Supporting Parents of High Masking Autistic Students (SPA) – PDA Specific, Part 2
What support can we put in place for children who we suspect are “PDA profile” children for school and home?
High-masking autistic students are often misunderstood, overlooked, or ignored in school settings. Washington Autism Alliance (WAA) hosts monthly virtual parent support sessions with an educational consultant on the second Monday evening of the month from 5-7pm. These sessions provide space for community, resource sharing, and educational advocacy tips.
About our SPA Facilitator:
Mash (pronounced “Mosh”) Makhlyagina is the CEO and founder of Neuro Support Services and a professional education consultant.
From Mash: “As a Ukrainian immigrant, ESOL student, and neurodivergent student, school was clearly not made for my brain as a kid.
I excelled because of the support of my community. After earning my Master’s in Teaching, I became a Special Education teacher in 2012. Within a year, I was coaching other teachers! I earned my ELL certificate shortly after. I have taught and coached both elementary and middle school General Education and Special Education. I’ve worked with amazing high schoolers in an alternative education setting. It has been a journey of love and learning across New York and Washington State.
It’s been my honor to support families in over 500 IEP, 504, and Evaluation meetings across the United States. Today I am proud to be an openly autistic/ADHD special education educator and advocate fighting for what students deserve.”
Session Details:
- Time: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
- Day: 2nd Monday of the month
- Start Date: January 12, 2026
