Re: Should I 504 my child?

[Guest guest]

Hi Jac, if his OCD is interfering at school (with classwork or behavior,

homework...) then a 504 Plan could be a good option. We had to get one for my

son when his OCD began in 6th grade (he's now 20). His OCD was really affecting

his being able to even do schoolwork, read, etc.

Anyway, what a 504 Plan will do is set up accommodations and/or modifications

for him due to his disability (OCD). It falls under civil rights (Section 504

of the Rehabilitation Act.)

Different things we had or that others have had:

extra time on work; can turn in work late, no grade penalty; extra time on

tests; can bring work home to complete....

allow to leave the room due to anxiety/OCD; go to a " safe place " til return to

room; allow bathroom breaks (maybe a certain # per day)

have some sort of guidelines on how to handle any " OCD episodes " in the

classroom/school

shortened/modified assignments - maybe less math problems, chapter problems;

write short answers (vs complete sentences); have tests given orally (if reading

a problem, though more time on tests can help with reading too)

if getting to school in the a.m. a problem, some have a modification for

arriving later/no penalty.

But " goals " are always to be working on the OCD (with child knowing this) so

that over time there is improvement with the problems, etc., less times leaving

room or less bathroom breaks, able to do more work.... My son had his 504 Plan

all the way thru high school. He'd much improved over time and quit using some

of the accommodations over time and later didn't need them at all; but we kept

the Plan in place since OCD waxes/wains at times.

Just some quick thoughts, hope this helps.

>

> Ok this is all so new to me and moving very quickly... My son was not

scheduled to see a psychiatrist until January, but a cancellation came up and he

was see a few days ago... The psyche appt was not what I expected... more for

medication and diagnoses then referreal to a behavior therapist who we saw

today. Major OCD (handwashing and many other obsessions/rituals) anxiety is the

culprit (I imagine that is always the case).... Anyway, I asked the

[Guest guest]

Jac:

 

How will you know if your son is exhibiting behaviors in school? Do you have a

good relationship w/his teacher? Does your son tell you what goes on in school

w/his OCD?  

 

We had no choice w/my daughter as her OCD seemed to center around school in the

beginning. We did an IEP which has more teeth than a 504. Our school has

actually been very good (except for her teacher last year when the OCD emerged

full blown in the 3rd grade). She really needed the IEP. It was not in effect

until May of last year and will go to this May. She needs the accomodations less

but at least they are there when she needs them.

 

Kerry 

Subject: Should I " 504 " my child?

To:

Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 8:33 PM

 

Ok this is all so new to me and moving very quickly... My son was not scheduled

to see a psychiatrist until January, but a cancellation came up and he was see a

few days ago... The psyche appt was not what I expected... more for medication

and diagnoses then referreal to a behavior therapist who we saw today. Major OCD

(handwashing and many other obsessions/rituals) anxiety is the culprit (I

imagine that is always the case).... Anyway, I asked the psychiatrist if I

should tell my sons teacher about his condition or medication and he said not

now, only if he begins exhibiting behavior in class because then she may always

look to him for a cause to a problem etc... the therapist today agreed but she

added " I would 504 him to protect his rights " and told me to do my research

before my husband and I make a decision. I will do the research, but have found

all of you to be more helpful than anything else so far... your input here will

be greatly appreciated.

Thanx in advance.

Jac

[Guest guest]

Jac,

We have had a 504 plan in place for our daughter (14) for many years.

It wasn't really necessary in elementary school when you are working

with 1 teacher, but I found it helpful in middle school. We had a

meeting at the beginning of the year and they were very accommodating.

I don't know, with their personalities, if they would have listened if I

didnt' have the 504. Now, in high school, the teachers haven't been

very receptive to it, but we haven't had to enforce anything either, so

that's TBD.

I haven't seen anything negative with having the plan.

Dina

[Guest guest]

If your son has absolutely no issues at school then maybe it

is not necessary to share medical information.

I am guessing what they mean is protect your son from

being punished for a disability related behavior.

My experience is that behavioral issues go under IEP

Behavior Intervention Plans not 504.

A 504 is good for a request for accomodations not special

services. In a 504 you can request an extra set of books,

extra time for tests, special seating in class.

We had a 504 from grades K-3 grade. Then we advocated for

an IEP in grade 4 and finally got support in 5th grade.

We realized we had to have an IEP in 3rd grade. She was

punished for transitioning too slow. She was

punished for staring at first aid posters instead

of getting ready to go home. She paniced in school

twirled around and our district didn't help her

in any way because she was not bothering other people

and her grades we good.

Many parents fear their child being labeled emotionally distrubed.

Now days any kids are classfied under other health

impaired instead.

We had a neuropsy test done in 3rd grade. They find things

that education tests never find, such as slow processing

speed or poor executive function. A pyschiatrist full

report also could be used for advocacy if the doctor

writes a strong report spelling out a need for a

behavior intervention plan (BIP). A pyschiatrist at a major

medical center is more likely to write this kind of report.

You have to ask the doctor " will you write a report "

" will you write a strong letter specifing that a BIP is medically

necessary in the school setting " .

