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Can I get a 504 / IEP if it’s only Behavioral?
Hello!
It’s been awhile since I asked any questions, yet we have been working with the school regarding our son, Zane, and his issues. In August we did meet with the school in regards to having I.D.E.A. testing done so we could get an IEP in place. The school wanted to wait until the spring semester and observe Zane over the fall/winter semester so they could test him accordingly. (Since they can only test him once and if he doesn’t meet the qualifications they cannot test him for another three years). We understood their reasoning but also was made aware that at any time we requested the testing to be done (in a formal request) it would have to be done within 45 days.
Well, we have been working with the school daily. They send me reports about his behavior and we ended up having to switch his medication in the middle of September to Concerta. (He has been having serious issues recently at school, especially with keeping his hands to himself – he has become EXTREMELY tactile and we are currently working on that; ie: squeezy balls, bracelets, etc) We also have been given a grant to work with a non-profit organization for a Wraparound and our first team meeting is tonight.
My Aunt, who works with children like Zane, told me there is a good possibility that Zane will not qualify for the disability IEP because his issues seem to be more behavioral. Also, there is a chance we are dealing with something else along with the ADHD (PDD, Asperger’s, etc.) When Zane does his work at school, he rushes through it and will get F’s… but when he brings his work home, he knows all the answers and will do it with answering everything correct.
We have a meeting set with a specialist in January 2014 (the earliest we can get in) to have him evaluated for any other disorders and until then we have been working with the wraparound group and the school.
Okay, to my question – Can I get a 504 or IEP if they think it is only behavioral? I was under the impression that ADHD is considered a developmental disorder, but from what I have read ADHD children are pretty smart and can do the work; it’s just extremely difficult for them to be able to focus.
And yes, I have read the “ADHD Answer Book”
It’s been awhile since I asked any questions, yet we have been working with the school regarding our son, Zane, and his issues. In August we did meet with the school in regards to having I.D.E.A. testing done so we could get an IEP in place. The school wanted to wait until the spring semester and observe Zane over the fall/winter semester so they could test him accordingly. (Since they can only test him once and if he doesn’t meet the qualifications they cannot test him for another three years). We understood their reasoning but also was made aware that at any time we requested the testing to be done (in a formal request) it would have to be done within 45 days.
Well, we have been working with the school daily. They send me reports about his behavior and we ended up having to switch his medication in the middle of September to Concerta. (He has been having serious issues recently at school, especially with keeping his hands to himself – he has become EXTREMELY tactile and we are currently working on that; ie: squeezy balls, bracelets, etc) We also have been given a grant to work with a non-profit organization for a Wraparound and our first team meeting is tonight.
My Aunt, who works with children like Zane, told me there is a good possibility that Zane will not qualify for the disability IEP because his issues seem to be more behavioral. Also, there is a chance we are dealing with something else along with the ADHD (PDD, Asperger’s, etc.) When Zane does his work at school, he rushes through it and will get F’s… but when he brings his work home, he knows all the answers and will do it with answering everything correct.
We have a meeting set with a specialist in January 2014 (the earliest we can get in) to have him evaluated for any other disorders and until then we have been working with the wraparound group and the school.
Okay, to my question – Can I get a 504 or IEP if they think it is only behavioral? I was under the impression that ADHD is considered a developmental disorder, but from what I have read ADHD children are pretty smart and can do the work; it’s just extremely difficult for them to be able to focus.
And yes, I have read the “ADHD Answer Book”
No, these problems start about 2 weeks after school began, the behavior I mean. Then the doctor decided to try intuniv and that didn't work so she gradually removed him from Vyvanse and Intuniv and started him on Concerta. The tactile issues seem to come after the Concerta.
She took him off Vyvanse because she didn't want to raise the level (36mg also) and he seemed to be having issues, more mood swings, it would wear off quickly.
I did bring up to his facilitator about the SPD, so he will notate it for when he goes in for the evaluation. The school also is going to look at doing an O.T. evaluation. (I'm alittle frustrated because the school just told us last night that my son was observed by the school behavioral pyschologist - something we were never told even after the fact. I asked about a report to which they would me it was an unformal observation.)
She took him off Vyvanse because she didn't want to raise the level (36mg also) and he seemed to be having issues, more mood swings, it would wear off quickly.
I did bring up to his facilitator about the SPD, so he will notate it for when he goes in for the evaluation. The school also is going to look at doing an O.T. evaluation. (I'm alittle frustrated because the school just told us last night that my son was observed by the school behavioral pyschologist - something we were never told even after the fact. I asked about a report to which they would me it was an unformal observation.)
COMMUNITY LEADER
Double checked the dosage, and its fairly high for his age, so not changing is probably a good idea. Any of these problems start occurring after the change to Concerta? Any idea why doc switched from Vyvansse (the med you last mentioned) to Concerta?
Do read up on SPD and don't be afraid to post to Specialmom. Her own son has SPD and is only a few years older than your son.
Do read up on SPD and don't be afraid to post to Specialmom. Her own son has SPD and is only a few years older than your son.
Hello!
We did ask his GP about the Concerta (36mg) and she is not willing to tweak his dosage until after his evaluation in January 2014 with the specialist. She mentioned I should watch out for Red Dye 40, but that was basically her answer.
I have wondered abou SPD and have brought it up to his GP (who thinks he is just acting like a boy) and to the Wraparound Facilitator. The WF has been notating it and I think they will be reviewing it during the evaluation.
We did ask his GP about the Concerta (36mg) and she is not willing to tweak his dosage until after his evaluation in January 2014 with the specialist. She mentioned I should watch out for Red Dye 40, but that was basically her answer.
I have wondered abou SPD and have brought it up to his GP (who thinks he is just acting like a boy) and to the Wraparound Facilitator. The WF has been notating it and I think they will be reviewing it during the evaluation.
COMMUNITY LEADER
It is difficult to get an IEP for ADHD (which is ridiculous in my opinion). The 504 should be no problem. And it is probably important so that he can be allowed tactile things in the classrooms.
I kind of wonder if his Concerta dose is high enough? The doc will typically start you out low and wait to see how things are going.
Also wonder when you remarked about other disorders if you have ever checked out Sensory Processing disorder. Your remarks about the tactile things rang a bell for me. You might want to check it out here - http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/
and if you have a any questions, we have a great sensory site that is run by Specialmom who has a lot of experience - http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Sensory-Integration-Disorder-SID/show/1396
I kind of wonder if his Concerta dose is high enough? The doc will typically start you out low and wait to see how things are going.
Also wonder when you remarked about other disorders if you have ever checked out Sensory Processing disorder. Your remarks about the tactile things rang a bell for me. You might want to check it out here - http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/
and if you have a any questions, we have a great sensory site that is run by Specialmom who has a lot of experience - http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Sensory-Integration-Disorder-SID/show/1396
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