504 and ADHD

[Anonymous]

My son recently received an ADHD diagnosis. He is going to start kindergarten in the Fall. I have been told that I should set up a meeting with the principal in June. Does having the paperwork for an ADHD dx mean he will automatically get accommodations? We are unclear how to go about this. We want them to know he has this diagnosis, but not be too negative or give them the idea that he will be a "problem child" etc. (for lack of a better term). We just want him to receive accommodations so he won't get in trouble all the time (e.g., if it is hard for him to sit for too long etc.) If anyone has advice, that would be great! Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I strongly encourage you to discuss your DS's challenges with the school now - don't wait until June because things are so busy and hectic that time of year. I don't think you need to present him as a problem child, just a child that has some challenges and things that help or hinder him. The staff will greatly appreciate having this kind of information because it will better enable them to choose an appropriate teacher for him. When there isn't a good fit between a teacher and a kid like yours, no one benefits and no one is happy. They really do try and get it right.

Having an ADHD diagnosis doesn't automatically qualify your DS for anything. You have to show that it's impacting his ability to access the curricula. If you want to do this formally, your best bet is to start it now. You do that by contacting the school and request your DS be considered for an IEP/504. They'll refer it to the local screening committee. The FCPS special education handbook outlines the process for you and would be similar to programs in other school districts http://www.fcps.edu/dss/sei/Handbook/handbook.pdf . You might also consider attending the FCPS special education conference http://www.fcps.edu/dss/conference/index.shtml . You don't have to be a FFX county resident to attend and it's free.