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.

These milestones most often are developmental markers that will put your student on par with his or her peers. The primary basis of any special education program involves helping students become more independent so they can sit in a classroom and learn and participate like their classmates. To meet these markers, however, services that range from speech therapy to cognitive and occupational therapy may be required first.

Teachers and therapists are trained to recognize signs of learning disabilities and behavioral challenges. However, they often rely on direct input from parents before finalizing any special programs or plans to get the student back on track. Your input is needed because you know firsthand what your pupil is capable of learning at any given time. You also know what triggers could set off a tantrum or cause him or her to stop communicating.

Thanks to your input, the teachers and therapists in charge of the child's learning could formulate a plan of action that will help him or her meet reasonable academic markers during the school year. You are required by law to sign off on the plan before it can be implemented fully. As such, you can expect to receive invitations to attend these meetings where you can communicate directly with those in charge of your pupil's learning.

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.

The services for your son or daughter come at no cost you unless your child receives medical coverage from the state. In this instance, the cost would be submitted to your insurance plan. However, you will not receive a bill or be expected to pay for it. Parents without subsidized or private insurance likewise are not billed for these services because they are required by law to be available to special needs students.

Children and young adults under the age of 21 are eligible for them depending on the severity of their challenges. People who are severely impaired often receive them until they turn 21. Other students are provided these plans until they turn 18 or graduate high school. The teachers and counselors in charge can tell you more.

IEPs help students with ADHD and other challenges. Parents are asked to be a part of the planning process so realistic goals can be set. This level of care is allowed for under federal law and available to students in public schools.




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