Should I add period support to my child's IEP?

Whether to add anything to your child's IEP to support them during their period will depend on what kind of assistance they might need. For example, if your child needs assistance in the bathroom or reminders, or if they need to keep additional supplies/clothes in a certain place, you could write that support into the IEP. If your child has OT services, you could ask for their recommendations. If your child has an aide, you could communicate with the aide to let them know when your child's period would be starting, and they could provide verbal prompting to change pads when using the restroom at school.

One Undivided parent says, "We created a program with our clinic-based OT to teach our child period management and hygiene. We made her a period kit in a cute toiletry bag with accompanying visual supports in the bag and kept in her backpack. This has worked incredibly well."

For more information about helping youth with periods, see our full article about puberty.