Can my child have 504 or IEP accommodations for sleep issues?

Can students with sleep disorders receive IEP or 504 accommodations in school? Yes! While a sleep disorder diagnosis does not by itself qualify a child for an IEP, if a child is diagnosed with a sleep-related disorder, such as narcolepsy, sleep apnea, or excessive daytime sleepiness, or if their sleep is affecting them in school, educational accommodations can be added to an IEP or a 504 plan. A child may qualify for an IEP under Other Health Impairment (OHI), which is a broad category that covers conditions that limit a child’s strength, energy, or alertness, such as ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or depression.

Here are some common IEP or 504 accommodations for sleep issues:

• No penalty for tardiness in the morning
• Allowance for scheduled naps during the day in a designated area
• Allowance for the student to stand or move around during class
• Permission to audio record lectures
• A schedule with more academic classes during hours of the day when the student is more awake
• Extra time for tests or quizzes
• No detention or classwork required during P.E.
• Additional extracurricular activities for movement

For more information, see our full article Interventions to Help Children Who Have Trouble Sleeping.