Barbara Cohen is a policy analyst working to advance the access to and quality of special education. She is also a certified teacher, writer, and parent to a nineteen-year-old autistic daughter. As an advocate, her work with parents and schools is informed by years of classroom teaching experience as well as the expertise gained while navigating Chicago’s special-needs labyrinth of educational, therapeutic, and social support options. She has moderated support groups for parents of children with special needs, and conducted workshops for teachers, parents, college professors. and pediatricians. Barb is a regular contributor to PsychologyToday.com, where she blogs about neurodiversity, disability, and the intricate web of motivations that underlie parenting behavior. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching degree, an M.A. in political science, and certification as a special education advocate from the Council of Parent Advocates and Attorneys.