AngelSense - Protecting Children

09/03/2026

Preparing for an IEP meeting?

A clear one-minute introduction can help focus the conversation on what your child needs, what already helps, and what you are asking for.

Swipe for the simple 4-part framework.

Comment IEP and we’ll DM you the printable guide 👇

08/26/2026

Thank you, Dolly, for helping generations of children learn, dream and feel seen. 💛

Today, we remember Dolly Parton, not only for the music she gave the world, but also for the millions of children whose lives she touched through books.

Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, children received a free book every month from birth to age five, helping families build home libraries and nurturing a love of reading from the very beginning.

Among the books selected for its collections were stories with special meaning for neurodivergent children and their families.

This Beach Is Loud! by Samantha Cotterill offers a thoughtful portrayal of sensory overload and the comfort that patience, understanding and the right support can provide.

Pablo’s Feelings, officially credited to Pablo and published by Ladybird, follows an autistic child whose facial expression does not always reflect what he is feeling inside. Created from the groundbreaking Pablo series, it helps autistic children feel represented while encouraging greater understanding from others.

These are just two examples of how Dolly’s belief in the power of books helped more children recognize themselves in the stories they received.

What book has helped your child feel seen or understood? Share it in the comments so another family can discover it. 💛

08/24/2026

Want AngelSense considered as part of your child’s IEP?

In this video, Melissa shares 3 practical ways to help frame that conversation, from documenting safety needs and “near-misses” to discussing assistive technology, independence, and school privacy concerns.

And there’s much more to the IEP conversation.

Our full IEP Planning with Confidence webinar brings Melissa together with other experts to cover IEP planning, advocacy, school collaboration, what to ask when support is denied or delayed, assistive technology, and more.

🎥 Watch the full webinar through the link in our bio.

📋 Want our printable IEP Checklist to help you prepare for your next meeting?
Comment *IEP* and we’ll DM it to you.

08/19/2026

Our favorite content starts with our families. 💙

For the new school year, we asked parents in our AngelSense community to share one wish they have for their child.

Safe. Happy. Independent. Included. Understood. Accepted. ❤️

These are the stories we’re proudest to share because real parent voices have a way of making other families feel seen and less alone.

🎒 What’s your biggest wish for your child this school year? Tell us below.

And if you’re an AngelSense parent who’d like to create content with us, whether that’s videos, stories, photos, quotes, or something else, comment CREATE and we’ll DM you the details. 💙

Thank you to every family who helped us make this one. 🙏

08/17/2026

IEP meetings can feel overwhelming, but preparation, clear questions, and the right tools can help shift the conversation from conflict to collaboration.

Join us on August 19 for “IEP Planning with Confidence,” a live panel and Q&A for families, educators, service coordinators, clinicians, and other professionals.

Moderated by Richard Loewenstein, our speakers will explore:

📋 Andrea Salado: IEP procedures, timelines, documentation, family advocacy, and what to ask when a request or service is denied, delayed, or not implemented.

🤝 Tara Yarberry: Communicating your child’s strengths and needs, navigating team dynamics, and using CAPTAIN resources to support productive conversations.

🧩 Jamie Fisher: Evidence-based autism supports, behavior in the IEP context, FBAs and BIPs, communication, sensory needs, and safer, more inclusive participation at school.

📱 Melissa Schiefelbein: The clinical and parent perspectives, family-school collaboration, and how assistive technology may support safety, communication, transitions, independence, access, and inclusion.

You’ll leave with practical ways to prepare for IEP meetings, ask stronger questions, communicate more clearly, and build a more collaborative team around the student.

🗓 August 19
⏰ 9 AM PT | 11 AM CT | 12 PM ET
🎥 Live panel + Q&A

Register through the link in our bio - and tell us in the comments: What IEP topic or question would you most like our panelists to address during the Q&A?

08/16/2026

Autism Speaks is a trusted resource for families across the autism community. 💙

Their recent back-to-school safety blog, created in collaboration with AngelSense, shares practical strategies for a safer, more prepared school year.

We created this carousel inspired by their guidance, keeping the key tips close to the original.

📖 Read the full Autism Speaks blog via our bio, Stories, and Highlights.

🔖 Save this carousel or send it to someone on your child’s team.

💬 Have a back-to-school tip that works for your family? Share it in the comments.

08/13/2026

Preparing for a new school year goes far beyond gathering school supplies. For many autism families, it also means planning for changing routines, transportation, communication needs, wandering risks, and unexpected situations.

We’re proud to collaborate with Autism Speaks on this practical resource, which brings together community-based safety strategies, school planning, and assistive technology. From familiarizing a child with new routines to coordinating with school staff and preparing emergency information, these thoughtful steps can help families begin the year feeling more confident and supported.

Read the full article: https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/back-school-autism-safety-strategies-planning-community-support-and-peace-mind?fbclid=IwY2xjawTq3SFwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMTlJMnRaNWI3Sm1LZ2tqU2JzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeNWoaIQijb7jE82cHUv3-f0cozcKLeEiksadNNsa8XBEaEc9u6tM4lvwUNYg_aem_fKucMftC6c2nFn-bERZvjQ

The beginning of school is quickly approaching (or may already be here!). For parents of autistic children, there's more to consider than just school supplies. Making sure you have a safety plan in place is essential!

https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/back-school-autism-safety-strategies-planning-community-support-and-peace-mind

08/03/2026

For autistic children, preparing for back-to-school often takes time, and starting gently can make a real difference.

Save this carousel for when you’re ready to begin, or send it to your partner to start a conversation about which first step feels right for your family. 💚

07/31/2026

When we understand what’s happening in the nervous system, we stop asking, “How do I stop this behavior?” and start asking, “What is my child trying to tell me?”

I’m Melissa Schiefelbein, autism mom, BCBA, and AngelSense Clinical Lead. Here are 3 things that changed how I understand meltdowns. Save this for the next hard day. 💚

How often are you able to catch a meltdown before it reaches its peak?