SPD and 504?

[Rose-Roget]

Ds, 6 in first grade Montessori, was recently diagnosed (by an OT) with SPD, and we've started therapy. He seems to be a vestibular seeker, and an over-responder to multisensory and auditory. So he is active in the classroom, has a hard time settling in and focusing in multisensory environments or tuning out other goings-on in the classroom, can get goofy if overstimulated, bites on/chews all kinds of things in attempts to organize his system...

Even though SPD is not in the DSM-IV, can it be considered an "Other Health Impairment" and allow for 504 accommodations? So far, I have been working with the teacher, and she's been fairly agreeable to accommodating. I'm not sure she understands or "buys in" to the SPD dx, though - as I've found with a lot of people. (I sent her some information and links to research a bit, but who knows whether she'll look at them.) I'm not sure at what point I take it to something more formal like a 504 or if that's even possible.

[Linda on the move]

If it's a private school, then they aren't bound by the laws any way, so it's a mute point.

Private schools do not have to accommodation any students they don't want to. They can just say they don't have the resources.

[DaughterOfKali]

Although it may be a moot point for private school, you can still get services through the public school (even if your child goes to private.) I would call the principal or school psychologist at your local public school about getting either an IEP or 504.

You may want to look into getting an Educational Advocate. She/he would be very instrumental in getting your son the services he needs.

[Rose-Roget]

Sorry - I didn't clarify! It's a public school Montessori program.

[DaughterOfKali]

Well, then, all the better! Yes, tell them that you want to set up a 504.

I still suggest getting an Educational Advocate.

[Linda on the move]

in you need to request a 504 plan in writing.

The list of reasons for an IEP do no apply to 504 plans.

[Rose-Roget]

So SPD would be a recognizable disorder to allow for a 504?

[Linda on the move]

The laws on 504 are vague -- they can be used for anything from a broken leg to autism.

SPD doesn't qualify for an IEP.

Ask and see what happens.

[DaughterOfKali]

Have you had him fully evaluated by a Neuro Psych? I would do that first. There may be something else going on (which could get him an IEP.)

[Rose-Roget]

I knew he wouldn't qualify for an IEP, and his needs really aren't to a level of needing it, at this time. He gets OT privately, and the amount a school might offer wouldn't be worth the hassle of the IEP. Mostly, he just needs some general accommodations - allowed to chew gum for sensory input and/or modulation, reduction of writing load at times, assistance learning to focus in distraction (I am sending a time-timer to school), understanding that high sensory days may be more challenging and he may need extra support or a cool down area (someitmes).

I have not had him evaluated by a neuro-psych. That may be a next step. I need to get a referral to one who I would trust and who understands SPD, not automatically jumping to adhd. We're working through therapy at the moment to see what changes that can bring. I'm crossing my fingers that that can help equip him...

[wytchywoman]

Here are the big differences between a 504 plan and an IEP:

1) 504 plans offer accommodations only, IEP's offer accommodations and modifications. The difference between those 2 is this: accommodations affect HOW the content is learned, modifications affect the CONTENT, in and of itself. If you think your son can learn the same curriculum, but just in a different way, then modifications won't be necessary.

2) 504 plans are offered to students who can not participate in one or major life activities such as walking, speaking, breathing, learning, lifting weight, etc... IEP's are reserved for a core set of diagnoses. Both 504 and IEP's are available for students categorized as Other Health Impaired.


3) Legally they are administered under different laws. 504's are a civil right that is accessed under the ADA and Rehabilitation Act of 1973. IEP's are special education rights guaranteed under IDEA 2004.

The big qualifying factor for an IEP is the diagnosis of a disability AND the need for special instruction. Under those guidelines, a student with an SPD could technically qualify, if the need for specialized instruction could be proven. It sounds to me though that your son would be fine with a good teacher and solid accommodations. I highly recommend that your accommodations on the plan include preferential seating and the ability to complete testing and assignments in an alternative (quieter) location as needed. If the school has an outdoor swing set or an OT room with a swing, then you might want to list an accommodation that allows him to swing every morning prior to beginning his work or during times of high stress.

[Julia Rose]

The benefits of an IEP over a 504 for SPD might include push-in/pull-out OT in the school setting, which could have a really positive affect on your son's experiences in the classroom and his ability to learn in a structured environment. SPD, depending on the numbers, will qualify a student for an IEP. Have you considered contacting the school district to have your DS assessed by them? If the numbers (in terms of deviations from "the norm") are significant enough to indicate OT in the school setting, he'd qualify for an IEP which would get it in place for you.

[Linda on the move]

Originally Posted by Rose-Roget

understanding that high sensory days may be more challenging and he may need extra support or a cool down area .

one of the accommodations for my DD on her 504 was "A safe place to go when feeling overwhelmed."

I'd go ahead and request a 504 now, based on his current dx. Getting full neuro pych eval is a great idea, but it can take a long time.