Can you get an IEP with a diagnosis of CAPD?????

Question

My child, age 8, was diagnosed with a CAPD. Then she was diagnosed with a developmental learning disability in reading and writing....and probably in math. She was also diagnosed with ADHD-inattentive type.

We finally got an IEP, under the ADHD diagnosis. I do not think she has ADHD, I think all her symptoms are from the CAPD, but we are trying medication incase it IS ADHD.

I would like to get services for the CAPD...like a Language Pathologist and an FM system to help her in the CAPD area also.

Can that be done??????? Or since the IEP was under the ADHD diagnosis, is that all they have to provide services for???

We are so confused. Finding and knowing the law seems daunting.

Any help would be great!!!!!!

Answer 1

When a child has an IEP plan, the child is to get help for ALL problems and not just what they qualified for IEP under (adhd)

The best site for special ed law is www.wrightslaw.com

and the best message board for LOTS of help is www.schwabas.org

Answer 2

Special Education services vary from state to state. Identified disabilities from the Federal standpoint are taken from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th Edition (DSM IV).  Additional criteria for warranted services also depends on state law.

  ADHD in itself is not always an area of need for a student to receive an IEP.  The learning difficulties are generally what qualify an individual for additional assistance as provided by the law.  In some states, children are not labeled with any identified disability but are "eligible individuals" based on their level of need.  

To receive help in understanding the IEP, or the process, there may have been an individual at your initial meeting who is identified as a consultant.  If not, search your state web sites for a parent advocacy group of special needs children.  Most states have such support groups and they should be able to assist you with the IEP process.  

If you live in a state that requires a "label" for services, you may wish to leave the ADHD diagnosis as a means to ensure services are available for your child.  In your IEP meetings be sure to focus on the goals & objectives (addressing the academic needs of your child) and the Least Restricitive Environment section that includes the accomodations and modifications your child may need in the school setting (i.e. extended time, preferrential seating, shortened assignments).

Although your child may have have needs other then ADHD, if the ADHD identification provides for SpEd services you may wish to use it to ensure services for your child.  The IEP is to be tailored to each child's individual needs, and it can be written to reflect what services best suit your child regardless of the "label".

Answer 3

You have an IEP, but you'd like to add goals and assistive technology to it (that's what an FM system is- assistive technology).  My first question is: Was a full evaluation including speech done?  In my district, all initial evaluations include speech evals, especially when there is a language concern (which there sometimes is with ADHD).  It could be your child didn't qualify for speech, only the Other Health Impairment.  Speech has it's own criteria and is called 'a related service' and she has to qualify for it.  Review the eval to see if there's a speech and language eval and contact that person and relay your concerns.  If there isn't a speech eval, you can request one.  Find out who is the speech therapist in your building and talk to them about your concerns.  

As for an FM system, I've seen ADHD kids have those.  I'd say asking for it is appropriate, especially if it was recommended in your CAPD eval.   Be sure to review the report from the agency that identified her to see if that would be best for your kids (there are those for whom it doesn't work, for whatever reason).

Good luck to you!

Answer 4

First there are only so many categories that states can provide service in.  That said - the important issue is this - what are her needs and are they being met?  I for one don't care if we call it chopped liver - the category is less important than ensuring that the NEEDS are met.  So lets look and see.

I got this online at about.com

Children with CAPD may exhibit the following symptoms:

Have trouble associating sounds with their meanings

Verbally indicate that they don't understand

Not respond consistently to the same sounds

Misunderstand a lot

Want things repeated a lot

Be easily distracted

Have trouble following oral directions

Not receive or express language well

Have a slow response to verbal instructions

Make mistakes repeating things that are said to them

Have trouble remembering things they hear

All of these could also be ADHD and typical strategies for visual learners would be useful.  They are also some deficits that we sometimes see with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and again - many of the typical strategies that ASD students (as also non-autiory learners) could get would also fit.

So many neurological disorders are so tangled up with each other that it sometimes can be hard to sort out - and you have to sort them out withint the rules that the state and federal government sets for schools.  The key for you is to focus less on the label and more on making sure like you most likely already are, that what she needs is what she gets.

Good luck

Answer 5

the laws are interpreted defiantly from state to state and even school to school.

the best thing for you to do is get in touch  with a local advocacy group.

there are national  group that can put in touch with some one local.

you can also try your local university's special education dept.

some one there proudly is interested in CAPD and may be ably to help.