Are you considering a 504 or an IEP for your child?
Me too! I have had many parents ask me for further guidance on which is best, and the pro’s and con’s of each. That is why I have sought out the ADHD expert, Dr. Liz Matheis from Psychological & Educational Consulting, to help provide some guidance for parents as we navigate this system to find the BEST support for our kiddos.
Does My Child with ADHD Need a 504 Accommodation Plan or an IEP?
Your child has an ADHD diagnosis and you’re not exactly sure what he needs at school. His teacher has spoken to you about the accommodations she is providing, but once she’s done with him this year, then what? Will his next teacher know him well enough and know well enough to offer the accommodations provided by this year’s teacher, or better yet, to offer different ones as he needs them?
All of these are big questions without little answers. Your child’s needs are different from the next child’s needs with ADHD. Let me start by informing you of where you can go for an evaluation in order to gain an ADHD diagnosis for your child. Then, I will review the difference between the two types of plans and which one your child will need based on his academic, behavioral and/or sensory profile.
I think my child has ADHD – who do I go to for an evaluation?
If you, or you and your child’s teacher are suspecting that your child is inattentive, hyperactive, impulsive or all of the above, you are often left with the question of, “Now what? Who can evaluate my child and confirm or deny an ADHD diagnosis?”
Your first stop is likely going to be your pediatrician. Some pediatricians will not complete an ADHD evaluation or offer you a diagnosis, if one exists. However, your pediatrician is a good first stop because she can then give you the name of a trusted psychologist or neurologist who can.
A neurologist or psychiatrist is another person who can give you an ADHD diagnosis; however, you will not walk away with an understanding of what type of supports your child needs in the classroom. Your neurologist may make some recommendations but you won’t get a comprehensive understanding of your child’s learning profile and accommodations in the classroom to help improve focus and learning.
A psychologist can offer you an educational/achievement, cognitive/IQ, and executive functioning testing that will inform a diagnosis, learning style profile, academic strengths and weaknesses, as well as recommendations for accommodations for your child within the classroom (e.g., provide multi-sensory instruction, etc). This psycho-educational evaluation will also help you to review a child’s strengths and weaknesses and to determine if there is a co-morbid learning disability.
What is a 504 Accommodation Plan?
A 504 Accommodation Plan is guided by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure that a student with a disability has access to accommodations that improve academic functioning.
In order to qualify for a 504 Plan, a student must have a diagnosis for a physical or emotional disability, or impairment (e.g., ADHD) that restricts one or more major life activities (e.g., attention, class participation).
The parent then prepares a letter to the 504 Committee specifying the disability as well as the accommodations needed by the student. When you prepare your letter, start it with, “I would like to request a 504 Accommodation Plan for my child due to diagnosis of ADHD which restricts one or more major life activities and his ability to access the curriculum. ” Identify your child’s date of birth, grade, teacher (if in elementary school), and attach a letter from your psychologist, pediatrician, neurologist, or psychiatrist indicating an ADHD diagnosis and type (e.g., Inattentive, Hyperactive/Impulsive, or Combined).
A 504 Accommodation Plan can also provide extended time or small group administration for statewide testing for your child.
Note that a student is not able to receive specialized instruction (e.g., In Class Resource Program or Out of Class Resource Replacement) through a 504 Accommodation Plan, or related services, such as occupational therapy, speech therapy or physical therapy.
What is an IEP?
An IEP or Individualized Education Plan is guided by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and is a plan that provides special education and related services to a student who is identified as having a disability that negatively impacts her ability to receive academic instruction. A student who receives special education services is entitled to modification of curriculum, classroom accommodations, specialized instruction, and related services such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy and/or counseling (by the School Social Worker or School Psychologist).
A parent or teacher refers the child for special education and related services, and your child can be tested by the Child Study Team. These evaluations can consist of the following: Psychological Evaluation, Educational Evaluation, Social Evaluation, Speech Evaluation, Physical Therapy Evaluation, Occupational Therapy Evaluation. Other evaluations, such as a Central Auditory Processing Evaluation, neurological exam, or psychiatric evaluation are often conducted by professionals outside of the school who are contracted by your school Board.
A student with an IEP is re-evaluated every three years to determine continued eligibility. However, a parent can request a re-evaluation sooner than three years, but not less than one year. An IEP is also reviewed annually.
IEP or 504?
If your child needs accommodations in the classroom, such as being seated away from windows and door and near the teacher, but not an academic program, your child needs a 504 Accommodation Plan.
However, if your child has a learning weakness or disability, consider an IEP. If your child needs related services on top of that, consider an IEP.
So, if you’re suspecting that your child has ADHD, now you know who to contact for an official diagnosis based on what information you are looking to gain. You also know the difference between the different plan options that are available to your child in school.
Dr. Liz is a licensed clinical psychologist and certified school psychologist. She has worked in the public schools as a member of the Child Study Team as well as the Coordinator of the Child Study Team. During her tenure in private school, she served as the team leader to provide supports to teachers and paraprofessionals, emotional support to parents, and school-based counseling for students as well as behavior management. You can find out more about the services she offers AND get a FREE phone consultation right here!
