Ability Amplified

Unlocking Your Child’s Potential, Empowering Their Dreams.

Helen Tarkington, M.Ed.

“Ability Amplified is a full-service consulting service, specifically geared toward working with children and young adults with autism spectrum disorder and their families. My goal is to help individuals achieve the best possible outcomes through in-home direct instruction and comprehensive planning, including access to high quality educational program planning and IEP consulting, and community-based support.

I have had the pleasure & privilege of working with children and families for more than 20 years. My experiences as a special education teacher, TEACCH Autism Program Advanced Consultant and trainer, educational technology product designer, and mom make me uniquely qualified to advocate for children & young adults, to help them access programs and services, and to simplify a complex world so that they get the support and opportunities they deserve.”

There is a Critical Gap in Appropriate & Meaningful Services for Children & Their Families

When a child receives a diagnosis that subsequently requires accommodations or specially designed instruction, parents usually have many questions, often alongside a great deal of uncertainty. The weight of the diagnosis and all the potential challenges that comes with it can feel daunting, even overwhelming.

Even the most informed and dedicated parents can feel as if they are climbing an uphill battle to get their child the services they need and deserve to ensure the best possible outcomes. And the systems and supports, even when available, aren’t always easy to find and access.

I will partner with you to navigate the complexity of available community-based and educational services and work directly with you and your child to support their growth and development. Whether working with young children, teenagers or young adults, my goal is to understand your family’s goals and partner with you to achieve them.

Learn more

You may be asking…

What will my child’s future look like?
What challenges might they face and how can I best equip them?
What special education services is my child entitled to receive and what should I expect from the IEP process?
How can I successfully partner with educators to ensure my child has what they need at school?
How can I support my child’s growth outside of school?

None of these questions have easy answers and there aren’t necessarily simple solutions, but together we will create a comprehensive plan to address them to ensure your child is getting the support they need.

In-person and remote options

While many of my services can be offered virtually, I also offer in-home direct instruction as needed within the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area. Instruction can include support in academics, communication & social skills, or functional/adaptive skills.

Services