaluation helps determine which one matches your child's needs.
Educational resources
Related Turnout resources
IDEA category: Other Health Impairment — a profile that can affect focus, energy, and impulse control at school
IDEA category: Other Health Impairment — a profile that can affect focus, energy, and impulse control at school
ADHD falls under Other Health Impairment, a group for health conditions that affect focus, energy, or alertness at school. If ADHD gets in the way of learning, your child may qualify for an IEP, a written plan of free special education and support. Many kids with ADHD thrive once the right plan is in place.
How an education plan can help
How to get support at school
Start by asking the school in writing for a free evaluation of your child's needs. Federal law lets you request this at any time, and the school must respond. If ADHD affects learning, you can ask the team to build an IEP. Turnout's education advocate can prepare with you and join the meeting to advocate for what the law requires.
Frequently asked questions
Does ADHD qualify your child for an IEP?
Yes. ADHD can qualify under Other Health Impairment when it limits alertness or focus and affects learning. Your child must need special education because of it. A free school evaluation decides if the criteria are met.
My child has good grades. Can they still qualify?
Yes. Good grades do not rule out an IEP. The law looks at whether ADHD affects learning or school functioning, not just report cards. Your child can pass classes and still need support to reach their full potential.
Must we try classroom interventions before an evaluation?
No. A school cannot require months of interventions before evaluating your child. Federal guidance is clear that response-to-intervention programs cannot be used to delay or deny an evaluation. You can request one in writing today.
Educational resources
Related Turnout resources
IDEA category: Specific Learning Disability — dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia affect reading, writing, and math
IDEA category: Specific Learning Disability — dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia affect reading, writing, and math
Dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia are learning disabilities that affect reading, writing, or math skills. Under IDEA, the federal special education law, your child may qualify for an IEP, a written plan for extra support and instruction at school. These are brain-based differences, not a lack of effort or intelligence, and the right support can help your child thrive.
How an education plan can help
How to get support at school
Start by requesting a free written evaluation from the school district. Schools must respond even if grades look fine, and they can use the word dyslexia. If your child qualifies, the school must write an IEP with clear goals. Turnout's education advocate can help you request the evaluation and push for the right services.
Frequently asked questions
Can a school say my child has dyslexia?
Yes. Since 2015, federal guidance confirms schools can use terms like dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia in evaluations and IEPs. There is no need to avoid the word.
Does my child need to be failing to qualify?
No. Your child can qualify for an IEP even with passing grades if evaluations show a learning disability is affecting their progress. Grades alone do not decide eligibility.
Should we wait to see if they catch up?
No. Schools cannot delay an evaluation to try tutoring or intervention programs first. If you suspect a learning disability, you can request a formal evaluation right away.
Educational resources
Related Turnout resources
IDEA category: Speech or Language Impairment — affects talking, understanding, or being understood
IDEA category: Speech or Language Impairment — affects talking, understanding, or being understood
Speech or language impairment means your child has ongoing trouble talking, understanding words, or communicating with others. If it affects learning, your child may qualify for an IEP, a written plan for special education and support services at school. Speech issues are common, and early support can make a big difference.
How an education plan can help
How to get support at school
Start by requesting a free written evaluation from your school district, in writing. Your state sets the timeline for the school's response, and federal law requires the evaluation to be completed within 60 days of your written consent (unless your state sets a shorter timeline). If your child qualifies, the IEP will list the speech and language services they receive. Turnout's education advocate can help you prepare and advocate for everything your child needs.
Frequently asked questions
Does a speech delay qualify for an IEP?
It can. If the speech or language delay affects your child's learning or ability to communicate at school, they may qualify for an IEP or a 504 plan with speech therapy services.
Should we wait to see if speech improves?
No. Federal law says schools can't delay an evaluation to try other approaches first; you can request a free evaluation as soon as you have concerns.
What speech therapy services can an IEP include?
It depends. An IEP can include individual or group speech therapy, classroom accommodations, and support for reading, writing, or social communication, based on your child's needs.
