Cogdell, Mattison & Associates

01/28/2026

Helping Children After a Snow Break
From Cogdell, Mattison and Associates

Many children show regression after a snow break. A few simple steps can help them get back on track.

Bring back routines. Reset bedtime, wake-up time, and morning structure.

Review what school will look like. Talk about the teacher, friends, and the daily schedule.

Practice light skills. Read a short story, review sight words, or practice counting to help ease the transition.

Allow extra patience. Children may be emotional or sensitive at first.

Stay connected with the teacher. Share any concerns and ask for support during the adjustment period.

Children settle faster when they feel safe, prepared, and supported.

Cogdell, Mattison and Associates

01/28/2026

Helping Children With Sensory Sensitivity to Cold
From Cogdell, Mattison and Associates

Some children feel cold more intensely than others. For them, cold weather can trigger fear, overwhelm, or emotional shutdown. Here are simple ways to support your child.

Warm Up First
Dress in layers, add a warm hat or gloves, or offer a warm drink before going outside.

Create a Cozy Spot
Provide a blanket, soft hoodie, or a quiet space away from drafts where your child can reset.

Teach Calming Strategies
Practice deep breathing, squeezing a fidget, or holding a comforting item.

Prepare Them
Let your child know what to expect. You can say, “It may feel cold. Let’s get ready together.”

Watch for Early Signs
If your child freezes, cries, or pulls away, they may be experiencing sensory overload, not misbehavior.

Children do best when they feel safe, supported, and understood. With the right tools and patience, they can navigate cold weather with confidence.

Cogdell, Mattison and Associates
Supporting families. Empowering children.

01/23/2026

Cogdell, Mattison & Associates supports families as their children transition from Early Intervention to Kindergarten.

This transition requires a comprehensive evaluation that examines every area of development, including cognitive functioning, speech and expressive language, occupational therapy, physical therapy, social-emotional skills, behavior, sensory needs, and overall kindergarten readiness.

A thorough evaluation ensures that your child receives the appropriate services, supports, and placement on their first day of kindergarten. Your voice is essential in this process, and we are here to walk with you every step of the way.

01/19/2026

01/18/2026

Learn More About Our Parent Advocacy Five Week Course. Launch Date Live At Gifted Child, Autism Walk, April 11,2026.

Parents and advocates in training, this is for you.

Cogdell, Mattison and Associates is proud to launch a comprehensive five week Parent Advocacy Course designed to empower families with the knowledge, confidence, and tools needed to navigate the special education process with clarity and purpose.

Click the link to learn more about the course and explore our latest blog, which breaks down what you can expect each week, from understanding Permission to Re Evaluate and the multidisciplinary process, to IEP development, related services, data collection, transitional planning, SETT, behavior supports, and more.

This virtual course is open to families nationwide.
One evening a week.
The fee is 125 dollars, non refundable, to secure your placement.
A full syllabus will be provided once your deposit is received.

We are committed to supporting families, elevating advocacy, and making sure no parent walks this journey alone.

Click the link, learn more, scroll down to blog

"Advocacy with Heart, Impact with Purpose."

01/18/2026

Cogdell Mattison & Associates can accept 4 additional fee-for-service Special Needs Advocacy cases.

If you are seeking knowledgeable and compassionate advocacy services, we are currently able to take on a limited number of new clients. Please contact our office for more information or to inquire about availability.

01/18/2026

Cogdell, Mattison & Associates is pleased to share that Nicole Cogdell will be joining a team at Gifted Child’s Autism Awareness Walk. This event brings families, educators, and community partners together in support of autism awareness and understanding.

During the walk, we will also share the announcement for our upcoming Parent Advocacy Course, created to help families navigate special education with clarity and confidence.

We look forward to being part of such a meaningful day and standing alongside the community in support and encouragement.

— Cogdell, Mattison & Associates

09/19/2025

Here’s how Cogdell, Mattison & Associates helps your young adult THRIVE through transition 👇

When school (IEP) and adult services (ISP) work together, students don’t fall through the cracks. We coordinate with your Service Coordinator, school team, and OVR/VR to align goals, timelines, and funding—so supports at school flow into real life after graduation.

What we do:
• Prep and join IEP meetings—invite the Service Coordinator
• Build a clear “who funds what” IEP ↔ ISP matrix
• Turn post-secondary goals into steps (jobs, training, independent living)
• Sync behavior plans, assistive tech, and travel training across home, school, and community
• Create a warm hand-off so services start BEFORE graduation

If your teen is 14+ or exiting soon, the time is now. We’ll make the plan clear, coordinated, and doable.

📞 Call us today to get started.

09/19/2025

Transportation as a Related Service (IEP/504): What Parents Should Know

If your child needs support getting to and from school because of disability-related needs, transportation belongs in the IEP/504—more than a bus seat. It can include door-to-door pick-up, lift/securement, a trained bus aide, shorter ride times, climate control, and alignment with health/BIP plans (including ESY).

Red flags to act on:

Long rides causing meltdowns or fatigue

Missed instruction/therapy due to late buses

Safety events without a documented plan

Needed aide/nurse not provided

How Cogdell Mattison & Associates helps:

Review IEP/504, ride data, and incidents

Draft your Parent Concerns + meeting request

Write precise service language for the IEP service grid

Align transportation with health/BIP plans and secure compensatory services when rides go wrong

We’re ready to help you prepare for your next meeting with clear, parent-centered language and a concrete action plan.

09/18/2025

What is Child Find?
Schools must identify, locate, and evaluate children who may need special education—birth through school age—including those in public, charter, private, or homeschool. If your child struggles (academics, behavior, communication, sensory, EF), you can request an evaluation in writing at any time. Evaluations must be comprehensive and follow timelines. If not eligible for special ed, schools must still consider Section 504 supports.

Why Cogdell Mattison & Associates
We help families:
• Draft powerful evaluation requests (all suspected areas)
• Read data & reports, then push for measurable goals
• Prepare for and attend IEP/504 meetings with you
• Secure appropriate services, placement, AT, ESY, and supports

Not sure where to start? Message us—we’ll stand with you from request to plan.