ADHD & Education
ADHD School Accommodations in Maryland: IEP & 504 Plans
Maryland Wellness Psychiatry helps families understand IEPs and 504 plans, navigate eligibility in Maryland schools, and obtain the clinical documentation that supports effective accommodations for students with ADHD.
504
plans provide accommodations that remove learning barriers
IEP
provides specialized instruction when accommodations are not enough
Written
request from a parent can start the school evaluation process
Key Capabilities
- •Plain-language explanation of IEPs and 504 plans for ADHD
- •Guidance on requesting a school evaluation in Maryland
- •Evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and document its impact on learning
- •Recommendations for accommodations matched to a student's needs
- •Clinical documentation to support eligibility decisions
- •Coordination with families and ongoing ADHD treatment
Why It Matters
Choose the Right Plan
Knowing whether a 504 plan or an IEP fits your child can save months of confusion. We help families understand the differences and the path to each.
Documentation That Counts
A clear evaluation describing how ADHD affects learning gives schools the information they need to make sound eligibility decisions and craft meaningful accommodations.
Accommodations That Fit
Generic plans rarely help. We recommend specific supports, such as extended time, reduced-distraction testing, or broken-down assignments, tailored to how the student struggles.
Support Beyond the Classroom
School accommodations work best alongside treatment and home routines. We coordinate care so the student is supported across every setting, not just at school.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan for ADHD?
A 504 plan provides accommodations that remove barriers, such as extended test time or seating changes, under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. An IEP, under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, provides specialized instruction and services when a student needs more than accommodations to make educational progress. Eligibility criteria differ, and we can help you understand which fits.
Can ADHD qualify a student for accommodations in Maryland?
Yes. ADHD can qualify a student for a 504 plan and, in some cases, an IEP if it affects learning and educational performance. Maryland public schools follow federal law, and parents can request an evaluation in writing to begin the process for either type of plan.
What accommodations help students with ADHD?
Common accommodations include extended time on tests, a reduced-distraction testing environment, preferential seating, broken-down assignments, written and verbal directions, frequent breaks, and check-ins for organization. The right plan is individualized to the student's needs and how ADHD affects their learning.
How can a psychiatrist help with school accommodations?
A thorough evaluation can confirm the diagnosis and document how ADHD affects learning and functioning, which supports a school's eligibility decision. We can provide clinical documentation and recommendations and coordinate with families as they request and shape a 504 plan or IEP.