Educational resources
Related Turnout resources
IDEA category: Emotional Disturbance — a profile involving mood, behavior, or emotional regulation that affects learning
IDEA category: Emotional Disturbance — a profile involving mood, behavior, or emotional regulation that affects learning
The federal term for this category is "Emotional Disturbance" -- it sounds dated, but it's simply the legal label that opens the door to support. Emotional disturbance is the IDEA category for conditions like anxiety, depression, and other mood or behavior challenges affecting learning. If it affects your child at school, they may qualify for an IEP, a written plan of services the school must follow. Many kids with these challenges do well in school once they get the right support.
How an education plan can help
How to get support at school
Start by requesting a free written evaluation from your child's school in writing. Existing counseling or tutoring cannot be used as a reason to delay it. If eligible, your child gets an IEP outlining specific supports and goals. Turnout's education advocate can help you request the evaluation and prepare for the meeting.
Frequently asked questions
Can my child get an IEP for anxiety or depression?
Yes. If anxiety or depression significantly affects your child's learning or ability to function at school, they may qualify for an IEP under the emotional disturbance category. A private diagnosis is not required, but a school evaluation is.
My child's grades are fine, so can we still get help?
Yes. Good grades do not rule out a disability; the law looks at how your child functions across school life, not just report cards. Struggles with attendance, friendships, or behavior can still support an evaluation request.
Will an IEP label my child or go on their record?
No. An IEP is a support plan, not a label that follows your child through life; it is confidential and used only to guide their education. It can be changed or ended as your child's needs change.
Educational resources
Related Turnout resources
IDEA category: Intellectual Disability — a learning profile that affects skill-building pace and daily independence
IDEA category: Intellectual Disability — a learning profile that affects skill-building pace and daily independence
Intellectual disability means your child learns and develops skills more slowly than peers, affecting both thinking and daily tasks. This is one of the categories that can qualify your child for an IEP, a written plan for special education and support. With the right support, your child can build skills, gain independence, and make steady progress.
How an education plan can help
How to get support at school
Start by requesting a free written evaluation from the school. Testing must be completed within 60 days under federal law, unless your state sets its own timeline. If your child qualifies, an IEP team will build a plan around their strengths and needs. Turnout's education advocate can help you prepare and push for everything your child is entitled to.
Frequently asked questions
Can intellectual disability change over time?
It can. Your child's skills and support needs often shift over time, so their IEP should be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect real progress and changing needs.
Does my child need to "wait and see" first?
No. Federal guidance says schools cannot delay an evaluation to try interventions first; you have the right to request testing right away, and the school must respond.
Is an IEP better than a 504 plan for my child?
Usually, yes. Children with intellectual disability typically need actual teaching changes, not just accommodations, so an IEP often serves their needs more fully than a 504 plan alone.
Educational resources
Related Turnout resources
IDEA category: Developmental Delay — when a young child's skills are still emerging compared to peers
IDEA category: Developmental Delay — when a young child's skills are still emerging compared to peers
Developmental delay means a young child's skills, like talking, moving, or learning, lag behind other kids the same age. Depending on your state, this can qualify kids ages 3 to 9 for an IEP, a written plan of services made just for your child. An early diagnosis doesn't define your child's future, and many kids catch up over time.
How an education plan can help
How to get support at school
You can request a free written evaluation from your school district at any time. Schools cannot make you wait through an intervention program before evaluating your child, and the evaluation looks at skills like communication, movement, and thinking. Turnout's education advocate can help you request this evaluation and push the school to follow every step the law requires.
Frequently asked questions
Will my child outgrow a developmental delay?
It can. Some children catch up with early support, while others are later found to have another diagnosis, like autism or a learning disability. Either way, early services help.
Can the school make us wait and see?
No. Federal law says schools cannot delay a requested evaluation to try an intervention program first. Once you ask in writing, your state sets the timeline for the school's response, and federal law requires the evaluation to be completed within 60 days of your written consent (unless your state sets a shorter timeline).
What happens when my child turns 9?
It depends. Since developmental delay is a state option only for ages 3 through 9, your child's team will need to reevaluate and identify a specific disability category, like autism or a learning disability, to continue services under an IEP.
