Is ADHD considered a "learning disability"?

Question

I am trying to determine if my daughter is eligible for an IEP in school?

Answer 1

ADHD isn't considered a Learning Disability as far as IDEA-2004 is concerned (this is the federal law governing special education services in public schools).  It can be considered an Other Health Impairment, however it would have to have a significant impact on your child's academic achievement.  If it doesn't have a severe impact on her, but she can benefit from accommodations such as increased time on tasks and exams, shortened assignments, extra books, etc, she may be best served by a Section 504 plan.  This acknowledges that your child has a disability and that she needs accommodations in order to be treated fairly.  Those plans get written yearly, just like an IEP, and holds the school to providing services, but helps her without a special ed label.

Answer 2

Yes, it is. If your daughter has been diagnosed with ADHD then yes she needs an IEP. Just remember to keep close tabs on her. Don't let the school turn her into a label. And don't let them use her ADHD as an excuse. Also make sure she is tested for this by someone other than the school system.

Answer 3

Yes she would be eligible for an IEP, even though ADHD is not a "learning disability."  There are several categories for eligibilty for an IEP, and at least in my state, ADHD would qualify you under the OHI (Other Health Impaired) label.

Answer 4

Yes they usually call it a 504.

consider if she is really needing this "lable" for it sets her up in a series of curcumstances that may not help. I found with my son it was food allergies that made him like-ADHD...yet in fact he was smart. so give your child IQ tests, ear tests, etc,. and also check her food.

the lable follows her around through school and may effect the choices others make for her, and missing opportunities.