504 (?) plan for ADHD

[Anonymous]

This unfort, is soooo true esp in MOCO. ADHD along (esp inattentive type) is very hard to get accomodations for. We hired tutors and OT's to help our child. It paid off in the end but we still have many more years of schooling and each year brings on it's on set of challenges! I wish it could be easier!!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

Original poster again-- So it sounds like it is a good idea to do Childfind in early Spring to see if there are any other issues. I have heard that you can't qualify for an IEP if you only have an OT problem. My son definitely has sensory needs and fine motor-- just not sure it would be enough to qualify. Although it sounds like it is easier to qualify in preK for an IEP rather than when you are actually in K. Is that the case? Thanks so much

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To get an IEP, the ADHD has to have an impact on his ability to access the curriculum. An IEP is an individualized learning plan. These are hard to get for a child who is academically on target.

A 504 plan is a set of accommodations to help your child be able to participate fully in the classroom. To qualify for a 504 you just have to show that the disability has an impact. It does NOT have to be an academic impact, it could be social or emotional as well. So to get a 504 you have to have 1) a documented disability or diagnosis and 2) show how it is impairs their ability to be fully successful in the classroom.

You will not be automically given a 504. You need to contant the school directly. We are in FCPS and here you contact the school counselor to initiate the process.

That's not strictly true. My 1st-grader with HFA (high-functioning autism) is academically at or above grade level, but has an IEP because a diagnosis on the autism spectrum qualifies as a disability.

[Anonymous]

This would be true because autism falls into a diff category. I am not saying this is right it's just how it is. ADHD is one of those things the county waivers on. It is a disability just like autism but they don't necessarily give accomodations just because you have it. Again, I def don't agree with it but unfort, MCPS is not an easy county to get services unless the disabillity is obvious and then in some cases not all the needs are met. Again, it really depends on the school and teachers as to how much a child gets. If the whole team is saying YES YES then the child will get services. Sometimes the pyschologist can come in and change things for the team (for better or worse).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This would be true because autism falls into a diff category. I am not saying this is right it's just how it is. ADHD is one of those things the county waivers on. It is a disability just like autism but they don't necessarily give accomodations just because you have it. Again, I def don't agree with it but unfort, MCPS is not an easy county to get services unless the disabillity is obvious and then in some cases not all the needs are met. Again, it really depends on the school and teachers as to how much a child gets. If the whole team is saying YES YES then the child will get services. Sometimes the pyschologist can come in and change things for the team (for better or worse).

Yes, I would go so far as to agree beyond MoCo. I think some diagnoses are treated better or worse in some school districts based on severity level, and it's not the same everywhere. Easier to get good services and support for an ASD in Moco, but easier to get into a private school at the state's expense in DC. (just one example)