Educational resources
Related Turnout resources
IDEA category: Other Health Impairment — chronic or acute health conditions that can affect strength or alertness at school
IDEA category: Other Health Impairment — chronic or acute health conditions that can affect strength or alertness at school
Other Health Impairment covers chronic or acute conditions, like ADHD, epilepsy, diabetes, or asthma, that limit your child's strength or alertness at school. If it affects learning, your child may qualify for an IEP, a written plan for specialized instruction and support built with the school. This category is often overlooked, but it can open the door to real support.
How an education plan can help
How to get support at school
You can request a free written evaluation from the school at any time. The school cannot use a wait-and-see approach to delay this evaluation. If your child qualifies, the school must build an IEP with real supports. Turnout's education advocate can help you request the evaluation and prepare for every meeting.
Frequently asked questions
Can my child get an IEP if grades are fine?
Yes. An IEP does not require failing grades. If a health condition limits your child's stamina, focus, or attendance, they can still qualify for support and services.
Does OHI cover conditions like diabetes or epilepsy?
Yes. OHI covers many chronic and acute health conditions that limit strength, energy, or alertness, including asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, and ADHD. Your child does not need a rare diagnosis to qualify.
Can the school say we should wait and see?
No. Schools cannot delay an evaluation to try interventions first. Federal law requires them to evaluate within 60 days of consent, unless your state sets a shorter timeline.
Educational resources
Related Turnout resources
IDEA category: Deafness or Hearing Impairment — a profile that can affect hearing and spoken communication
IDEA category: Deafness or Hearing Impairment — a profile that can affect hearing and spoken communication
Deafness and hearing impairment are two separate IDEA categories that cover a wide range of hearing levels. If hearing affects how your child learns, they may qualify for an IEP, a written plan of the special help and services the school provides at no cost. Support is a right, not a favor.
How an education plan can help
How to get support at school
Start by asking the school in writing for a free evaluation of how hearing affects your child's learning. By law, the school must consider your child's communication needs in the plan. You can ask for interpreters, captioning, or devices at no cost. Turnout's education advocate can prepare with you and join the meeting to push for what the law requires.
Frequently asked questions
Can my child qualify with only mild hearing loss?
Yes. IDEA covers a range of hearing levels, and what matters is whether hearing affects learning. Even a mild or one-sided loss can qualify if it impacts your child's access to the classroom.
My child has hearing aids. Do they still qualify?
Yes. Devices help, but they do not remove every barrier in a noisy classroom. The school still must look at whether your child needs added support to fully access learning.
Does the school have to support my child's language?
Yes. The IEP team must consider your child's language and communication needs, including chances to communicate directly with peers and staff in their own method. This applies whether your child uses sign, spoken language, or both.
Educational resources
Related Turnout resources
IDEA category: Visual Impairment (including blindness) — trouble seeing that can affect access to learning, even with correction
IDEA category: Visual Impairment (including blindness) — trouble seeing that can affect access to learning, even with correction
Visual impairment means trouble seeing that affects learning, even with glasses or contacts, and it includes blindness. If your child qualifies, they may get an IEP, a written plan the school must follow to give special education support at no cost to you. Many students with vision loss thrive with the right tools and teaching.
How an education plan can help
How to get support at school
Start by asking the school in writing for a free evaluation to see if your child needs special education. The school cannot charge you for this. If your child qualifies, you can request braille, assistive technology, and other supports at no cost. Turnout's education advocate can prepare with you and join the meeting to push for everything the law requires.
Frequently asked questions
Can my child get an IEP if glasses help?
Yes. IDEA looks at whether vision affects learning even with correction like glasses or contacts. If it does and your child needs special education, they may qualify for an IEP.
Does my child have to be fully blind for braille?
No. Schools must consider braille for any child with a visual impairment, not only children who are fully blind. The IEP team decides based on your child's reading and writing needs.
Who pays for tools like screen readers or magnifiers?
The school. If your child's IEP team decides assistive technology is needed for learning, the school must provide it at no cost to you. This can include screen readers, magnifiers, or braille devices.
Educational resources
Related Turnout resources
IDEA category: Traumatic Brain Injury — a change in thinking, memory, or behavior following a brain injury
IDEA category: Traumatic Brain Injury — a change in thinking, memory, or behavior following a brain injury
A traumatic brain injury is brain damage from an outside force, like a fall or a crash, that can change how your child learns and behaves. If it affects school, your child may qualify for an IEP, a written plan of special help the school provides for free. Every recovery is different, and support can grow as your child heals.
