The Role Of An ADHD Advocate And Educator

By Peter Smith


Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is something that can effect children, teens and adults. As such, there are now advocates, coaches and educational specialist working with those effected by the condition. When it comes to obtaining an adhd advocate, an individual or family has a number of options. For, advocates often available through social service agencies, private fees or provided by the school district.

When it comes to acquiring an advocate, there are a number of choices. For, there are advocates who can be provided by social services, especially to families living on moderate to low income. Whereas, there are also private individuals working as advocates for a fee and those whom are provided through the school district in which a student resides.

To better understand if an ADHD or Educational Advocate is necessary, parents can determine whether or not there are questions related to the rights of a child when it comes to the educational system. More specifically, those raising children with ADHD or other behavioral disorders can receive assistance which helps to assure these children will not be abused, bullied or overlooked in the educational process.

As laws can often change quickly, these individuals also assist in keeping parents up to date on laws related to the educational system, especially those related to special needs children. As such, the parents often do not have to take time off work which can often be costly, especially for those living on low to moderate incomes. Whereas, the child also benefits as these laws are often set with the primary goal of protecting the child while enhancing educational aspects of life.

In addition, these individuals also have to be abreast of laws related to disability. Unless an individual has in-depth knowledge of a disability, it can often be difficult to defend the actions of the individual in a court of law. As advocates can work both to defend and prosecute these individuals this is often considered one of the most important aspects of the position.

The usual purpose of these meetings is to discuss behavioral issues related to a student suspected of having ADHD. While this is the case, there are also times when an advocate may need to visit a family at home. Whatever the case, the primary purpose of these meetings is to develop a plan including accommodations which can help improve negative behaviors. While some students may require professional help, there are others who may only need to be put on a rigid schedule to help build structure both at school and at home.

While these laws apply to all children in the educational system, there are to specific laws that relate to those with special needs. One such law prohibits discrimination against those with special needs. Whereas, the other refers to these children having equal access to the same education afforded those without special needs.

Ultimately having an advocate can be beneficial, especially if an individual has to go to court. For, there are times when fighting for civil rights whether in regards to education or other areas that an individual needs someone to act as a representative in a court of law. Otherwise, the individual might be called to testify which in the case of those effected by ADHD can often be a difficult, if not impossible, task.




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