Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Identifying Realistic ADHD IEP Goals

By Maria Reed


Public schools in the U. S. Have a legal obligation to provide special services to students who meet the outlined criteria for these programs. The federal government mandates that students with intellectual or behavioral challenges be provided with tailored learning programs that will help them adapt and function properly in and out of the classroom. As a parent, you are encouraged to be a part of the process of identifying and adapting ADHD IEP goals that your student can realistically meet.

The developmental milestones your child might need to meet may be realistic in helping him or her become as functional as his or her classroom peers. Without this intervention now, the student could find it impossible to sit at a desk and absorb new materials like other students. He or she could require services like speech or occupational therapy as well guided reading or one-on-one tutoring in subjects like math.

As the parent, you know perhaps better than anyone else what your student is capable of achieving and what milestones could be unrealistic or even impossible at least during this academic year. Because of your firsthand knowledge, you are vital to the planning process for the program. The teachers and therapists involved in your child's care will want to hear from and consult with you before finalizing any plans.

The meetings for planning out the program and milestones will occur several times throughout an academic year. Each meeting calls for your attendance and participation. Without your presence, the teachers and therapists cannot formalize any plan of action. You are required under federal law to sign off on the documentation of the program. You may view these meetings as ideal opportunities to express your thoughts and opinions.

These consultations also will be times when the plans for your student will be adapted or drastically altered. Each milestone that is met must be eliminated from the documentation and replaced with a new goal that the student can achieve within the academic year. The federal law allows for plans to be fluid and changed as often as necessary to fall in line whatever your son or daughter needs during the school year.

If you have avoided these meetings in the past out of fear of being asked to pay for the services, you may appreciate knowing the services are provided free to public education students. Only those students with federal or state subsidized health coverage will be asked for copies of their insurance cards. The state and federal government both will remit payment for the services in these instances.

Depending on the severity of a student's special needs, the services also have to be continued until he or she turns 21. Some students who are more capable receive assistance until they turn 18. Your child's therapists and teachers can advise you on the required length of help needed to get him or her back on track.

Creating and implementing an IEP for your son or daughter with ADHD calls for your direct input. The information you share can be vital to the student's learning success. The meetings will continue for as long as the pupil requires this type of help.




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