How an education plan can help
How to get support at school
Start by asking the school in writing for a free evaluation for special education. A recent hospital or doctor report helps, but the school must still test on its own. If the school says to wait, federal law still lets you ask for an evaluation anytime. Turnout's education advocate can help you prepare and speak up at the meeting.
Frequently asked questions
Does a concussion count as a brain injury?
It can. A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury, and if it affects how your child learns, thinks, or behaves at school, your child may qualify for evaluation and services.
My child's grades are fine. Can they still qualify?
Yes. Grades are only one measure. If a brain injury affects memory, attention, behavior, or energy, your child can qualify even with passing grades, because schools must look at the whole picture.
Will my child's plan change as they recover?
It can. Recovery after a brain injury often changes over time, so the team can review and update the IEP as your child's needs change, and you can ask for a review anytime.
Educational resources
Related Turnout resources
IDEA category: Orthopedic Impairment — a physical condition that can affect movement, coordination, or access at school
IDEA category: Orthopedic Impairment — a physical condition that can affect movement, coordination, or access at school
Orthopedic impairment covers physical conditions like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or limb differences that make moving around school harder. If it affects your child's learning, they may qualify for an IEP, a written plan of special help the school must provide at no cost. Your child can fully take part in school life with the right support.
How an education plan can help
How to get support at school
Start by asking the school in writing for a free evaluation of your child's needs. Your state sets the timeline for the school's response, and federal law requires the evaluation to be completed within 60 days of your written consent (unless your state sets a shorter timeline). Turnout's education advocate can prepare with you and join the IEP meeting to advocate for the access and services your child needs.
Frequently asked questions
Does a physical disability qualify my child for an IEP?
It can. If a physical or orthopedic condition affects how your child learns or gets around school, they may qualify. The school must evaluate to decide.
Can the school provide physical or occupational therapy?
Yes. When your child needs therapy to benefit from school, it can be written into the IEP and provided at no cost to you. This includes physical and occupational therapy.
My child's grades are fine. Do they still qualify?
Possibly. Educational performance means more than grades, including things like moving safely, taking part in class, and physical access. If a physical need affects any of these, your child may still qualify.
Educational resources
Related Turnout resources
IDEA category: Multiple Disabilities — two or more conditions with combined needs
IDEA category: Multiple Disabilities — two or more conditions with combined needs
Multiple disabilities means your child has two or more conditions at once whose combined needs one program alone cannot meet. If this describes your child's situation, they may qualify for an IEP, a written plan that spells out the exact supports and services the school must provide. Combined needs are common, and the law is built to cover them.
How an education plan can help
How to get support at school
Start by asking the school in writing for a free evaluation of all your child's needs. The school must respond and cannot charge you. If your child qualifies, you help build the IEP and can advocate for every service the law requires. Turnout's education advocate can prepare with you and join the meeting so nothing gets missed.
Frequently asked questions
Does each disability need its own separate IEP?
No. One IEP covers all of your child's conditions together in a single plan. The team looks at how the disabilities combine, then builds supports that address every need at once.
The school says one program is enough. Is it?
Not always. Multiple disabilities means the combined needs are too much for a program built for just one condition. The law requires the school to address all of your child's needs together.
Can my child stay in a regular classroom?
Yes, often. The law favors the least restrictive setting, meaning your child learns with peers whenever possible with the right supports. Placement depends on your child's needs, not the label alone.
Educational resources
Related Turnout resources
Hello! I am looking for an Education Advocate.
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MEET OUR LEAD EDUCATION ADVOCATE
Dr. Erika Austin has sat on both sides of the IEP table. A former school principal and university professor with a PhD in Sociology from UC Irvine, she's spent over a decade working directly with students with disabilities — inside the very meetings where school decisions get made. She's also directed large-scale patient care operations serving 15,000+ clients annually, bringing that same systems-driven, family-first discipline to every case. Dr. Austin works with families in both English and Spanish.
