Tips For Becoming An Active Participant In Your Kid's 504 Plan ADHD

By Eric Hamilton


So many children are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder that it seems to have grown to epic proportions. The cause is still being argued by the scientific community. In the meantime, there are kids struggling with inappropriate behaviors, short attention spans, and difficulty interacting with others. In order to optimize the academic experience for these special kids, school systems are implementing specific programs. As the parent, you have a right to be an active partner in your youngster's 504 plan ADHD.

This plan is designed to level the academic playing field for children with attention deficit disorders. Schools provide audio books, help taking notes, and extra time for test taking. In order to make sure your child gets the most out of this, you must be proactive. You need to let teachers and administrators know you want to attend planning meetings involving your little one. Don't be shy about discussing your youngster's strengths and what has worked for him in the past.

Schools have a tendency to standardize these plans because it is less time consuming to do so. It is not as effective for the affected children however. What works for one child may not have any effect on another. Attention deficit can be specific to each individual. Some kids are hyperactive, and others are inattentive.

You know your kid better than anyone. As the parent you need to know what the school's plans cover. Teachers might discuss the extra, in class assistance your youngster is receiving, but say nothing about things like field trips or school assemblies where you know your little one might have difficulties. Plans should be flexible enough to incorporate specific situations like these.

When you are reading the descriptions of plans like these, you may notice terms that seem vague and arbitrary. They may also contain legal language you aren't familiar with. If you see something you don't understand, ask that it be explained to you. When terminology is vague, you can request that specific language be included in your kid's plans to make it clear to everyone exactly what services will be provided, how, and when.

If you have questions, you don't want to have to ask several people before you find the one that can answer them. You need a contact person who has authority and can address any concerns you might have. In most cases this is the committee leader. When you want to address the overall plan or are concerned plans are not being carried out in accordance with your understanding, you need to talk to the committee leader, not the teacher.

Your participation in your little one's education and special academic requirements will be an ongoing process. It takes much more than attendance at one meeting a year. You may have to remind the administration that you want to be involved. You have to sit with your child and get his feedback.

Your child has a right to a quality education. If he has special challenges, and accommodations have to be made to ensure his right, so be it. As the parent, you have to be an active advocate for your child to make sure that happens.




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