86. How to Advocate Confidently for Your Child at School: IEPs, 504 Plans, and Accommodations

How do you know when your child needs more support at school… and what do you do next?If your child is struggling with ADHD, emotional dysregulation, anxiety, executive functioning challenges, school refusal, shutdowns, overwhelm, or after-school meltdowns, navigating IEPs and 504 plans can feel confusing and intimidating.In this episode of the Calm Connection Parenting Podcast, I’m joined by Elyse Scheeler, a licensed speech-language pathologist who has served on IEP teams for over 12 years. Together, we discuss what parents need to know about school support, how emotionally intense and neurodivergent kids are often misunderstood, and how to advocate for your child with more clarity and confidence. In this episode, we discuss:• The difference between an IEP and a 504 plan • Signs your child may need additional support at school • What to do when the school says your child is “doing fine” but you know they’re struggling • What schools may unintentionally overlook in ADHD and emotionally dysregulated kids • What parents should begin documenting before meetings • How to advocate without feeling like “that parent”Quick Win: Start tracking patterns instead of just behaviors. Notice when your child seems most overwhelmed, emotional, resistant, or exhausted around school. Curiosity often gives us better answers than correction.Encouragement for Parents: You are not overreacting by asking questions. Advocacy begins with understanding. CalmConnectionParent.com/retreat/2026Send a text and share your thoughts! Take Your Next Step:  Emotional Forecast QuizVisit CalmConnectionParenting.org to become an insider and receive weekly news. Find information about the coaching program (and scholarships), free parenting resources, and how we can connect.*Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified professional for individual support. Happy and Joyful Children by Free Music • Happy Children Background Music / Joyful U... Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://www.audiolibrary.com.co/free-... Music promoted by Audio Library • Happy and Joyful Children – Free Music (No... ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Just Believe