Erika Austin, PhD
“Your child doesn't get a second chance this school year. You won't walk into that room without a plan — I'll make sure of it.”
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The team really is committed to helping individuals with their needs.
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Turnout explains everything in detail and makes the situation understandable.
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Allison M.
I have tried many times to navigate the government with no success. I decided it was time to get some help, and Turnout has been the exact help I needed.
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Troy B.
Turnout helps the people who need the most help. I couldn't do everything by myself, so I am glad I found them.
Haley
Regina P.
My interaction with Turnout was more than expected; they were very knowledgeable and provided answers before I even asked the questions.
Brenton
John C.
Everybody was professional on what it is that they got on the phone to tell me exactly what it is that they're going to do and how they going to represent me
Janet
Tammy E.
The team really is committed to helping individuals with their needs.
Gabriel
Lily G.
Turnout explains everything in detail and makes the situation understandable.
Samantha
Allison M.
I have tried many times to navigate the government with no success. I decided it was time to get some help, and Turnout has been the exact help I needed.
Joshua
Troy B.
Turnout helps the people who need the most help. I couldn't do everything by myself, so I am glad I found them.
Haley
Regina P.
My interaction with Turnout was more than expected; they were very knowledgeable and provided answers before I even asked the questions.
Brenton
John C.
Everybody was professional on what it is that they got on the phone to tell me exactly what it is that they're going to do and how they going to represent me
Janet
Tammy E.
The team really is committed to helping individuals with their needs.
Gabriel
Lily G.
Turnout explains everything in detail and makes the situation understandable.
Samantha
Allison M.
I have tried many times to navigate the government with no success. I decided it was time to get some help, and Turnout has been the exact help I needed.
Joshua
Troy B.
Turnout helps the people who need the most help. I couldn't do everything by myself, so I am glad I found them.
Haley
Regina P.
My interaction with Turnout was more than expected; they were very knowledgeable and provided answers before I even asked the questions.
Brenton
John C.
Everybody was professional on what it is that they got on the phone to tell me exactly what it is that they're going to do and how they going to represent me
Derrik S.
This company is doing great with asking the right questions and getting to the point. They make me feel like I can win.
Cole
Joe E.
There is help out there and turnout is fantastic with helping you out
Daquandra
David N.
The Turnout Team is very kind, courageous and compassionate.
Jenny
Helen T.
You have kept up with me about my case and I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart thank you.
Kyly
Robert L.
The process was smooth and everyone I spoke with was professional.
Page
Patricia M.
I appreciate how responsive and helpful the team has been throughout my case.
James
Derrik S.
This company is doing great with asking the right questions and getting to the point. They make me feel like I can win.
Cole
Joe E.
There is help out there and turnout is fantastic with helping you out
Daquandra
David N.
The Turnout Team is very kind, courageous and compassionate.
Jenny
Helen T.
You have kept up with me about my case and I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart thank you.
Kyly
Robert L.
The process was smooth and everyone I spoke with was professional.
Page
Patricia M.
I appreciate how responsive and helpful the team has been throughout my case.
James
Derrik S.
This company is doing great with asking the right questions and getting to the point. They make me feel like I can win.
Cole
Joe E.
There is help out there and turnout is fantastic with helping you out
Daquandra
David N.
The Turnout Team is very kind, courageous and compassionate.
Jenny
Helen T.
You have kept up with me about my case and I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart thank you.
Kyly
Robert L.
The process was smooth and everyone I spoke with was professional.
Page
Patricia M.
I appreciate how responsive and helpful the team has been throughout my case.
James
We review your child's IEP to identify gaps in goals, services, placement, or implementation. If something isn't working, we advocate on your behalf, document concerns in writing, and work with the school to get it corrected.
We work on your child's behalf to make sure they're getting the services and accommodations they're legally entitled to. That means reviewing their records, attending IEP and 504 meetings with you, and making sure the school follows through.
We charge a single flat fee for the entire case. After we talk and understand what your child needs, we'll quote you a single, all-in price based on your situation.
Yes. Your advocate will prepare with you beforehand, attend the meeting virtually, take detailed notes, and follow up in writing with the school afterward to confirm what was agreed to.