504 accommodations for your freshman

[Anonymous]

My DD has ADHD but we have not had any formal plan put in place yet. She is very resistant to letting the school know that she has ADHD. She was on Concerta last year but stopped because she was not herself, did not feel good on it and was doing alright (not stellar) when off of it. Now, she is a hs freshman and is really struggling to keep up. She really has problems with executive function, in attention, and impulsivity. I am wondering what types of accommodations she might get if we were to get a 504 plan for her.

[Anonymous]

On a side note - have you tried different ADHD medications for your daughter? There can be a lot of trial and error to finding the right one and the right dosage. And, when you find the right one, it can make a world of difference.

For example, my child had trouble writing and doing homework after school. We switched medications this year, and amazingly, he is finally able to write without melting down and do his homework on his own (he never did that before).

Also, did she say why she didn't want the school to know about here ADHD?

Some accommodations that we have are: priority seating (near the front of the class), extra time on tests, time to get up to stretch. My child is younger so not all may apply to your child.

We finally got an IEP so now we are getting specialized help for writing and organization.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:On a side note - have you tried different ADHD medications for your daughter? There can be a lot of trial and error to finding the right one and the right dosage. And, when you find the right one, it can make a world of difference.

For example, my child had trouble writing and doing homework after school. We switched medications this year, and amazingly, he is finally able to write without melting down and do his homework on his own (he never did that before).

Also, did she say why she didn't want the school to know about here ADHD?

Some accommodations that we have are: priority seating (near the front of the class), extra time on tests, time to get up to stretch. My child is younger so not all may apply to your child.

We finally got an IEP so now we are getting specialized help for writing and organization.

I also meant to add that if you get an IEP, you can go in the resource class where they have special ed instructors who can help your daughter with executive functioning strategies and she'd also have a place to get her homework done/started earlier in the day so she is not so tired when she starts later at home.

[Anonymous]

OP,

One of the aspects of ADHD is anxiety. Her fear of "letting the school know" probably stems from that. I agree with PP that medications can be trial and error. She may need an antidepressant first then add in the ADHD med if necessary. See a psychiatrist who works with teens/children.

Also, in terms of a 504, you'll have more actual teeth with an IEP, you many need to re-do testing or have the school test her. I also think this post would be of interest to you: http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/507450.page

[Anonymous]

As a 9th grade teacher, the things I have seen in 504's are usually things I'm already doing for all kids (or would do for any kid if asked).

--Sign their student planner or check that they entered HW assignments in their phone/calendar/whatever (student initiates by asking me to sign)
--Post all assignments to blackboard
--Test in a quiet, distraction free environment (sits in the main office or an empty classroom)
--Water breaks when anxiety is rising (student has a "code" signal that lets me know they need a break)

[Anonymous]

- Seating accommodations - least distracting for your child. May or may not be front depending on where the distractions are in the classroom.
- teacher's notes
- extra time for tests
- quiet location for tests
- extra time for assignments
- teacher signing planner - but it will be up to your daughter to ask the teacher to check it
- assignments written on the board - this is probably already done
- "college prep" class - like the Resource class described by a PP, but for kids with 504 and kids with no special ed designation, but need help
- study guides for tests
- writing diagrams
- use of computers to type tests

Many of this is already available if she asks for it, including teacher's notes, study guides, writing diagrams, signing planner, assignments written on the board. The rest requires a 504, but honestly, it's going to mean that the school and her peers will know she has some type of special needs.

Also, I've seen people mention water breaks. I will say that IME this is really discouraged in IEP/504 meetings after ES, but if it's needed you can press for it.

Finally, if she actually needs services as opposed to accommodations only, you can try for an IEP. But, in HS, you don't really get all that much more. The biggest thing is a case manager that has a small case load as compared to a case manager with a high case load.