How Does an IEP differ from a 504?

Here’s a quick explainer of how an IEP is different than a 504 plan.

An IEP is not the same as a 504 plan. An IEP stands for an individualized education plan. A child must qualify for an IEP in order to receive one. That qualification depends on a child’s diagnosis. When compared to a 504 plan, an IEP tends to cover more contributing factors and diagnosis than a 504 plan does.

We often see, when we’re doing our parent sessions at CommuniCamp, parents say, “I tried to qualify for an IEP but I wasn’t able to get one and was given a 504 instead.” This is mostly because some states qualify a child with Selective Mutism (SM) for an IEP while some do not.

In order to receive an IEP, a child must show that their disability is impeding their ability to participate in the school curriculum.

Think about a child with a speech and language disorder. They may need accommodations put in place, such as retelling of directions – to help them complete assignments. They might need tasks broken down into smaller steps.

Children with SM often qualify for an IEP when they have an additional diagnosis to present to the school. Oftentimes, we see a child with SM who also has a combination of sensory processing disorders, learning disorder, speech and language disorders and more. These children usually qualify for an IEP.

When a child does qualify for an IEP, the curriculum needs to be specialized for their specific needs. The child’s school district will carry out testing in an effort to uncover the child’s strengths and weaknesses. The school will take the areas of weakness and create specialized instructions for their teacher to implement.

An IEP usually falls under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). What we typically look for at the SMart Center when talking to families is what we call the “WHYs of SM.” Why does this child have SM?

Get Started at the SMart Center today!

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Additional Back-to-School Resources

Elisa Shipon-Blum DO2024-02-01T12:55:00-05:00August 22nd, 2023|Comments Off

About the Author: Elisa Shipon-Blum DO

Elisa Shipon-Blum DO, is the President and Director of the Selective Mutism Anxiety and Related Disorders Treatment Center (SMart Center) located in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania. She is the Founder and Director Emeritus of the Selective Mutism Association (SMA) and a Director of the Selective Mutism Research Institute (SMRI), a foundation established to study Dr. Shipon-Blum’s theories and treatment methodologies on Selective Mutism. In addition, Dr Shipon-Blum is Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychology & Family Medicine at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is a board certified physician who specializes in Selective Mutism. Dr. Shipon-Blum practices in Jenkintown, PA, and has developed the evidenced-based Social Communication Anxiety Treatment (S-CAT)® from her years studying and researching individuals with Selective Mutism. She consults worldwide with families, treating professionals, and educators, and has helped thousands of children from around the world overcome Selective Mutism. Based on her successful S-CAT® program, Dr. E also created CommuniCamp™, an intensive group treatment program for children with Selective Mutism, social anxiety, and extreme shyness. Dr. Shipon-Blum lectures throughout the country on the topic of Selective Mutism, performs school evaluations and training for treating professionals, educators, and parents, and is considered one of the world’s leading experts in the treatment, research, and understanding of Selective Mutism. She has been a featured expert on national television programs such as 20/20, CNN, Inside Edition, and Good Morning America, as well as other local, national, and international television and radio broadcasts. In addition, she has been featured in TIME Magazine, People Magazine, and has interviewed with newspapers such as the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Boston Globe, San Diego Tribune, Philadelphia Inquirer, and Palm Beach Post. Dr. Shipon-Blum is presently involved in multiple collaborative research projects with top researchers and clinicians. In addition to her research she has written numerous articles and books on Selective Mutism and anxiety including ‘Easing School Jitters for the Selectively Mute Child,’ ‘The Ideal Classroom Setting for the Selectively Mute Child,’ ‘Understanding Katie,’ ‘Supplement Treatment Guide Book to Understanding Katie‘, ‘Selective Mutism Summer Vacation & Back to School Guide‘ and ‘ Selective Mutism and Social Anxiety Disorder in School .’ She has also produced numerous DVDs on the topics of treatment and assessment of Selective Mutism, and the development of school accommodations and interventions for mute children. Dr. Shipon-Blum (or Dr. E as her patients refer to her) prides herself on being ‘down to earth’ and ‘easy to speak to’, and resides with her family in the northeast suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Notably, she is also the mother of a child, Sophie, who suffered from and overcame Selective Mutism and is the inspiration for the work she does each day.