Q: My 11th grade son was tested by the school district for special education services in both the third and sixth grades but never qualified. I believe he has ADHD. He needs help in the classroom and extra time on the SATs. Are there any other options? What can we do to get him help?
A: To start, you must determine if your child indeed has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Seeking an evaluation from an educational psychologist is the first step in this process. Once an evaluation has been completed, assuming there is a diagnosis, take those results to the school district and request a 504 Plan. A 504 plan is a program of instructional services tailored to assist a student with special needs. It can help your son identify his strengths and weaknesses. and then build modifications and accommodations needed to help him be more successful in the classroom. Some accommodations may include extended time on tests or assignments, computer aided instruction and the privilege of taping lectures. Although no formalized testing is required to be eligible for a 504 Plan, Lili Melton, Ph.D. Counselor at Palm Desert High School said, "Having an evaluation completed is helpful when determining the specific areas in which your child’s disability is adversely affecting their academics." In addition to having an ADHD diagnosis, most College Boards require a pupil have a psycho-educational evaluation conducted before allowing the student special accommodations, like extra time on standardized tests (SAT, ACT).
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