How Bad Would It Have To Get? (evaluation, child, kids)

[crankywithakeyboard]

for you to ask for special ed. or 504 services for a child with ADHD?

Would you automatically do it after a diagnosis? If not, what signs would you look for that your child may need these services?

Just looking for opinions.

[JustJulia]

A child can receive additional services (handwriting, speech, behavioral, reading assistance, etc.) with an Individual Education Plan (IEP) without going into special ed. I don't think a parent could automatically get special ed services for a child with ADHD.

[AnywhereElse]

You could inquire but there are strict guidelines attached to funding for special education that must be met. Your best bet is probably to discuss this issue with the school psychologist. I am not sure what you mean by "bad" and if you were more specific, someone might be better able to answer your question.

[nana053]

Originally Posted by crankywithakeyboard

for you to ask for special ed. or 504 services for a child with ADHD?

Would you automatically do it after a diagnosis? If not, what signs would you look for that your child may need these services?

Just looking for opinions.

We have a 504 in place, but that only happened once my granddaughter was having problems related to her adhd in school.

You don't need a dx. You don't need anything to get a 504 except an evaluation by the school psychologist and teachers who can tell you what accommodations are needed.

We have had accommodations without the 504 up until this year and really they only helped us to put the 504 in place because she will be going to middle school and will have more teachers who don't know her needs instead of a single teacher who does (elementary school).

[njgirl5]

Tried to do it first the less formal way by just giving the guidance counsellor a report and having her talk to the teachers to give them a heads up. DD was able to keep up in class okay but over time with a 'school of hard knocks' type of teacher, DD's grades fell and worse yet, she was made an example of for not picking a partner for a field trip on time (did not pay attention and didn't understand the deadline) and was made to have to go on a zoo trip partnered with the 65 year old teacher...as a 6th grader which was socially humiliating...just one example. Without a 504 plan in place, you run the risk that things like this are going to happen and you do not have anything formally to stand behind. With a 504 plan in place, I can get a whole lot more done with a quick phone call or email. Teachers and administration are much more receptive to interventions and will advise me if they see a problem and are more proactive in making recommendations to better accomodate rather than 'punishing' the student for errors/omissions/behavioral challenges caused by their disability. I believe you should not wait but rather be proactive. Waiting (which for my DD was in part due to a late diagnosis) caused her to develop an anxiety disorder as well, in the constant effort to try to keep up at school. Socially, these kids fall behind very early. All the help they can get early is the best way to go in my view.

[Oobie119]

With only a diagnosis of ADHD, depending on the severity of the symptoms you may be eligible for a 504 plan. This allows for accommodations and modifications on a limited basis. A 504 can be given after an evolution by a school psychologist.

If you are unsure about putting the label on your child, look for slipping grades in school, keep in close contact with teachers to be sure there is no change. Watch for impulsive behaviors, poor organizational skills (beyond what could be typical of course). Is class work being finished or is more time needed; time management can be very difficult for a child with ADHD. Does the child do better on open ended questions or multiple choice? Many times, too many multiple choice options can cause confusion. I'm a special education teacher..and previously was a Special Ed Director in Florida..