sped pec newsletter
April 22nd, 2025
Special Education Parent Empowerment Council's (SPED PEC) Mission Statement
To support students with special needs and their families to successfully navigate the services offered by Knox County Schools and the surrounding community.
Click on the Parent Advisory Council Logo to connect to the web page for more information dealing with Education Issues including videos, community calendar highlighting free family events, student and family trainings, supports and much more! Call 865-594-9582 to contact us.
Free Assistive Technology
Assistive technology does not have to be expensive and can be very helpful to many students. Click on the article below to learn more about where to find free apps and how to choose ones that are right for your child. There is also a link provided to Signal Center which is a great local resource that can help families navigate technology supports.
How to nurture your child's mental health
HVA coach's son is thriving on the spectrum
Nancy Anderson, Shopper News
“Autism isn’t who Dax is. Dax has autism and it’s only a part of who he is,” said mom Brittany Wynn.
“’Dax HAS Autism’ not 'Dax IS autistic,’ because having something and being something is very different,” Brittany said. “Autism doesn’t make Dax who he is. It’s just PART of what makes him who he is … there’s a big difference!”
Dax is the son of Hardin Valley Academy head football coach Tyler Wynn. Their lives changed forever about four years ago when Dax first first received the diagnosis of autism.
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability affecting how people communicate and interact with others. People with autism may experience challenges in social communication, social interaction and social behavior, as well as exhibit repetitive behaviors or interests. However, autism is a spectrum, meaning each individual with autism has a unique combination of strengths and challenges.
According to the CDC, in the U.S. approximately 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) each year. This translates to roughly 27.6 cases per 1,000 children.
When the Wynns first got the diagnosis of autism, they both said their hearts sank.
“We had a very clear view of what our world was going to look like, but it looks very different,” Brittany said.
Dax is smart, funny, cute, strong, big, cares big and loves big. He also has trouble with social boundaries and the occasional meltdown.
Dax is lucky because his parents knew early something was up. They took Dax for testing and when the diagnosis came down, occupational and speech therapy was started immediately.
Many experts in the field of autism say that early intervention is key.
Today, at 6, Dax attends pre-K at Mill Creek Elementary School. It’s a blended class with both special needs and non-neurodivergent students. He is affectionately known as the “Mayor of Mill Creek.”
Dax knows how to reach his goals. He designed a T-shirt, selling more than 100, to help support his class.
“We have two mottos in this family,” said Brittany. “‘We can do hard things,’ which is what’s on the T-shirt, and ‘God is for us,’ which is something we live every day. We’re very thankful Dax is who he is. We couldn’t imagine life without him now.”
Brittany writes frequently about Dax and her family’s journey with autism … and football. She recently wrote an uplifting piece for parents with a newly diagnosed child.
Transition to Adulthood Timeline
For students with disabilities or learning challenges, the transition from high school to adult life can be hard. But there are supports in the school and in the community.
This transition timeline tells you what you can do at each point to help your middle-schooler or high-schooler prepare for what’s next, whether it’s college, a job, or supported living.
