How do I set up an IEP for my child with ADHD?

All parents should start in the school’s front office. Ask to speak with an administrator and bring any type of documentation and work samples you may have. In order for an individual to receive any type of accommodations, the individual must provide documentation of a specific disability. For a valid and accurate diagnosis, an individual needs a full psycho-educational evaluation through a licensed or otherwise qualified professional. Ask the school for this type of screening/evaluation.

Note: A diagnosis of ADHD is not enough to qualify a child as learning disabled. In cases where students receive services for an ADHD diagnosis, either through an IEP or a 504 Plan, the coding is usually Other Health Impaired (OHI). The following articles from LD OnLine relate to diagnosis of ADHD and might be useful to you.

• 504 and IEP: Basic Similarities and Differences (opens in a new window)
• Section 504, the ADA, and Public Schools (opens in a new window)
• The Educational Implications of ADHD (opens in a new window)
• Update on Section 504: How Much Will Schools Pay for Compliance? (opens in a new window)
• Protecting Students with Disabilities (opens in a new window)

Finally, you may wish to contact any of the following organizations who specialize in advocacy and legal rights of parents:

• Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (opens in a new window) (COPAA) COPAA is an independent, nonprofit organization of attorneys, advocates and parents established to improve the quality and quantity of legal assistance for parents of children with disabilities.
• National Disability Rights Network (opens in a new window) (NDRN) NDRN is the nonprofit membership organization for the federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) Systems and Client Assistance Programs (CAP) for individuals with disabilities.