My son has a 504 to make accomodations for his behavior and social development. He does not qualify for a IEP because of he has a high IQ and does not suffer academically in school. He can meltdown all day and still make straight A's. The 504 basically gives him things to prevent meltdowns, such as a place to go when he feels overstimulated, a visual schedule, communication about upcoming schedule changes etc.

Anything you can have in a 504 should be availible in am IEP but some schools do not understand this. Many schools may say but your child doesn't need these services our its not disabled etc to push you into 504. 504 may be better for your child but that decision is between you and the school

504 is for children who need extra assistance. Things like griping a pencil correcting a lisp, etc but are generally otherwise NOT "currently" abled. Anyone can get thier child on a 504 plan. IDEA ADA and IEPs are for children with actual disabilities although many schools try to push 504 plans on higher functioning children understand that you are NOT guaranteed the same rights as you would have with an IEP not that schools are reliable in giving us those rights. Check out www.wrightslaw.com for more info

504 plan is very hard to get because it's not base on hard facts of assessment. IEP is a legal document and carries a whole lot of weight. I think kids on IEP get guarantee help. Whereas kids on 504 plans, the teaches seem to think that they are not that low, so they don't seem to pay much attention to it.

I have an IEP for my daughter with PDD NOS, but my son, who originally had an IEP, now has a 504 plan, which as I understand it is more for kids with ADHD, or who need specific services or allowances in the school day because of their diagnosis. There are certain things you cannot have on a 504 that you CAN have on an IEP and visa versa. Check in your area to see what will work best for you and your child.