Our daughter always had school anxiety and we didn't want her

punished for tardies. We started with a 504 in K - 2. The 504

was little use. For example in 1st grade

I wanted her to have to wash her hands and go to the bathroom

in the nurses offices. The school refused to cooperate under

504. I had to have the therapist call the school, then they

listen for just a few weeks. They wanted so much to stop

this special service.

best of luck

Pam

>

> Ok this is all so new to me and moving very quickly... My son was not

scheduled to see a psychiatrist until January, but a cancellation came up and he

was see a few days ago... The psyche appt was not what I expected... more for

medication and diagnoses then referreal to a behavior therapist who we saw

today. Major OCD (handwashing and many other obsessions/rituals) anxiety is the

culprit (I imagine that is always the case).... Anyway, I asked the psychiatrist

if I should tell my sons teacher about his condition or medication and he said

not now, only if he begins exhibiting behavior in class because then she may

always look to him for a cause to a problem etc... the therapist today agreed

but she added " I would 504 him to protect his rights " and told me to do my

research before my husband and I make a decision. I will do the research, but

have found all of you to be more helpful than anything else so far... your input

here will be greatly appreciated.

> Thanx in advance.

> Jac

>

[Guest guest]

Many parents in this group and one of my friends

have had good support from their

school districts even without 504s. Some districts want to help the

students from K thru high school when they know there

is a health issue. Others like mine, have had to struggle

to get any support at all. Our district is one that wants

all the kids to be treated the same unless there is an IEP.

They ignore anxiety issues or treat them as behavior

problems if it affects the teachers time or other

students. There is a lot to sort out. In our case

I want transitional services when she is older. I want the IEP.

Best of luck,

Pam

> >

> > Ok this is all so new to me and moving very quickly... My son was not

scheduled to see a psychiatrist until January, but a cancellation came up and he

was see a few days ago... The psyche appt was not what I expected... more for

medication and diagnoses then referreal to a behavior therapist who we saw

today. Major OCD (handwashing and many other obsessions/rituals) anxiety is the

culprit (I imagine that is always the case).... Anyway, I asked the psychiatrist

if I should tell my sons teacher about his condition or medication and he said

not now, only if he begins exhibiting behavior in class because then she may

always look to him for a cause to a problem etc... the therapist today agreed

but she added " I would 504 him to protect his rights " and told me to do my

research before my husband and I make a decision. I will do the research, but

have found all of you to be more helpful than anything else so far... your input

here will be greatly appreciated.

> > Thanx in advance.

> > Jac

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Whether you want to implement a 504 plan or an IEP I think depends on what his

needs are. How is he doing in school? If he's fine then, no need to do

anything. If his OCD interferes with his ability to learn or do what he needs

to do in school independently, I would look further into it. What does his

teacher say? You might schedule an appointment with the teacher on the premise

that he's an anxious kid and you want to know how he's doing outside home. At

the least, I think the nurse might need to know about his meds.

Bonnie

>

> Ok this is all so new to me and moving very quickly... My son was not

scheduled to see a psychiatrist until January, but a cancellation came up and he

was see a few days ago... The psyche appt was not what I expected... more for

medication and diagnoses then referreal to a behavior therapist who we saw

today. Major OCD (handwashing and many other obsessions/rituals) anxiety is the

culprit (I imagine that is always the case).... Anyway, I asked the psychiatrist

if I should tell my sons teacher about his condition or medication and he said

not now, only if he begins exhibiting behavior in class because then she may

always look to him for a cause to a problem etc... the therapist today agreed

but she added " I would 504 him to protect his rights " and told me to do my

research before my husband and I make a decision. I will do the research, but

have found all of you to be more helpful than anything else so far... your input

here will be greatly appreciated.

> Thanx in advance.

> Jac

>

[Guest guest]

I can't remember how old your child is but I was advised to get the 504 in place

in elementary school because it is sometimes more difficult to get things going

in middle and high school. Everyone in the higher grades is then aware of any

potential issues prior to them becoming issues. I did that with both of my kids

and it did make the transition to middle school easier. I walked in, pulled out

the 504 (which had in it that I had say in what classes and which teachers my

child would have) and I was more in control from the beginning. Starting the

process at a later time seems to involve more people and more opinions. When we

wrote the 504 for sixth grade (before middle school) we also included things

that could be issues in middle school to avoid beginning of the year problems.

Also, I have noticed that sometimes my kids' OCD changes or takes a turn for

the worst. If the 504 is in place in any grade, there is a little more a parent

can do. It's hard to go through the process of dealing with paperwork and proof

of diagnosis when you are in the middle of dealing with an OCD flare up. Kelley

in NV

Re: Should I " 504 " my child?

Whether you want to implement a 504 plan or an IEP I think depends on what his

needs are. How is he doing in school? If he's fine then, no need to do anything.

If his OCD interferes with his ability to learn or do what he needs to do in

school independently, I would look further into it. What does his teacher say?

You might schedule an appointment with the teacher on the premise that he's an

anxious kid and you want to know how he's doing outside home. At the least, I

think the nurse might need to know about his meds.

Bonnie

>

> Ok this is all so new to me and moving very quickly... My son was not

scheduled to see a psychiatrist until January, but a cancellation came up and he

was see a few days ago... The psyche appt was not what I expected... more for

medication and diagnoses then referreal to a behavior therapist who we saw

today. Major OCD (handwashing and many other obsessions/rituals) anxiety is the

culprit (I imagine that is always the case).... Anyway, I asked the psychiatrist

if I should tell my sons teacher about his condition or medication and he said

not now, only if he begins exhibiting behavior in class because then she may

always look to him for a cause to a problem etc... the therapist today agreed

but she added " I would 504 him to protect his rights " and told me to do my

research before my husband and I make a decision. I will do the research, but

have found all of you to be more helpful than anything else so far... your input

here will be greatly appreciated.

> Thanx in advance.

> Jac

>