Saturday, 20 January 2018

How You Can Be An Active Participant In Your Child's 504 Plan ADHD

By Eric Hamilton


Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder seems to be almost an epidemic in children these days. There are a lot of theories as to why. In the meantime, kids are growing up having difficulties when it comes to paying attention, behaving appropriately and interacting with others. School systems are adjusting classrooms to accommodate the learning challenges of these special students. As the parent, there are ways you can be an active partner in your youngster's 504 plan ADHD.

The idea is to give attention deficit kids some extra assistance to keep them from falling behind their peers. Plans offer audio books, additional testing time, and assistance with note taking. To make sure your child is getting all the assistance necessary, you must become proactive. You need to contact teachers and administrators to let them know you will be attending their planning sessions regarding your youngster. They should value your input.

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.

It isn't enough for you to meet one time, at the beginning of the year, with the classroom teacher and any appropriate administrators. You should check in periodically to let everyone know you are involved. You need to sit down with your child as well to get his feedback and listen to his concerns.

Education is a right not a privilege. Your kid has the right to the best education possible. If he has specific challenges, and needs special accommodations to accomplish that, so be it. You must be an advocate for your child to ensure his academic success.




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