Welcome to In Good Co., your weekly dispatch on neurodiversity and causes worth caring about.

🟣 Stimmates® Spotlight

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Eye-Opening Stat: 15% of children in the US receive special education services under an IEP annually (US DOE, 2023), while in the UK, about 5% of school children have an EHCP (Gov.uk, 2024).

Starting school with an IEP (Individualized Education Program) in the U.S. or an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) in the UK can feel like stepping into a labyrinth.

These legal documents are designed to ensure your child’s educational, health, and social needs are met. However, the path to understanding, creating, and managing them can be extremely overwhelming.

“No one knows my child like I do. Being an advocate means turning complexity into clarity and plans into real progress.”

Why It’s So Complex:

  • Lengthy, technical documents: IEPs and EHCPs contain detailed goals, accommodations, and services, often written in educational or medical jargon.
  • Multiple stakeholders: Parents, teachers, therapists, healthcare providers, and local authorities must collaborate, sometimes with conflicting priorities.
  • Review cycles and timelines: IEPs and EHCPs require regular reviews, meetings, and sometimes reassessments. Missing deadlines or miscommunications can delay crucial services.
  • Varied quality and consistency: Not every school or local authority applies the process equally, and families often face disparities in access and support.

Parents: Your Role Is Crucial

No one knows your child as well as you do. Even when professionals are involved, you are your child’s best advocate in ensuring their plan is not just a piece of paper, but a living document that guides real support.

  • Ask plenty of questions, even if you feel intimidated.
  • Keep detailed notes and records of meetings, progress, and concerns.
  • Request clear explanations of goals and services in plain language.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask for additional assessments or second opinions.
  • Seek out parent advocacy groups or legal advice.
“I thought the professionals would handle everything, but I quickly learned it’s up to me to make sure my child’s plan works.”

Turning Complexity into Confidence

Navigating the IEP/EHCP process can be an incredibly isolating experience. However, with the right knowledge and support, you can transition from feeling overwhelmed to being empowered.

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The Co.’s Take: For many families, IEPs and EHCPs are essential tools, but you need to feel supported in navigating them. The system isn’t perfect, but your advocacy, persistence, and collaboration with professionals are the key to turning plans on paper into real progress for your child.

✅ Action Steps to Own the Process

  • Educate yourself on the laws and rights governing special education in your country (IDEA in the U.S., SEND Code of Practice in the UK).
  • Prepare for meetings by clearly outlining your notes, questions, and desired outcomes.
  • Use plain-language tools and guides to decode confusing jargon.
  • Connect with local parent groups and advocacy organizations to gain support and share experiences.
  • Keep a binder or digital folder of all documents, communications, and reports.
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Friends & Co. (Spread the Love): Here are some trusted resources to help you navigate your journey.

🇺🇸 United States

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Learn more at Stimmates®, a welcoming, safe space for neurodivergent people and their families to connect and thrive. Explore resources, share authentic experiences, and find support designed to make life a little less isolating.

🟠 Communitees™ Corner

Molly Ollys: A Legacy of Courage and Compassion

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Did You Know? Current data suggests that 12 children and young people are diagnosed with cancer every day, and that 1,900 children under the age of 14 in the UK are diagnosed each year.

On Saturday, 2nd September 2006, Molly’s family’s life changed forever. Molly was just three years old, full of life, with no obvious signs of illness, until a simple fall led to a diagnosis that turned their world upside down.

After a visit to the hospital, Molly was diagnosed with a rare form of kidney cancer called Wilms’ tumour. What followed was years of grueling treatment: multiple rounds of chemotherapy, surgeries, and radiotherapy.

Molly faced her illness with remarkable bravery. Even at such a young age, she found ways to cope, attending school as much as possible, joining a youth advisory group to improve the lives of kids with cancer, and lending her voice to helping children understand radiotherapy.

Tragically, despite all efforts and hope, Molly passed away at her home in June 2011, at just eight years old. Her spirit, however, lives on.

Her family founded Molly Ollys, a charity that honors her legacy by supporting children with life-threatening illnesses and their families during the darkest days.

Through fulfilling wishes, providing therapeutic toys like Olly The Brave, funding specialist care, and creating supportive community events, Molly Ollys brings comfort and hope where it’s needed most.

