What Every Pediatrician Needs to Know About ADHD and School

When a pediatrician diagnoses ADHD, families often turn to the school for help — but the path to that help runs through two different programs with different rules. This resource explains how ADHD and school services fit together, so you can support a family's request without overstepping into a placement recommendation.

A 504 plan provides classroom accommodations for a student whose disability substantially limits a major life activity such as learning, concentrating, or reading. It's generally easier to obtain and covers modifications like preferential seating, extended testing time, and simplified instructions. Special education is reserved for children who need the most support, where ADHD adversely affects educational performance enough to require specialized instruction, not just accommodations. The sheet walks through the eligibility criteria for each and what to put in a school support letter.

This resource was written by Ruth Hughes, PhD, and Beth A. Kaplanek, RN, for CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and published by the American Academy of Pediatrics as part of Caring for Children With ADHD: A Resource Toolkit for Clinicians, 2nd Edition (© 2012). Because 504 and special-education rules and AAP guidance can change, confirm current requirements with your district and the latest AAP ADHD guidance before advising a family.

DownloAd the Original PDF