Center for Psychological and Educational Assessment

02/03/2026

Evaluation, Advocacy, and Litigation: A Case Study in Handling Difficult Advocacy Cases
Presenter(s): Friduss, &

Brief Session Description:
This case study highlights how evaluation, advocacy, and litigation intersect in special education. Presenters’ psychologist, an advocate, and an attorney explore a real case involving a student diagnosed with ADHD and autism, demonstrating how evaluations shaped advocacy strategies, IEP development, and due process litigation, ultimately resulting in a successful resolution.

For additional information and to register now, please visit our website. www.copaa.org/page/2026-conference-register



Your IEP Source Personalized Learning Solutions, LLC

ALT - Promotional graphic for the COPAA 28th Annual Conference. Presentation title and featuring headshots of Presenter(s) and their names. Event details include Crystal Gateway Marriott, VA, March 3–8, 2026, with COPAA branding and a U.S. Capitol illustration in the background.

02/03/2026

02/02/2026

Important information for families who have Katie Beckett Medicaid from Together We Care!

02/02/2026

This should be an informative session! CPEA is proud to sponsor Bobby Dodd Institute; so many wonderful offerings for our community.

The life adjustment period after high school graduation is momentous for so many positive reasons of achievement, growth, and increasing independence. At the same time, it often comes with anxiety and strain related to a less structured schedule, a more disjointed sense of community, and persistent questions of “What now?”

In this webinar, Dana Smith will cover:

-- A therapeutic exploration of the developmental milestones common between the ages of 18–24
-- Short- and long-term strategies for managing anxiety, worry, and stress
-- Practical guidance for recognizing and responding to symptoms of depression for both caregivers and the young adults they support

Who Should Attend:
Caregivers, family members, and close supporters of young adults with disabilities who are approaching or navigating life after high school. Soon-to-be graduates, siblings, and other trusted supports are welcome.

Sponsored by the Center for Psychological and Educational Assessment

Register at a53f9162-ca86-47fd-8ee7-c67b966d614d@aa657598-e931-4299-93bd-7ab1c44edc43" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/a53f9162-ca86-47fd-8ee7-c67b966d614d@aa657598-e931-4299-93bd-7ab1c44edc43

01/28/2026

Struggling to get insurance to cover a learning disability assessment? Many families are surprised to find these crucial evaluations labeled as "educational" rather than "medical," leading to denied claims. Our latest post breaks down exactly why insurers limit coverage and how to navigate procedure codes to advocate for your child. From understanding CPT codes to exploring alternative funding, we’re sharing the tools you need to secure the support your learner deserves. Read more: https://wix.to/Rrck4Av

01/24/2026

New post: Hiding in Plain Sight — Why Girls with Autism Are Often Missed. For decades, diagnostic criteria and public perception have leaned male, leaving many girls undiagnosed until later in life. Learn the key factors behind missed diagnoses and how we can do better for girls on the spectrum. Read more: https://wix.to/XzzH2s4

01/23/2026

Are you familiar with the "Simple View of Reading"? Skilled reading requires two pathways working together: language comprehension (understanding ideas) and word recognition (decoding words on the page).

For students with dyslexia, the challenge is specifically in word recognition. Their language comprehension is often completely intact or even strong; they have good vocabulary, background knowledge, and reasoning skills. The struggle lies in phonological awareness, which is the ability to hear and manipulate individual sounds in words. This makes it hard to master decoding and recognize words automatically.

This is why dyslexia can be so confusing. A child with dyslexia might discuss complex ideas brilliantly and understand grade-level content when it's read aloud, but struggle significantly when decoding words themselves. They don't need help understanding concepts; they need targeted intervention in phonological awareness, decoding strategies, and building automatic word recognition. Understanding this distinction is key to providing the right support.

01/23/2026

I am excited to share that I will be presenting two workshops at the FOCUS 39th Annual Education Conference on Saturday, January 31, 2026. This conference is truly one of my favorite events each year because it brings families together to learn, connect, and gain practical tools they can use right away. 💙✨

One of the sessions I will be teaching is “Katie Beckett 101 and Beyond.” In this workshop, I will guide families through the initial Katie Beckett Medicaid application process, including who can apply, how to get started, and which documentation is most important. I will also share information about additional funding and waiver programs that many families qualify for but may not realize exist. 📘🧩

If this information could benefit your family or someone you know, I would love to see you there. 🤝

📅 Saturday, January 31, 2026
⏰ 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM
📍 Oak Grove United Methodist Church in Decatur
💲 Parents 12 dollars | Parent plus spouse 20 dollars
🔗 Register here https://focus-ga.org/conference/

For additional resources, feel free to visit www.debbiedobbs.com 🌐

01/20/2026

Positive Parenting Practices Group Interest Survey

Virtual 6-Week Group Coming in February

Join our 6-week group designed to empower parents and caregivers with the tools they need to feel more confident in everyday parenting. Led by child psychologist, Dr. Emiliya Adelson, the group will provide brain-based strategies rooted in psychology and neuroscience research. In this group you will build understanding of your child’s brain development as well as how your own brain works. Sessions will focus on increasing connection and strengthening your relationship with your child.

Participants will build skills in parenting proactively and creating a household environment that helps set up children for success. They will learn to help children navigate big emotions and build emotional regulation, recognize and manage their own parenting triggers, understand child behaviors and discipline effectively, and more. This group will be appropriate for parents of children with or without mental health diagnoses.

https://form.jotform.com/260176254658160

01/20/2026

At CPEA, we guide families through each assessment step so you know what to expect.

Intake: Schedule via email or by phone; provide school reports, therapy reports, medical history, and any other documents you feel are appropriate.

Testing: Sessions over one or several appointments, depending upon the needs of the child.

Report: Receive a written summary with timelines and recommendations for school planning or therapy.

Feedback: We explain results in plain language and answer questions.

Educational advocacy: We provide practical strategies, recommend accommodations or modifications as appropriate, and support for meetings with schools.

Typical timeline: 2 to 3 weeks from evaluation to report.

Call or visit our website to book an evaluation and reduce barriers to care. 😊

https://www.atlantachildpsych.com/timeline