About
At the Sanford Autism Advocacy Group (SAAG), we are a small but mighty special education consulting group with an emphasis on Autism and IEPs. Our director, Crystal Sanford, is the parent of an autistic child and has a sibling with developmental disabilities. Crystal is also a Speech-Language Pathologist with over 25 years of practice in Southern CA. We are passionate about empowering families so that neurodivergent children receive the education they deserve.
All of our advocates have professional training as well as lived experience with federal law IDEA and IEPs. We love to come alongside families through strategic parent coaching, IEP document analysis, virtual conferences or trainings (funded by the CA Regional Center), as well as attendance at IEP meetings.
Every team member at SAAG is also either a parent or family member to a child on the autism spectrum, so we "get you because we are you"!
All of our advocates have professional training as well as lived experience with federal law IDEA and IEPs. We love to come alongside families through strategic parent coaching, IEP document analysis, virtual conferences or trainings (funded by the CA Regional Center), as well as attendance at IEP meetings.
Every team member at SAAG is also either a parent or family member to a child on the autism spectrum, so we "get you because we are you"!
Joined January 2026
Credentials
Education
Master's Degree
Certifications
Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist
Certified Speech-Language Pathologist
Special Education Law and Advocacy Series Certificate
ARC @ School Advocacy Certificate
Specialties
Disabilities & Support
AutismOther Health ImpairmentSpeech/Language
Education Law
IDEA
Dispute Resolution
Due Process
Services
Services Offered
Consultation
Meeting Support (IEP/504)
Discipline & Behavior Support
Dispute Resolution
File Reviews
Coaching
Rate Structure
$200
per hour
Compared to California advocates
$0
$999
$200 — This advocate
$150-$250 — Typical California range
This advocate falls below the state average. Good choice.
Payment Methods
Credit Card, Bank Transfer, PayPal
Age Groups Served
Early Childhood (0-5)
Elementary (6-11)
Middle School (12-14)
High School (15-18+)
Transition (18-22)
Working Style
How this advocate approaches advocacy
Note: There's no "right" or "wrong" approach—these preferences simply help you find an advocate whose style matches your needs.
Collaboration Style
Independent Advisor
Takes charge and handles most school interactions
Team Collaborator
Works hand-in-hand with parents on every decision
Advocacy Approach
Resolution-Focused
Prioritizes finding practical solutions quickly
Rights-Focused
Ensures procedural rights are upheld no matter what
Meeting Role
Coach from Sidelines
Helps parents prepare and supports during meetings
Leads Discussion
Runs the meeting and speaks on behalf of the family
Communication Frequency
As-Needed Updates
Reaches out when there's something important to share
Proactive & Frequent
Provides regular check-ins and constant updates
Conflict Style
Calm & Diplomatic
De-escalates and builds consensus through collaboration
Assertive & Direct
Stands firm and pushes back when necessary
Location & Availability
Service Area
Local & Remote
Remote Services
Available nationwide
Typical Availability
Weekdays
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM