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IEP, 504 & EHCP Guide

15 min read

Formal support plans can ensure your child receives consistent accommodations across all teachers and grades. This guide explains the systems in the US and UK, and how to advocate for RSD-related support.

Quick Guide

United States

504 Plan

Accommodations for students with disabilities

IEP

More comprehensive, includes specialized instruction

United Kingdom

SEN Support

School-based support without formal plan

EHCP

Education, Health and Care Plan for significant needs

United States: 504 Plans

What Is a 504 Plan?

A 504 Plan comes from Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. It requires schools to provide accommodations that remove barriers for students with disabilities, including ADHD and related conditions like RSD.

Eligibility

  • 1
    A physical or mental impairment
  • 2
    That substantially limits one or more major life activities
  • 3
    Including learning, concentrating, thinking, and communicating

ADHD typically qualifies. RSD as part of ADHD or anxiety may qualify. A formal diagnosis helps but isn't always required.

What a 504 Plan Includes

  • Specific accommodations the school must provide
  • Who is responsible for implementing them
  • How they'll be monitored

RSD-Specific 504 Accommodations

Private delivery of all criticism and correction
Written feedback before verbal discussion
Warning before being called on in class
Break passes for emotional regulation
Extended time on tests
Access to school counselor during the day
Flexible deadlines when RSD episodes cause delays
Alternative presentation formats
Assigned groups (avoiding "pick your own")

Your Rights Under 504

  • You can request a 504 evaluation in writing
  • The school must respond in a reasonable timeframe
  • You can participate in the 504 meeting
  • You can dispute decisions through due process
  • The plan must be reviewed regularly (typically annually)

United States: IEPs

What Is an IEP?

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is more comprehensive than a 504. It's provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and includes specialized instruction and measurable goals.

504 Plan

Accommodations only; student stays in general education

IEP

Can include specialized instruction, services, and modifications

Consider an IEP if:

  • RSD is causing significant academic failure
  • Your child needs specialized instruction or services
  • There are co-occurring conditions requiring more support

IEP Components for RSD

Present levels

How RSD currently affects education

Goals

Measurable targets (e.g., "reduce classroom exits by 50%")

Services

Counseling, social skills groups, emotional support

Accommodations

Same as 504, plus any additional supports

United Kingdom: SEN Support

What Is SEN Support?

SEN (Special Educational Needs) Support is the first level of additional help in UK schools. It doesn't require a formal plan and can be implemented by the school directly.

What SEN Support Can Include

Classroom adjustments (seating, feedback delivery)
Additional adult support
Access to school counselor or pastoral team
Modified teaching approaches
Social and emotional learning interventions
Communication strategies between home and school

Working with the SENCO

The Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) is your key contact:

1
Request a meeting to discuss your child's needs
2
Bring evidence: professional reports, specific examples
3
Collaborate on strategies that work at home
4
Review progress regularly

United Kingdom: EHCPs

What Is an EHCP?

An Education, Health and Care Plan is a legal document for children with significant special educational needs. It's the UK equivalent of a comprehensive IEP.

When to Request an EHCP

  • SEN Support isn't providing adequate progress
  • Your child needs more support than the school can provide alone
  • The needs are significant and long-term
  • You believe your child requires specialist provision

Getting an EHCP for RSD

EHCPs for RSD alone can be difficult to obtain. You're more likely to succeed if:

  • RSD is part of an ADHD or autism diagnosis
  • There's documented impact on education (attendance, grades)
  • You have professional evidence (educational psychologist, CAMHS)
  • SEN Support has been tried and documented as insufficient

EHCP Process

1

Request assessment

In writing to the local authority

2

Decision to assess

Within 6 weeks

3

Needs assessment

Gathering evidence and reports

4

Draft plan

LA sends draft for your input

5

Final plan

Within 20 weeks of request

6

Annual review

Ongoing monitoring and updates

How to Request an Assessment

US: 504 or IEP Request

1
Write a formal letter to the school principal or special education coordinator
2
State you are requesting an evaluation for a 504 Plan or IEP
3
Describe the difficulties your child is experiencing
4
Request a response in writing
5
Keep a copy of everything

UK: EHCP Request

1
Write to your local authority's SEN team
2
Explain why you believe your child needs an EHCP
3
Include any professional reports or evidence
4
Describe what support has been tried
5
They must respond within 6 weeks

Building Your Evidence

Strong evidence helps with any formal request:

Professional diagnoses

ADHD, anxiety, or other conditions

Educational psychology assessments

Formal evaluations

Examples of impact

Specific incidents, patterns

Academic records

Grades, attendance data

Teacher observations

What staff have noticed

Home observations

What you see before/after school

Previous interventions

What's been tried and outcomes

RSD Language for Plans

When writing plans, be specific about how RSD affects your child. Use language like:

"Experiences intense emotional responses to perceived criticism or rejection"
"Requires private delivery of corrective feedback"
"Needs processing time before responding to feedback"
"Benefits from advance warning before being called on"
"Requires access to a calm space for emotional regulation"
"Needs consistent, predictable routines and advance notice of changes"

If Your Request Is Denied

US Options

  • Request the denial in writing with reasons
  • Ask for reconsideration with additional evidence
  • File a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights (504)
  • Request mediation or due process hearing (IEP)
  • Consider an educational advocate or attorney

UK Options

  • Request reasons for refusal in writing
  • Appeal to the SEND Tribunal within 2 months
  • Contact IPSEA or other advocacy organisations
  • Request mediation

Remember

Formal plans aren't always necessary. Many RSD accommodations can be implemented informally with understanding teachers. However, formal plans provide consistency, accountability, and protection - especially through transitions between grades, teachers, or schools.