IEP's & public education?

Question

My son has been tested for learning disabilities, but does not have any. I belive he is dyslexic and am in the process of having the testing done for dyslexia. He was diagnosed with ADHD in June 2007. He takes medication, even though I wish he didnt have to. He receives instructional support from the instructional support teacher at school. I am applying for disability for him because I have heard that SSI does pay for this disability and I can use the money to have my son seen by a psychologist (co-pay, gas, etc) so he can learn how to deal with his ADHD before he gets to junior high, and gets too frustrated. He is 11 and in 4th grade (repeated 1st grade).

My questions are: what is an IEP exactly would it be beneficial to have one for my son in his situation?

Any advice from someone who has gone through this is appreciated.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Things are different in each state and I don't have any idea where the sp.ed. teacher who answered the question is from, however in Texas students with dyslexia don't qualify for sp. ed.  A student with ADHD would qualify under OHI (other health impaired) and could receive sp. ed. assistance.  Give the diagnostician a call, and you will be given papers to take to your sons doctor to fill out.  An ARD (Admit, Review Dismiss) meeting will be held and he will be placed in sp.  ed.  It may be that all he needs is inclusion, which means he'd be able to remain in his regular classroom. Once he's placed  in sp. ed. you can receive SSI  payments -- all sp. ed. kids qualify.  There are forms for the parent as well as the sp. ed. diagnostician to fill out. What the teacher told you about an IEP is correct.

Answer 2

It is rare that a studnet with ADHS/dyslexia gets SSI

this is a website that explains teh requirements.

http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/adhd-at...

If teh government were to give SSI rto every child with every health condition-whether it be physical,psychological, or learning-there would be no money for anything else.

Is your child currently receiving services through a 504 plan.  ADHD can qualify for an IEp as Other Health Impaired (OHI)

This website describes a 504 plan v an IEP

http://www.apfed.org/downloads/IEP_and_5...

A studnet with an IEPis considered to be in Special Eduication.  A studnet with a 504 plan is in general ed.

If a childe can receive all accomodationsin the genral classroom without teh support of a special ed teacher/changes in curriculum than a 504 plan is appropriate-If the support of a specil ed teacher/significant changes in instruction/curriculum are needed-than an IEP is used

The school can provide pyschological services as part of a 504 plan/IEP-

Dyslexia is accepted to be a learnign disability and a given for special ed in most states-when yo mention learning disability-dyslexis is usually rhe one people have heard of-

it most states it is harder to get an IEP for ADHD (most want to use 504) than dyslexia

Answer 3

Dyslexia is a learning disability...generally dyslexia is a term used by the medical community and learning disability is the term used by the educational community.  If your son did not meet the educational criteria for a learning disability, he will probably not qualify for special education services even if he is found to have dyslexia.  

I have worked with hundreds of students with ADHD and have never heard of any of them qualifying for any disability assistance (SSD) from the government.  Even students with severe disabilities are often turned down, so do not be surprised if your son's request is denied.

An IEP  is an individualized education plan.  The only way to get one is to qualify for special education services.  It is a document that details a students strengths and challenges, sets educational goals for the year, and provides accommodations that make it possible for the student to successfully participate in their least restrictive setting.  It is possible that your son would benefit from having an IEP.  Having an ADHD diagnosis does not necessarily warrant a special education placement, that would be determined through testing by the school psychologist and a case conference committee, of which you would be a part.  Some students with ADHD do, in fact, qualify for services under the OHI (other health impaired) label.

Good Luck!

EDIT:  To qualify for SSI a child must demonstrate "marked and severe functional limitations"...I have noticed that they are turning down more and more students in recent years.  As I said, I have yet to see a child with ADHD recieve any government benefit.  I have seen children with undeniable severe functional limitations denied.  I am not trying to discourage you from applying, just letting you know what seems to be the trend so that you are not caught off guard if it does not come through.

You said he was evaluated to see if he has a learning disability, so I assume that he was evaluated by the school.  If they did not explore the possibility of an OHI placement, you should request that to be evaluated.  Just because he qualifies does not mean he will be placed, if you do not agree.  If I were you, I'd hold off on deciding if it would be beneficial until you determine if he does, indeed, qualify.  At that point, you will be given a more clear picture of what services and accommodations would be appropriate and it should be easier to decide if you feel it will benefit your son.

Answer 4

With the outside medical diagnosis of ADHD, you can ask the school for an evaluation.  This is a pretty inclusive process and will included intellectual and academic testing as well as looking at work skills and organization.  In effect looking at how his disability impacts and to what extent it impacts his academic progress.

It is possible that he will not qualify as his deficits may not be great enough (not school rules - its the government regulation).  If he did qualify in some areas he would get direct instruction and support in the areas he needs the most assistance in.  Typically Problem Solving, Social Skills, Organization etc.  The IEP or Individualized Education Plan would be crafted to map out what his needs were - and how to remeidiate or instruct based on those needs.

Some of the services may include friendship or social skill groups that are lead by Social Workers, or Psychologists - a lot depends on the school.

There would also be what is called accomodations - like extended time to complete assignments or tests.  If he does NOT qualify for Special Education Services with the outside ADHD diagnosis - he could get some 504 accomodations which would be the same accomodations (extended time etc) that he would have if her were on an IEP.

Now as to resistance or reluctance to medication and any pressure you might feel about that.  Think about it this way - if a diabetic needed insulin you would give it, if someone has high blood pressure, those meds are fine.  Just like that if your childs physician in discussion with you feels that a course or trial of medication is appropriate - it is every bit as important.

I wish when my kids were younger there were the options that are available now  - The only thing available was Ritilan and my oldest son after a year - it didn't work and I was unwilling to increase the dosage - that was a mistake I have regreted every day for 20 years.