504 or IEP with ADHD??

[Anonymous]

7 yr old 2nd grader just diagnosed with ADHD combination type. Do I reach out to the school about a 504 or IEP?

[Anonymous]

Does your child struggle academically due to the ADHD, which would require specialized instruction in order to make up the gaps in learning and bring him or her to grade level? If so, an IEP might be applicable.

Does your child just need some accommodations within the classroom to set him or her up for success? If so, a 504 might be applicable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does your child struggle academically due to the ADHD, which would require specialized instruction in order to make up the gaps in learning and bring him or her to grade level? If so, an IEP might be applicable.

Does your child just need some accommodations within the classroom to set him or her up for success? If so, a 504 might be applicable.

Just wanted to add that children may struggle academically and still be on or above grade level. If they have trouble following directions, take a huge amount of time doing homework because they can't focus, have trouble working in groups, etc. they can qualify for an IEP even if they are in advanced classes and above grade level. Impact academically can also be in social interactions (working with others), ability to complete work on time, etc. So don't just consider the A, B, C type grades, but the "Learning Skills" marks as well. Such as "Collaborates with others" and "Engages/maintains attention to learning task". Additionally, if the child needs social skills training, executive functioning training, or organizational guidance through the guidance counselor either one on one or through groups, it is much easier to consistently get the support through an IEP than a 504. BUT qualifying for an IEP is much harder than qualifying for a 504. How much is the ADHD impacting their school experience?

[Anonymous]

OP - if you aren't sure, ask for an IEP.

If the team determines that an IEP isn't warranted, they will often just pivot to creating a 504.

[Anonymous]

I asked for an IEP in a DC School and was told my child didn't qualify. He takes over an hour to do what should be a 10 minute task. He is not behind yet, but he will be with writing. How do I fight this?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I asked for an IEP in a DC School and was told my child didn't qualify. He takes over an hour to do what should be a 10 minute task. He is not behind yet, but he will be with writing. How do I fight this?

You have to wait until there is an academic effect. It's true that the child does not have to be failing, but the effect must be seen. If there's an effect once the writing piece is added, you go back and ask for an assessment based on that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I asked for an IEP in a DC School and was told my child didn't qualify. He takes over an hour to do what should be a 10 minute task. He is not behind yet, but he will be with writing. How do I fight this?

What disability has your child been diagnosed with and who did it? Also how old is your child?

You will generally not get an IEP for a future academic demand that you anticipate will be a problem (e.g. not behind now but "will be" with writing).

The school needs to agree that the disability is interfering with the child's ability to access the curriculum now.

[Anonymous]

If you ask for an IEP and are denied do you have to seek another meeting to ask for a 504? These meetings can take 30 days to get.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you ask for an IEP and are denied do you have to seek another meeting to ask for a 504? These meetings can take 30 days to get.

Depends on your school as well as your school district, which will have their own policies and procedures.

There is no federally mandated timeline for 504s, only IEPs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does your child struggle academically due to the ADHD, which would require specialized instruction in order to make up the gaps in learning and bring him or her to grade level? If so, an IEP might be applicable.

Does your child just need some accommodations within the classroom to set him or her up for success? If so, a 504 might be applicable.

Just wanted to add that children may struggle academically and still be on or above grade level. If they have trouble following directions, take a huge amount of time doing homework because they can't focus, have trouble working in groups, etc. they can qualify for an IEP even if they are in advanced classes and above grade level. Impact academically can also be in social interactions (working with others), ability to complete work on time, etc. So don't just consider the A, B, C type grades, but the "Learning Skills" marks as well. Such as "Collaborates with others" and "Engages/maintains attention to learning task". Additionally, if the child needs social skills training, executive functioning training, or organizational guidance through the guidance counselor either one on one or through groups, it is much easier to consistently get the support through an IEP than a 504. BUT qualifying for an IEP is much harder than qualifying for a 504. How much is the ADHD impacting their school experience?

Not the OP but my child is in FCPS AAP and just diagnosed with ADHD combination. She has trouble following directions, take a huge amount of time doing classwork and homework because she can't focus, and has trouble working in groups in the sense that she doesn't do anything, she gets swallowed. For years her giftedness masked this but now things are harder and it's impacting her. She still gets 3s and 4s though with 2s in reading and writing so I'm concerned because she's in AAP and gets mostly 3 and 4s they won't give her an IEP or a 504. I too am not sure which one to ask for.

[Anonymous]

I think you need to think about measurable goals related to executive functions (task initiation/organization/etc) and argue that your child needs explicit instruction in these areas. I had no trouble getting an IEP for my son who was above grade level in math and reading but very obviously struggling with writing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think you need to think about measurable goals related to executive functions (task initiation/organization/etc) and argue that your child needs explicit instruction in these areas. I had no trouble getting an IEP for my son who was above grade level in math and reading but very obviously struggling with writing.

My son is exactly the same way!!! Above grade level for math and reading but can't write even the most simple sentences. I got the school to amend his 504 to include that he can be tested by using voice-to-text technology. How has the IEP helped your child with writing?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think you need to think about measurable goals related to executive functions (task initiation/organization/etc) and argue that your child needs explicit instruction in these areas. I had no trouble getting an IEP for my son who was above grade level in math and reading but very obviously struggling with writing.

How were you able to do that?

[Anonymous]

504s are ignored by school districts. Demand an IEP and see if you can get it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you ask for an IEP and are denied do you have to seek another meeting to ask for a 504? These meetings can take 30 days to get.

You ask for an evaluation because you suspect that your child may have a disability that is impacting his ability to access the curriculum. A meeting will be held to determine whether an evaluation is warranted. If the answer is yes, then an evaluation is done and you come back together to determine whether your child qualifies for an IEP or a 504 or nothing. If it is determined that your child qualifies, then you come back together again to develop the IEP or 504.

Some schools will combine meetings, especially if parents have already done neuropsych or psychoeducational testing.