Understanding 504 Plans and IEPs: Support for Students with Chronic Illness and Mental Health Conditions
When your child is managing a chronic illness or mental health condition, school can quickly become overwhelming for both them and you. Whether it’s missing classes due to medical appointments, experiencing anxiety in social settings, or struggling to keep up academically because of fatigue or medication side effects, these challenges are real.
The good news? Federal laws exist to protect your child’s right to access public education, even when their health gets in the way.
What Is a 504 Plan?
A 504 Plan comes from Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability. This includes any physical or mental health condition that substantially limits a major life activity which can include learning, concentrating, attending school, or managing mental health conditions.
Common Chronic and Mental Health Conditions That Fall Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973:
• Asthma
• Diabetes
• Epilepsy
• Autoimmune disorders
• Migraines
• Anxiety
• Depression
• ADHD
• OCD
• PTSD
• Long COVID and other Chronic Immune Conditions
A 504 Plan is designed to remove barriers and provide reasonable accommodations that help students succeed in a general education setting.
Common 504 Accommodations:
• Flexible attendance policy for flare-ups or treatment days
• Extra time on tests or assignments
• Permission to rest in the nurse’s office
• Access to school counseling or mental health breaks
• Modified class schedule
• Use of technology (e.g., note-taking apps, audiobooks)
What Is an IEP?
An IEP, or Individualized Education Program, falls under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This law is more specialized than Section 504 and is for students whose disability impacts their educational performance and requires special education services.
To qualify for an IEP, your child must meet one of federally defined disability categories, such as:
• Autism
• Emotional disturbance
• Specific learning disability (e.g., dyslexia)
• Other health impairment (which can include ADHD or chronic illness)
IEP Services Might Include:
• Specialized instruction (e.g., reading support, modified curriculum)
• Behavioral intervention plans
• Therapy services (speech, occupational, or counseling)
• Accommodations plus modifications
• Homebound instruction if the student can’t attend school regularly
How Do These Plans Help Students with Chronic Illness or Mental Health Conditions?
Both 504 Plans and IEPs can be tailored to the unique needs of a child living with a medical or mental health diagnosis. The key difference is that:
• A 504 Plan supports access by removing barriers (without changing the curriculum).
• An IEP provides access and changes how and what a child learns through specialized services.
Navigating Attendance
If your child is missing school due to flare-ups, therapy, medication side effects, or hospitalization, you can request flexible attendance as part of either plan.
In Texas, students may also qualify for Medical Homebound Instruction if they are expected to miss four or more weeks of school (consecutive or intermittent) due to a health condition.
How to Get Started
1. Request a meeting with the school counselor or special education coordinator.
2. Provide documentation from your child’s medical or mental health provider.
3. Collaborate on a plan that supports your child’s educational access and emotional wellbeing.
4. Advocate respectfully but firmly for what your child needs to thrive.
Helpful Resources in Texas
Texas Education Agency (TEA) Special Education
Parent's Guide to the ARD Process (PDF)
Our Team Understands School-Based Support
At Well Mind Body, we bring more than just clinical knowledge, we bring real-world school experience.
• Dr. Elizabeth Miller, our founder and clinical director, is not only a licensed psychotherapist, but also a licensed school counselor in the state of Texas.
• Every clinician on our team has direct experience working in school settings, giving us a deep understanding of how to navigate school systems, advocate effectively, and support students and families in partnership with educators.
As a parent, it’s hard to watch your child struggle, especially when their challenges aren’t always visible. But you are not alone, and you don’t have to navigate this alone. Federal protections exist to ensure your child’s right to an education isn’t taken away by illness or mental health struggles.
At Well Mind Body, we’re here to support families in navigating these systems with compassion and clarity. If you need help navigating the stress that can accompany navigating a chronic health condition, advocating for your child, or finding the right words to use with your school, we’re here for you.
Need help navigating 504 or IEP support? Reach out to schedule a consultation or parent support session with one of our experienced clinicians.
Thank you for being here!
The Well Mind Body Team
