504 And ADD

I would do the 504 because he needs to be placed in classes where he will not be considered the 'weird kid' from his meltdowns and aversion to loud noise--middle school is a NOISE HOT BOX!

I would do it! I am a certified middle school teacher, and I see so many kids who do not get the support they need from the school because there is no paperwork in place, so the school and the teacher's hands are tied. Middle school is hard. They have to switch classes, know what is due when to which teacher, where to put the assignments, and where to find them. I used to spend one whole period a day volunteering to just help kids organize their notebooks. And, these were the normal kids without any special needs.

I would also see if you can get a study hall, or some special place to help him stay organized, to make sure he knows what his work is, and to verify that when he does it, he turns it in. This is a HUGE problem for middle school boys in general, but disorganized ones especially.

Also, with the noise, etc, he needs to have a safe place that he can leave to when he needs to that is quiet. And/or he needs to be able to wear earphones or chew gum, whatever works for him to be able to stay in the room and participate with the class. Many schools and teachers are not allowed to make these exceptions to the rule if there is no paperwork in place.

PLEASE PLEASE get him the assistance he needs, school is only going to get harder and he is going to need more support. Since you said he is above average, he might even want to look into the AVID program because it can build a lot of these skills. Good luck! and, really, there isn't a stigma along with a 504 like there used to be.

Why doesn't he have a 504 plan already?
By all means you should request a 504.

It sounds as if your son does not have ADHD. So, therefore, it might be even more difficult for the teachers to understand why he is doing well in academics, but falls apart when it comes to motivation and organization.

Your son needs your support 110%. Each and every year you should be conferencing w/ all of his teachers at the start of the school year and several times throughout the year--esp in middle school when he will have several new teachers.

I am certified in teaching and I went on and attended the cross-endorsement program in special-ed.

I just walked a friend through all these steps. My friend took her child for outside testing and then brought a child advocate in the PPT meeting. Her daughter's teacher was not familiar w/ inattentive ADD and her child now has an IEP (an individualized education plan) and gets all the assistance she should have gotten a couple yrs ago.

Yes...by all means, please get plans in place as your son will have several teachers next yr.

Please take the wheel and do this for your son. I am sure that many Moms with children having ADD and ADHD will give you great advice.

It's your chance to advocate for your son.

Also, If your son gets frustrated w/ sound/louds noises you might want to make an appt w/ an OT w/ training and an understanding in sensory and when a child is hyperresponsive and why . It sounds like your child it melting down in an attempt to acheive a calm, organized state. It is a child's way of dealing w/ sensory overload, stress or feeling out of control. Sensory sys are connected to the brain. OT activies are fun, simple and allow the child to help acheive a feeling not feeling out of sync. Pick up a copy of the "Out of Sync Child".

See the website TLTC.com. We have these great offices here in CT. You might find some valuable info on this website., in addition, to the book I mentioned.

I felt the same way your hubby does when it was first mentioned about my child when she was in 4th grade. It made me very uncomfortable. It almost seemed as if they were going to use my child as some sort of test dummy. But now in she's attending a different school, her teacher suggested it because it will make things easier for her as she transitions to middle school (grades 6-8).

Once we had the meeting, I saw this from a different perspective and how it can be beneficial to my daughter. I also saw the school had her best interest at heart and I felt very comfortable with putting the form in place for her. She doesn't have ADD but she does not have vision in her R eye. Also, I can adjust the form at any time.

i agree with Christy Lee - we chose not to involve the school (unless we had to) and to take care of it on our own so that this didn't follow him the rest of his life - might not have happened, people say there's not as much of a stigma nowadays, etc etc...but that's what we chose. i felt it was a private matter - it's my job as the mom (mine and hubby's, as his parents) to ensure he succeeds in this life, and i wanted to take full responsibility unless we just couldn't handle it. we worked with his doctor and have had really good results - i feel really good about it.

What are you hoping to accomplish with the 504? Have you already made informal requests for accomodations?

Some parents swear by a 504. I personally see it as a nudge to be used when informal requests for accomodations are met with resistance. I recommend starting a list of exactly what accomodations you would liket o be made for your son, and then take that list to the school counselor and discuss your concerns. See if they will work with you and make accomodations for your son without an IEP. If they don't want to honor your requests or work with you, THEN move forward with the IEP/504.

Best of luck!
♥
C. Lee

My granddaughter has ADHD and a 504 plan. It has helped her do better in school. I urge you to make an appointment to talk about ways that a plan could help your son.

Marla S. described the benefits very well.

What is your husband's reason for not being on board?

A 504 can only be helpful, not harmful. The most common misconception is that it causes a stigma or 'follows you through life'. That is false. Make the appointment with the dean for a time when your husband can attend as well. He does not have all the information necessary to be able to make an informed decision.

Coming from an similar household style and a mother of 4 kids with ADD. I say trust your gut, you can always change your mind later - it doesn't have to be a permanent situation.

Good luck with everything.

G.