I had the pleasure of making a guest appearance on The Coffee Klatch Blog Talk Radio show with host/founder Marianne Russo. In this informal chat, we discussed my journey to find the proper diagnosis for Indigo and my special education advocacy that placed him in a private school for children with disabilities.

Check out my interview below, but first a few additional thoughts:

As live interviews go, we had a fixed time slot and our conversation flowed from one subject to the next. There are two topics I spoke about that I would like to clarify: (1) the difference between NLD and other disabilities and (2) my statements regarding Section 504 plans versus individual education plans (IEP).

OVERLAP INDEED

There is a lot of overlap with learning disabilities which can make it is extremely difficult to find the proper diagnosis. Six years ago, when Indigo was diagnosed, there was not a lot of information about NLD. The media created high-visibility for ADHD but Autism Spectrum Disorders did not receive as much recognition. Today, dedicated researchers, activists and parents share their knowledge, expert advice and personal stories online, making it easier for parents to research symptoms and contact the right specialists.

What I have discovered from my personal experience is that Indigo has many symptoms that match other disorders including forgetfulness, the appearance of inattention and inability to recognize faces, but his entire list of issues fits the exact list of symptoms for NLD. In addition, only a neuro-psychologist can diagnose NLD and it took five years of testing by various specialists before my doctor recommended a neuro-psychologist.

SECTION 504 PLAN VS. IEP

In Massachusetts, I have seen multiple cases where schools have given children Section 504 plans in lieu of IEPs, despite evidence that their disabilities affected their learning capability. With an IEP, the child does need a specific diagnosis to receive educational services, but a child does not automatically qualify for an IEP just because he has a Section 504 plan. I will reiterate that this is how it has been presented to me in Massachusetts.

Wrights Law explains it best. A child with a Section 504 plan may receive accommodations and modifications that are not available to children who are not disabled. A child with a Section 504 plan is protected against discrimination but is not protected under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) so he has fewer rights than a child who receives special education services under the IDEA. For example, a meeting does not need to be held to change the child's placement. Likewise, a child may be expelled permanently if the school does not believe his misbehavior was due to his disability. Wrights Law explains these differences in their article Key Differences Between Section 504, the ADA, and the IDEA by Peter Wright and Pamela Wright.

Parents who believe schools are not providing their children with a free appropriate public education (FAPE) should request, in writing, a full educational evaluation. The school must complete the evaluation within sixty days of receiving the signed evaluation permission form from the parent or legal guardian (Wright's Law Special Education Law).

MY INTERVIEW

Listen to my radio interview: Sera Rivers Non-verbal Learning Disabilities. It can also be downloaded to listen on-the-go. 

Check out The Coffee Klatch for resources on special education laws, strategies, personal stories and parental support. They also have a Facebook page and Twitter account. For specific concerns, join their interactive forums where specialists answer questions in real time.

I am proud to be included in this online community. They are a valuable resource and truly care about special education. Thank you again to Marianne Russo and all the staff and contributors that make The Coffee Klatch an award-winning resource.

© Sera Rivers