When is 504/IEP necessary?

[NativeLI]

My son is in 3rd grade, diagnosed adhd/ts, and currently on Concerta. (med du jour, lately!) Hopefully the concerta keeps working well!

Anyway, he does not have any current learning disabilities, he seems to be doing ok academically. He has typical issues, rushing through work, messy writing, but nothing that I have thought is due solely to adhd. The teacher has assured me that his work is no different than all the other boys.
His tic's also are pretty much under control and not causing any social problems.

We were going to do a 504 last year, prior to meds, but since his behavior has improved so dramatically we didn't feel it was needed.

However, after a conversation with a parent whose child is struggling academically with adhd, I am wondering if I do need to pursue something with the school. My gut tells me no, that since his grades are fine, his school behavior is fine, that there is nothing to document. But this other mother was so adament that my son should always get to sit in the front of the room, get extra time, etc. since he has this disability. She also said it keeps the teacher on top of my son in case something arises.

Does anyone else have something documented "just in case"?

I'd love your opinions so that I don't feel like I am doing my son a dis-service by not following through on something I should be!

Thanks!

[mattandchris]

My son is quite a bit older than yours-13 and in 8th grade. He was not diagnosed ADHD until last year. I don't know if this varies from state to state but after getting some great advice from Mayleng I tried to push for a 504 on my son "just in case" however I was told that in our district they did not do 504s "just in case" He is doing OK this year, although he should be doing much better because he is a smart kid. I am lucky enough to know several of his teachers and they have been pretty good at keeping the lines of communication open. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

[TerryB]

This is an excellent question. You might want to post on wrightslaw.com. I is all about Special Ed and 504 advocacy. I think that the question is actually two:
Who can qualify? What do you get?

One thing that I do know is that the IEP will get your child Transitional Services when he moves on to College, Trade school or a job after high school. I'm not sure how great it is but the idea is to help with achieving career goals.

[Mayleng]

OK, the answer to that question is if the ADHD does not significantly impact the academic performance, then it is unlikely he/she will qualify for an IEP or a 504. I would still keep open communications with the teachers and any new teachers he has so that they know to inform you if and when he has any trouble.