Sunday, January 21, 2018

Becoming An Active Partner In Your Youngster's 504 Plan ADHD

By Eric Hamilton


There are so many cases of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder among children today it almost seems like an epidemic. There are theories as to the cause, but no definitive answers. Meanwhile, kids are growing up not being able to focus mentally, behave appropriately, or interact in a meaningful way with others. Schools are required to provide education for all children. 504 plan ADHD was implemented to assist in this process.

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.

A lot of school administrators try and standardize these plans because it's the easiest way to handle them. No two children are alike however, and one plan won't be effective for every child. The disease affects different children differently. Some are inattentive, and some are hyperactive and impulsive. Plans must be flexible enough to address these issues.

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.

Official documents and contracts may have terminology that is unfamiliar to you. It can often seem vague. When you read something you don't understand, you need to ask for clarification. If plans do not seem to specify exactly what tools and materials will be used to assist your little one, you can ask that more specific language be inserted into the plans.

It's important to know who the decision maker is it comes to the plans being implemented for your child. The classroom teacher and infirmary nurse might be helpful in certain cases. You want to discuss other matters with the committee leader. If you are dissatisfied with some aspect of the plan or don't believe what you agreed to is being carried out, this is the person to contact.

You can't just attend one meeting, check the plans, and think that is sufficient. You have to be your youngster's advocate all through the school year. You need to get to know the administrators and the teachers. You have to take the time to sit with your youngster and listen to his feedback and concerns.

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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