<p>My son is a sophomore in high school. He has a very significantly delayed puberty (medically documented) that has resulted in some issues at school. He is bullied for his young appearance (high voice, no body hair). Although he does okay academically (3.5 gpa with mostly the advanced class track; 31 ACT based on out of grade testing he did), he struggles with organizational matters and procrastination. Endocrinologist said that we should treat him as a 7th or 8th grader dealing with being a sophomore in high school. S is emotionally happy the majority of the time and has some great friends. He does pretty well (but not a superstar) in athletics despite his growth issues. Although offered by doctor and covered by insurance, we declined hormone therapy because of some of the side effect concerns and because the endo is confident S will be caught up by age 20. The counselor offered a 504. I would love the opportunity to have her review/alter his schedule every term (spreading out difficult courses, placing with "kinder/better" teachers). I am just not sure if we want to put him on a 504. Am I expecting too much of him by not putting him on a 504? Are there any downsides to being on a 504? What are the implications for the college admissions process? My neighbor said I should jump at the chance and the counselor is recommending it. I am not sure why I am hesitant other than that S desparately wants to be "normal" and putting him on a 504 would make him feel sad. I would appreciate any input.</p>
<p>I’m guessing by “504” you mean some type of “special education” assistance. Such information remains in the child’s “file”, but is not on the “transcript”. Colleges only see the transcript. But, if you ever want to assert special treatment due to a “disability”, having it in the file is helpful. Colleges can gain access to the file with the student’s permission.</p>
<p>I had a kid with the equivalent in my state. She had a medical condition that needed extended treatment, so the “504” equivalent in my state gave her the special treatment by the school in order for her to graduate on time.</p>
<p>Here are some things to think about seriously as you consider this decision. There are no guarantees, things can change, etc. You will want the most options possible.</p>
<p>Looking ahead at the transition to college, should your son need even minimal 504 accommodations, most college disability services offices look to see how long they have been in place in high school. What this means is that every year you delay, you risk not being able to get something he might really need or benefit from. This might be especially important if for any number of a myriad of reasons he is considering/must attend a large college, etc. where an accommodation might make the challenges more manageable.</p>
<p>Looking short term, why NOT make his experience of high school less demanding in the areas affected by his condition? </p>
<p>Last, he need not disclose any of this - medical condition, 504 accommodations, etc - during the college application process unless he chooses to (sometimes there’s a benefit to doing so, for example to explain grades or a performance gap between GPA and test scores) There is another CC thread which deals with this issue. Prior to admission you can research colleges and services in this regard and once admitted, then a visit can include a meeting with the disability services office.</p>