How to Navigate IEPs & 504s

Hi there Reader!,

Tell me you live in a house full of neurodivergent humans without telling me....

Recently, one of my partners and I went out to run some errands. We drive about 25 minutes away to our first stop - as we park I realize I failed to grab my purse. I let my partner know that I have no money on me.

We go into the store, put stuff in the cart, and head to the check out when I hear my partner mumble, "F&%k." I look over at him patting his pockets frantically and I start laughing. You got it - he forgot his wallet too. (And we don't have apple pay on our phones)

So we leave the store and drive home, feeling a little like idiots but also finding humor in the situation. We go home, grab both of the missing items and try again.

Later, as we pull into another parking lot, I dropped my phone into the crack between the car seat and the console. After trying to get it out for a minute, I gave up and said, "I don't need my phone in here." and we go in. Guess who absolutely needed her phone in there?

The day was a comedy of errors. My point is - no matter how many tools you learn, hacks you use....these days are going to happen. It used to throw me into a tailspin. Now? I might get frustrated but I also can find humor in the situation - and most importantly - I don't beat myself up over it.

I hope that you remember that too. Give yourself grace and when possible - find the humor.

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This Week's ADHD Deep Dive - A gentle deep dive into something that shapes our real, beautifully wired lives.

Classic Blog: All About Time Blindness and ADHD

I admit, I struggle with time blindness - big time. It took me a long time to understand that this was a part of my ADHD. I was forever under or over-estimating how long something would take, or how recently (or not) something had occurred. I still do!

Time blindness is one of the most commonly reported ADHD symptoms. It's important to note that it is not an intentional disregard of time, but an actual inability to perceive it acurately.

But what is it really and why do people with ADHD struggle with it so often? Let's chat about it.

Read The Post Here

A walking purple cartoon brain with blue cartoon eyes, purple sneakers, and a yellow lightbulb on top of his brain. — Quick Tips

Tips For Requesting IEP/504s

Know your rights - Try to get at least somewhat familiar with the laws and rules and regulations that cover special education services - this would include the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) for IEPs and the Rehabilityation Act regarding 504s.
Put Everything In Writing - Document everything. In writing. Put all requests in writing. If you have a phone call, send a follow up email outlining what was discussed so that you have a record in writing. Much of the time schools are obligated by certain timelines so long as you put things in writing.
Be As Specific As Possible - when asking for a review, make sure you are as specific as possible about what struggles you are noticing and what things you think might be helpful. You are the expert of your child.
Seek Help - There are professional IEP and parent advocates around if you can access one. If not, you can request to meet with the school provided parent advocate. You can and should talk to other parents of kids with similar diagnosis who have already gone through the process for tips. Your coach or therapist may also be able to assist or offer tips and information. Getting notes and reports from your child's medical providers will help as well. The more people on your child's team the better.
Don't Assume The School Will Tell You Everything You Should Know - Sadly, the school districts often are not as helpful as they could be. Depending on your school district, you may be given all the information, but it may be hidden or difficult to find. They may not offer solutions even if they have them. They may actively resist anything that will cost the district additional money. While you should assume good will, also don't take everything at face value.