How Parents Can Advocate for Children with Autism at School and Beyond

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Elise Edjang.

Dr Elise is a dedicated and experienced professional school nurse currently serving at Rosaryville Elementary School, which supports a vibrant population of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). With almost 20 years of experience as a Registered Nurse, her diverse clinical background spans Medical-Surgical, Oncology, Hospice, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation, Urgent Care, and School Nursing.

Dr. Edjang holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a PhD in Philosophy. She is also the published author of the impactful book, Saving The Child, which reflects her deep commitment to child health and advocacy.

A passionate advocate for autism awareness, Dr. Edjang brings a unique dual perspective to her work, blending her professional clinical expertise with her personal insight as a mother. By bridging the gap between healthcare and lived experience, she empowers families, educators, and healthcare professionals to foster inclusive, understanding environments for all children.

As a recognized voice in the school nursing community and a frequent speaker at autism-related events, Dr. Edjang was recently a featured speaker at the National Association of School Nurses (NASN 2026) conference, where she presented on "School Nurses Advancing Health Equity for Students with ASD."

Today she speaks about:

Her Journey as a mother of a daughter with ASD (1:15)

Parental Concerns and Needs (3:47)

Misunderstandings and Communication Challenges (5:58)

Advocacy and Parental Authority (13:50)

Preparing for the Future (14:08)

Proactive Planning and Support (17:53)

Final Thoughts and Encouragement (22:08)

Join me for this episode of Mommy Heal Thyself to learn more about support for parents of children with ASD