As discussions escalate regarding the potential dismantling of the Department of Education under the Trump administration, parents and advocates express deep concerns about the future of special education services. Democratic senators are probing the administration for clarification on how these changes may impact students with disabilities, particularly regarding funding and civil rights protections. Recent cuts to education funding have raised alarms for autism families, as they fear for the viability of existing programs. With parents advocating for the preservation of federal and state support, education leaders emphasize the necessity of legislative action to safeguard special education provisions. Criticism mounts as educators and parents worry about shifting oversight of special education to other departments, which they believe may weaken protections for vulnerable students.