NP here -same issue, 5th grade. How do you get a 504? Also, can you request that child is not in same homeroom or subject specific class with child who has a history of provoking DC's anxiety (largely under the radar type stuff that is difficult to substantiate, btw)?

Our 8yo has anxiety and we are in the process of getting a formal diagnosis and considering medication. She is doing well academically and we don't have any formal accommodations at school like a 504 or IEP (haven't formally requested them), but her teachers last year and this year have been extremely accommodating on helping her with some tough situations. Last year, the teacher created a safe space for her in the classroom where she could go during class to do solo work, and she had, essentially, a free pass to pace in the hallway when she was overwhelmed. She could also go to the counselor when needed, which was 1x/day during a particularly bad month; it scaled way back later. This year, I pull her out for lunch at home a few days a week, she eats with the counselor on some other days, and she also has ready access/passes to the counselor and media center if she is getting overwhelmed. These are all strategies that the teachers and I co-developed based on behaviors they were seeing in the classroom, and on techniques I knew were effective for her. All that to say, even if you don't have a formal 504, it may be worth a 1:1 with the teacher to see if there are some interim things you can try to reduce some daily anxiety.

Has your child seen a physician (psychiatrist, social worker, therapist) for their anxiety? If the physician sees that the anxiety is due to test anxiety, writing anxiety, other school related anxiety they can ask for report from the teachers with you permission and permission to share with the school or physician this information. If the physician sees this as a cause they can make recommendations (extra time to complete assignments, small group for testing, breaking down long assignments into sections) to the school with a formal diagnosis of anxiety disorder. after receiving the information you could request a meeting for the Local Screening Committee to review and advocate for a 504 for your child.

Has your child seen a physician (psychiatrist, social worker, therapist) for their anxiety? If the physician sees that the anxiety is due to test anxiety, writing anxiety, other school related anxiety they can ask for report from the teachers with you permission and permission to share with the school or physician this information. If the physician sees this as a cause they can make recommendations (extra time to complete assignments, small group for testing, breaking down long assignments into sections) to the school with a formal diagnosis of axiety disorder.

Anonymous wrote:DC with ADHD and moderate-servere anxiety. Not eligible for 504 or IEP because of being "on grade level" and high test scores despite behaviors like running away and hiding when anxious. In MCPS.

This is absurd. Your child definitely needs either a 504 or IEP with their diagnosis and behavior. Being on grade level and having high test scores is irrelevant. Sounds like you may have to turn to an advocate because your school completely dropped the ball on this.

Anonymous wrote:DC with ADHD and moderate-servere anxiety. Not eligible for 504 or IEP because of being "on grade level" and high test scores despite behaviors like running away and hiding when anxious. In MCPS.

FCPS: no problem at all getting a 504 for DC w/ ADHD and anxiety, and working well above grade level (AAP w/ Center placement and advanced math). The DOE has issued guidance that 2e kids should get 504s. I know AAP kids with IEPs, but that is much tougher to pull off.