Advocating for Your Child: Navigating Mental Health Support in Schools

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If your child has mental health disabilities, you will likely need to initiate specific steps to ensure their needs are met at school. As a parent, you will become their advocate. Here’s a roadmap to guide you through the process:

1. Identify the Need

  • Watch for signs of struggle such as anxiety, depression, behavioral changes, or missed assignments.
  • Collect documentation: psychological evaluations, medical diagnoses, and letters from therapists or doctors.

2. Request an Evaluation

  • Submit a written request to the school asking for an evaluation under Section 504 or IDEA (for an IEP).
  • Schools are legally required to respond within a specific timeframe (typically 15–30 days, depending on your state).

3. Meet with the School Team

  • Review evaluation results with school staff.
  • Determine eligibility:
    • 504 Plan: Provides accommodations only.
    • IEP (Individualized Education Plan): Offers specially designed instruction and services.

4. Develop the Plan

  • 504 Plan may include:
    • Extended test time
    • Scheduled breaks
    • Safe spaces
    • Modified homework load
  • IEP includes:
    • Measurable goals
    • Related services (e.g., counseling)
    • Accommodations and/or modifications

5. Implement and Monitor

  • Make sure staff understand and follow the plan.
  • Maintain open communication with teachers and counselors.
  • Regularly check in on your child’s progress.
  • Note: A plan is only as effective as the team implementing it. Success requires commitment, training, and collaboration.

6. Re-Evaluate Annually

  • Plans must be reviewed at least once per year, or more often if your child’s needs evolve.
  • You can always request a reassessment or updates.

Following these steps lead us to a point where our son now attends a school where the staff is trained to handle a wide range of situations with skill and care. Since starting there, Grayson has made a complete turnaround in a short time. His progress has been inspiring, and we’re thrilled to be able to celebrate these milestones. Grayson has recently been chosen to mentor a younger student in math a subject where he’s shown remarkable growth. He’s also earned another feather, bringing him closer to reaching his goals.

We are incredibly proud of his perseverance and dedication. Grayson, keep journeying on you’re doing amazing things.

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Beyond Bipolar is not currently staffed with doctors or medical professionals, but what we offer is invaluable: several generations and over 100 years of collective lived experience with Bipolar I and Bipolar II.

 

Our journey equips us with insights, understanding, and compassion that only come from walking this path ourselves. 

Yes, 504 Plans and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are essential, for ensuring students with disabilities succeed in school.

 

However, a strong plan alone isn’t enough. Proper training for teachers and staff is vital.  

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Linda Burby

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50 Years Diagnosed

Welcome to my blog! I’m Linda Burby, a 71-year-old who has worn many hats throughout life—blogger, writer/artist, wife, mother, sibling, grandparent, and great/great-grandparent (and yes, there are many!). My journey has been anything but traditional.

Despite encouragement to follow a college-prep track in high school, I chose a two-year Health Occupations program instead. After working summer jobs and various other positions, I eventually found my calling as a Social Worker. Later in life, I returned to college and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Welfare.

My career began with a focus on the Aging population, but by 2005, I shifted to working in the Mental Health field. In 2010, I became a certified Peer Support Specialist, which allowed me to join an ACT team. These teams provide community-based mental health services aimed at reducing hospitalizations.

What makes my journey unique is how I’ve been able to combine my professional expertise with personal experience, often saying, “I can build from both sides of the desk.” Each hat I’ve worn has shaped who I am and how I connect with others living with bipolar and mental health needs, and I’m excited to share my insights, stories, and reflections with you here.

Janet

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40 Years Diagnosed

Welcome to my blog! I’m Janet, blogger, cancer survivor, animal lover, and wife, who has accumulated an impressive 62 years of insight into living with bipolar I.

I hope that by sharing my experiences with mental health, I can provide a better understanding of the emotions and struggles individuals with bipolar disorder face when they are not fully understood due to their disability. People can be cruel and lacking in empathy, which only adds to the difficulties faced by those with bipolar disorder.

I will dive into the therapeutic power of nature and the ocean. I find solace in these serene environments, my mind can fully immerse in the sensory experiences around me.

I encourage others not to be afraid to seek help! I have found counseling or support groups, connecting with people who truly understand can be an amazing source of comfort and growth. Join me on this journey.

Grayson Adams

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Recently Diagnosed

    Welcome to my blog! I’m Grayson Adams, an 11-year-old student, blogger, and someone who’s learning to navigate life with bipolar I. I was recently diagnosed, and while it can be tough sometimes, I want to share my experiences with people my age—because I know I’m not alone in facing challenges.

At school and at home, things aren’t always easy, but I’m lucky to have services that help me and an amazing family who supports me every step of the way. Here, I’ll talk about all kinds of things—my ups and downs, funny moments, tough days, and everything in between.

My goal is to help others understand what life can be like for someone my age with mental health needs. Whether you’re dealing with something similar or just curious about my story, I hope you’ll join me on this journey. Let’s figure this out together!

Jonathan Adams

Founder/President/Blogger

30 years diagnosed

Welcome to my blog! I’m Jon Adams a multi-talented individual with a diverse career outlook. As a founder, blogger, entrepreneur, and product developer, I have a wealth of experience. However, my journey has not been without challenges. Living with Bipolar I am determined to share my opinions and experiences to help others.

With 51 years of personal insights, I aim to provide valuable information about what has worked for me and what hasn’t. I firmly believe that knowledge is power, and through our platform, Beyond Bipolar, I hope to tackle the ongoing stigma associated with mental illnesses.

Beyond Bipolar is not just about bipolar disorder itself; it’s about exploring the broader aspects of mental health. I invite you to join me on this journey as we unlock our abilities.

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Perri Adams

Founder/Secretary/Blogger

25 Years Living with the Diagnosed

Welcome to my blog! I’m Perri Adams a professional office manager with extensive social media experience. However, my roles extend far beyond professional accomplishments. I am a devoted wife and a loving mother to not just one or two, but an astounding 11 children. 

My life experiences have shaped my unique perspective, spending the past 25 years living with my husband and children who face the challenges of bipolar disorder and anxiety.

With a wealth of knowledge and personal encounters with mental health, I aim to share opinions and experiences to help others navigate the disappointments that often arise within the school system when it comes to children with mental disabilities. 

I will shed light on the struggles faced by individuals with invisible disabilities, which are often misunderstood or overlooked by those who lack proper understanding. Join me on my journey.

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