May Madness: Surviving End-of-Year Overwhelm for Special Needs Families

Aleia Mastroianni and DCSEAC board members Kelly Mayr and Courtney Nangle discuss why May feels especially overwhelming for families raising children with disabilities, describing end-of-year scheduling crushes (testing, concerts, prom, graduations), IEP renewals, and teacher appreciation pressures compounded by social media expectations and the many staff and providers supporting IEP students. They note student and parent burnout can trigger increased behaviors, school refusal, and dysregulation, and that planning summer activities can add stress for autistic, anxious, or OCD-affected kids. The group emphasizes transition uncertainty and recommends requesting transition meetings, visiting new schools, and starting planning early. Coping strategies include tailoring su ...