Once a child has an IEP, can it be taken away?

Question

For example, if a child has ADHD and is put on medication that fully controls his symptoms, then the ADHD isn't technically a disability under IDEA. So can his IEP be taken away, making him ineligible for special education services?

Answer 1

if you request to have him removed then yes, its your choice if you think your child can handel, regualar classes, or he needs that extra push then ask him to be removed, they will have another IEP meeting with you, but its your choice.

Answer 2

ADHD is not a diagnosis under IDEA, it is considered Other Health Impaired (which is an umbrella term for a variety of different disabilities).  Sounds like an alternative could be a 504 Plan.  This is a plan for students that still need some modifications to their education.  It is a lot like an IEP, in that it is a team decision about what would be best for the child.  The biggest difference is that it is not a special education document.

As for the IEP being taken away, that should be a team decision on whether they feel that the student would continue to benefit from special education services.

Answer 3

ADHD falls under the criteria of OHI (other health impairment).

Answer 4

I personally would put the new medication under the title of accomodations. I take medication for ADD, and  I have been taking different types of medication for years. Medication cannot cure ADD, only help the symptoms. Without that medication the child would still have the disorder to a greater extent. A meeting should be called, however, to establish new goals that are more meaningful with the new medication.

Answer 5

Why wouldn't the ADHD not be considered a disability still?  The condition interferes with the child's ability to function properly at school.  The medication helps control symptoms, it does *not* make the disability disappear.  That would be like saying that a child who has braces to help him walk doesn't need them anymore *because* they help him walk.  The ADHD would still be a disability, under Other Health Impairment.

Answer 6

I think  someone who is ADHD is 504 not special education.  and every time they re evaluate the plan it can be changed.

Answer 7

An IEP cannot be taken away.  A student can be reassed to see if their disability continues to impact their ability to progress in the general education classroom. If the student no longer needs the services, then the team can choose to dismiss from SPED, but you don't just throw out an IEP. This is a team decision, just as it was a team decision when admitted to SPED in the first place.  

Medication does not negate ADHD/ADD as a disability because the underlying problem is still there and still impacts the student.  Medication is not a cure, just a temporary solution.  How many kids are consistently taking their meds?  Some do, but most don't.  You have then have several days where they come to school with no meds and the ADHD takes over.

Answer 8

They can't just suddenly take away an IEP. They can reevaluate the child as needed and schools vary on whether they have the child medicated or unmedicated for evaluation. Evaluations generally involve input from parents, teachers, counselors, and a school psychologist. If the child is functioning completely normally then an IEP is probably not necessary because the child doesn't need special accommodations.

Answer 9

You'll need to call your local school to find that out.

Answer 10

it can be but it is strongly unrecomended