When Your ADHD Child's School Won't Give Accommodations

A doctor’s note alone won’t get accommodations for your child with ADHD or a learning disability. Only an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan can do that. If your son already has a plan, request, in writing, a meeting with his special education team at school about amending it. Bring the doctor’s note -- and ask your doctor to attend the meeting, or to be available to answer questions by phone.

Review your son’s IEP or 504 Plan from elementary school, if he had one. If neither was formalized, find your e-mails or letters expressing a need for accommodations, and the school’s agreement to grant them. This could be helpful in getting teachers and administrators to agree to your request for e-mailing class notes home. If they don’t agree, see an attorney about possibly filing a due-process hearing to resolve it.