process with the support of the professionals’ knowledge and experience. Consider the following tips when building a team of professionals and to sustain a positive relationship with everyone on the team:

DETERMINE DESIRED OUTCOMES: Determine desired outcomes for your child and choose the intervention approach and professionals who will help your family achieve them. Find the professionals who will include the family in activities and be aware of the changing needs of families. We looked for collaborative relationships and a family- centered approach because we felt we needed professionals who asked for our input and listened to our needs as a family.

CLEARLY STATE GOALS AND EXPECTATIONS: Clearly state the family's goals and expectations to every professional involved so everyone is on the same page. Having a handout with the information can ensure that the professional has the information in the file for reference. You can go into the appointment with clearly set goals, but at the same time, be open to new ideas so you are not locked in on an approach that may not be working.

TURN AN APPOINTMENT INTO A VISIT: When visiting a clinic, walk its halls, saying hi to everyone on each visit, not just the professional being seen that day. Take the time to develop these relationships and familiarity with the area so it feels less like a medical visit and more like a visit to a familiar place with familiar faces. Bringing treats can express your appreciation to the staff, while allowing your child to be acknowledged for something other than the reason for the appointment.

MAKE AN ADVENTURE OUT OF IT: Often, appointments can take the better part of a day depending on travel time. Appointments can be turned into an adventure by planning to do something fun that day either before or after. Visit a tourist attraction, go to a museum or the zoo, or maybe a visit to a relative who lives in the area. If it is an appointment that is close by, get a special treat afterwards or have a small surprise to give to your child once everyone is in the car. This can take the focus off the appointment and also provide a conversation starter once you have arrived.

SHOW RESPECT: As with everything, it is important to give respect if you want respect back. It is ok to disagree politely, but it is also important to listen and have an open mind. Being overly demanding never helps a situation and certainly doesn't help foster relationships. Being personable and asking about family sets the example for your child in developing a relationship and encourages your child's establishment of positive interpersonal relationship skills.

TIGHT KNIT: "All families want to find the support and resources needed to help their children." Carlito, Gavin, Pam, and Ethan wearing dream it, believe it, crUSH it T-shirts to support Ava's Voice.

PROVIDE INFORMATION TO PROFESSIONALS: Let the professionals know the extra-curricular activities your child is involved in, enabling them to develop an intervention plan that can be incorporated into those sports/activities. Professionals may also use these extra-curricular themes in their own therapy plans. Better yet, this is an opportunity to have your child provide information. A truly effective relationship is developed through mutual trust, honesty, and open communication.

INCLUDE SCHOOL PROFESSIONALS: Always include and involve school professionals by sharing reports and the goals and expectations set by outside professionals. If they are aware of everything happening outside of school, it assists them in putting together an effective plan with a better opportunity for success at school. Also provide the school with the names and contact information of the professionals who are working with your child so they can be invited to be a part of special education team meetings. We feel very fortunate to have had a school district that worked with us, with the input of all of the professionals involved, to have a plan that truly addressed my children’s needs.

SHARE EVENTS, SUCCESSES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Help the professionals get to know your child by sharing important events, successes, and accomplishments. Bring items that display that recognition as a conversation starter for your child to explain what it is and why he/she received it. Bringing a picture, a favorite toy, or other meaningful items can also help your child begin a conversation with the professional. This was especially meaningful to my children; since we did not live close to any of our family it gave them acknowledgement outside of their parents

MAKE THE APPOINTMENT CHILD CENTERED: Help your child develop self-advocacy skills by having professionals direct questions to him/her from an early age. Make the child the focal point of appointments – after all, he/she knows themselves best. Also, involve your child in meetings regarding his/her identification and planning from the beginning. This can help your child gain confidence in expressing what is helpful to him/her and develop a greater understanding of his/her strengths and needs. My son Gavin often says that he wants people to ask him what he needs and not do what they think he needs.

BECOME INVOLVED: Become involved in professional training, advocacy, and fundraising organizations focused on your child's needs. This will further develop your child's and family's self-advo