Hello! DD (MCPS, 8th grade) has suffered from migraines for years. As she has aged, the headaches have become increasingly debilitating (as they often do, unfortunately). The list of accommodations she needs to function at school also keeps growing (ear plugs to limit sounds, special glasses to reduce light, less screen time, extra time to turn in homework if needed), as do the number of days she is absent. This year has been the worst yet. She has missed a ton of school due to headaches, but she still is doing amazingly well academically and her teachers seem pleased with her work. Also, her MS administration has been absolutely wonderful - they simply ask what she needs and, so far, they have okayed everything. As a result, I never thought about asking for a formal plan! However, this is her last year in middle school, and I'm concerned about high school, especially since her headaches have only gotten worse over time. So here's my dilemma - do I ask for an IEP or 504 now (her final 6 months in middle school), or wait until she is in high school? Is it easier to get a plan in MS? Will any plan she gets now just need to be modified next year anyway? Finally, do those with experience recommend hiring an advocate, or will documentation from her neurologist (who she has seen for several years) be enough?

I've read through the archives and tried to google the answer...but all I seem do is confuse myself more! I truly appreciate any and all advice. Thanks!