Olly The Brave: Therapeutic Toy Lion

Shop Now
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The Co.’s Take: Molly’s story reminds us that behind every diagnosis is a brave child and a family navigating unimaginable challenges. Supporting charities like Molly Ollys means helping light the way for families facing similar journeys, turning fear into hope, and isolation into community.

🧡 Friends & Co. (Spread the Love): We’re proud to spotlight Molly Ollys in this week's newsletter. Support their work and share their mission however you can.

What We Do | Molly Ollys Wishes
Molly Ollys Wishes

Learn more at Communitees™, where cause-driven apparel gives more visibility to missions that matter. We collaborate with nonprofits, artists, and advocates to amplify messages of hope, equity, and change.

🔵 Advocacy Angle

Gun Reform: The Urgent Need to Protect Our Children

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Stat Check: Guns are the leading cause of death for American children and teens. (Everytown Research)

Guns were created for one purpose: to kill.

Regardless of political stance or rhetoric, the facts remain clear. The tragic reality is that guns are the primary instruments causing death and injury across the country, especially among children and vulnerable communities.

While social issues such as mental health and poverty contribute to violence, the presence and accessibility of firearms dramatically increase the risk and lethality of these incidents. Without comprehensive gun reform: strong background checks, safe storage laws, and community-based violence prevention, children will continue to die tragically from the pull of a trigger.

“Every child lost to gun violence is a reminder that inaction is a choice.”
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The Co.’s Take: Gun reform is a matter of life, death, and politics. The urgent need to protect our children and communities transcends party lines. But real change demands focused policy without compromising safety or rights.

✅ Action Steps: Make It Personal. Make It Policy.

How Reform Happens: Successful gun reform relies on bipartisan political will, energized grassroots movements, and sustained public pressure. Evidence shows that states with stronger gun laws consistently experience lower rates of firearm-related deaths and injuries.

While public awareness campaigns and advocacy have driven landmark legislation in recent years, there is still much work ahead to ensure safer communities for all.

🗣️ Make your voice heard. Contact your elected representatives and ask what concrete gun safety measures they support. Urge them to prioritize protecting children and communities.

🇺🇸 United States: Contact Your Elected Officials

⚖️ Demand real reform. Advocate for universal background checks, safe storage laws, funding for violence prevention, and mental health services.

🤝 Support frontline organizations. These groups hold policymakers accountable and provide life-saving education and resources.

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Friends & Co. (Spread the Love): We proudly spotlight these leaders in gun violence prevention. Support their mission however you can.

Every issue closes with a little something to carry forward into your day. Call it some good fuel for reflection.

🎵 Sing w/the Co. | Ain't That a Kick in the Head by Dean Martin

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Editor’s Note: A charming classic that reminds us to have a sense of humor, even when life hits hard.

📚 Read w/the Co. | Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson

Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson | Bestselling Book and Adapted Film
Learn more about the book and film.
Just Mercy
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Editor’s Note: Bryan Stevenson is a renowned civil rights attorney and founder of the Equal Justice Initiative. This powerful true story sheds light on systemic injustice in the legal system.

📺 Watch w/the Co. | Bowling for Columbine (2002)

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Editor’s Note: Michael Moore’s provocative documentary examines the roots of gun violence in America, exploring cultural fears, gun laws, and the tragic consequences that follow.

🛍️ Shop w/the Co. | Shuffle Pocket Aces Fidget by Steinshant Studio

SHUFFLE POCKET ACES V2 (Satin Silver)
Experience luxury with our precision-engineered fidget sliders. Handmade EDC tools, these high-quality stainless steel toys are the ultimate in stress relief. Durable, premium, and designed for every day.
Steinshant StudioSTEINSHANT
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Editor’s Note: Designed with neurodiversity in mind, this fidget is a cool sensory aid for regulation.

❤️ Spread the Love and keep the good vibes going. We’re not backed by sponsors or grants, so every little bit helps.

👉 Subscribe to In Good Co. for daily dispatches on neurodiversity, advocacy, and causes worth supporting.

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👉 Meet our Friends & Co. These are the orgs featured in our newsletter who help keep our mission alive.