When the Budget Tightens: What Potential Cuts to Special Education Could Mean for Your Child

When I first read about the proposed budget cuts to special education, I felt the same mix of worry and determination that so many parents and educators feel right now. If you’re reading this, you might be wondering the same thing I did: What does this actually mean for my child?

The Reality Behind the Headlines

Every year, federal and state education budgets shift. But this time, the conversation around reducing funding for special education feels heavier. For families of children with unique learning needs, these aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet — they’re speech sessions, classroom aides, sensory tools, and individualized support plans that make a real difference in daily life.

When schools lose funding, they have to make hard choices. That can look like fewer staff members to implement IEPs, reduced access to occupational or behavioral therapy, or longer wait times for evaluations. It doesn’t always happen all at once — sometimes the changes are subtle. A therapist’s hours get cut back. A teacher gets reassigned. Suddenly, the structure your child relied on feels a little less steady.

What This Could Mean for Your Child

Let’s be honest — for neurodivergent kids, consistency is everything. They thrive when routines are predictable and their supports are dependable. Budget cuts threaten that foundation. If your child depends on specialized instruction or classroom accommodations, a decrease in funding can ripple into every corner of their school experience.

You might notice:

• Delays in services that used to be automatic.

• More students per classroom, meaning less individualized attention.

• Stress on teachers and support staff who are trying to do more with less.

• Reduced access to programs that once helped your child stay regulated, focused, and successful.

The truth is, your child’s rights under IDEA (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) don’t disappear because of a smaller budget. Schools are still legally required to provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). But when resources stretch thin, families often have to step up their advocacy even more.

So What Can You Do?

Start by reviewing your child’s IEP or 504 plan. Know what’s promised — and keep documentation of what’s delivered. Ask questions early and often. Don’t wait until services disappear to bring up concerns.

Connect with your district’s special education director or case manager to learn how potential funding changes could impact your child’s school. If your child begins missing sessions or their supports change without an official IEP amendment, request a meeting. You have every right to seek compensatory services.

And remember — you’re not alone. Build community with other parents, join advocacy groups, and share your experiences. The more informed and united families are, the harder it is for necessary supports to quietly fade away.

A Final Thought

Behind every policy debate are real kids — like yours, like mine — who depend on adults to fight for their chance to learn, grow, and thrive. Budget cuts can shake our trust in the system, but they don’t have to shake our resolve. Keep showing up. Keep asking questions. Keep documenting. Because your child deserves the kind of education that doesn’t just meet the minimum standard — they deserve one that helps them shine.

If this moment feels uncertain, let it also be empowering. Your voice matters more now than ever.

Written by Mikayla Brown, BCBA — Advocate, Doctorate student, and Founder of Hope Bridge Foundation Inc.